St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Olds celebrated its 125th anniversary on Sunday, June 24. Several members of the congregation got together and compiled the following history of the church.
The first Presbyterian Church service was held in Olds on June 22, 1893, and the congregation was organized at the same time.
In an old minute book, we have the record of a meeting held by four men: Mr. Smith, who acted as chairman, Mr. MacAskie, Mr. Ewing and our first minister, Rev. Peter Naismith.
A secretary-treasurer was appointed and the other two members agreed to visit the small community to find out what support might be expected toward the work of the church.
Services were held at Willowbank, Hainstock, Bowden and Olds. Rev. Hector McKinnon followed Mr. Naismith and stayed with the congregation for two years.
A new church was erected in 1900 at 5038-49 St. and served the congregation until it was destroyed by fire in August 1956. Only the church records, the organ, a few church pews and a few other items were saved.
During the building of the new church, services were held in the Anglican Church. The present building, in the same location on 49th Street, was dedicated in 1957 with the first service being held on Nov. 3.
In 1937, Olds and Innisfail became one charge and in 1949 Olds and Carstairs became one charge. With the retirement of Rev. Dick Ritchie in 1985, Olds again became independent. From 1991 to 2003, Olds joined with Innisfail to become a two-point charge. Currently, Olds is independent with Rev. Doug Maxwell leading our congregation.
The first Ladies Aid group was formed as early as 1900.
Very early on, they decided that a church organ was a necessity, so they raised the $1,290 and bought the first organ in 1920. That organ was replaced in the 1950s and remained until 1985. That organ remains to this day. The current church organist, Linda Brandson, has been supplying music to St. Andrew’s for 57 years.
In 1915, a Women’s Missionary Society group was formed with Mrs. Peter Jaffrey as president. Many of the ladies belonged to both groups.
After the 1956 fire, a new ladies' group called the evening auxiliary was formed. They carried on a variety of fundraising activities to help furnish the new building. The ladies' group continues to meet to this day.
During Rev. Gillanders’ ministry, (1951-1955) a new church manse was built and he and his family were the first occupants of the home. The original manse was replaced by a newer one located on Mount View Close. It was sold in 2003.
