The former Oakdale Pastoral Charge was comprised of three churches: Edy’s Mills, Oakdale and Shetland, now amalgamated to form Faith Trinity United Church, at the former Shetland church building, where we continue to celebrate God’s grace and presence in our lives every Sunday in worship together at 10:00 a.m. We are grateful for God’s blessing that we are together as one faith community serving our Lord God, our community, and each other. We are especially grateful for the many talents of our people – from Stewardship to Trustees, from Administration to Prayer Warriors, Sunday School, UCW, musicians – and all those others that donate their precious time and without whom we could not continue on our journey – each play a special and unique role.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
About Our Church Building
Our current church building was built in 1853 and was called the Shetland Methodist Church until the forming of the United Church of Canada in 1925, when the name was changed to Shetland United Church. It is now called Faith Trinity United Church following our amalgamation in 2013. Faith Trinity Church has a beautiful sanctuary including a life size mural at the front of the church and eight stained glass windows along the side walls. In 1916, Polish artist Mr. Malczyk of Windsor painted this mural depicting Jesus Blessing the Little Children, which he copied from a Sunday School paper. The mural was restored in 1955 and remains today. Each of the eight stained glass windows on the side walls of the church was donated in memory of former members of the church.
About Our Amalgamation
After many years of hard work, we began a new chapter of our journey and celebrated the coming together of our three churches with an Inaugural Celebration Service on September 15, 2013 at the former Shetland United Church. Shortly prior to this, the church buildings of Oakdale United Church and Edy’s Mills United Church were sold and Reflection and Thanksgiving Services were held at each church. We are so blessed to experience the successful amalgamation of our faith congregation into one church building, and the continued strengthening of our faith community.
About Our Name
Our name, Faith Trinity United Church, was chosen from a list of names submitted by members of our congregation. The name Faith Trinity was chosen because we are a faith filled congregation who took a leap of faith to join together rather than close our churches, we are three churches becoming one, and the Trinity in which our faith is grounded. We walk by faith in the spirit of the Holy Trinity, one body and one faith community of everyday people exploring, experiencing, expressing and sharing God’s love.
Our History
Each of our churches Edy’s Mills, Oakdale and Shetland has their roots as a Methodist Congregation prior to the forming of the United Church of Canada in 1925. From 1925 to 1961, the three churches were a part of several different and separate pastoral charges. In 1961, Oakdale Pastoral Charge was created as a three- point charge including Edy’s Mills, Oakdale and Shetland United churches. In 2013, Oakdale Pastoral Charge became Faith Trinity (Shetland) Pastoral Charge as the three churches amalgamated into one.
We Appreciate Your Generosity
One of the ways in which we offer thanks to God is through our financial giving. Whether you give on a Sunday or from the convenience of home, there are several ways to give at Faith Trinity United Church.
