Canada's Oldest Spiritual Church, Since 1903

A Century of Spirit in Hamilton

—— ✦ ——

East Hamilton Spiritual Church (EHSC) isn't just a building; it's a landmark of spiritual freedom. Founded in 1903 and officially incorporated in 1918, we are proud to be Canada's oldest independent Spiritual Church. For over a century, we have been a sanctuary for those who believe that the soul's journey doesn't end at the grave.

We moved to our current home at 83 Ottawa Street North in 1974. Our cozy sanctuary sits in the heart of the historic Ottawa Street district, continuing a legacy of providing a "Spiritual Haven" for seekers from across the globe.

 

The White Rose, Our Spiritual Symbol

—— ✦ ——

When you enter our church, you will see the White Rose. In our tradition, the white rose represents the purity of the soul and the unfolding of spiritual truth. Just as a rose opens one petal at a time, our spiritual path is a journey of gradual awakening. It reminds us that life, like the rose, is beautiful, resilient and always growing toward the light.

Many people are surprised we chose the White Rose, as the best-known symbol of Spiritualism is the Sunflower. As an independent Spiritual church, we wanted something more personal and unique. Our front door stained glass window was created for our 100th Anniversary by Siobhan Lynch, and we thank everyone who donated to this beautiful piece of history.

 

Faith Expressed Through Action

—— ✦ ——

We believe that true spirituality is found in how we treat our neighbours. "No matter where you are in life, there is always someone who has less, so please remember to take the time to care for others." (Rev. Kathleen Barnard)

Hamilton Food Share. A portion of the money raised at our special events is donated to Hamilton Food Share. Each dollar donated creates five dollars of buying power for fresh fruit, milk and other much-needed food. Visit hamiltonfoodshare.org to learn more.

541 Eatery & Exchange. We are proud to be part of the 541 button programme, which helps anyone enjoy a hot meal. Buttons can be bought for $1 each from the button jar in our Friendship Room, and all money goes back to 541. Visit fivefortyone.ca to learn more.

Spread the Warmth Winter Wear Drive. From November to March, we collect winter wear for local shelters. Donations can go in our collection basket or be dropped off at the church. For a local pickup, email easthamiltonspiritualchurch@gmail.com.

 

Trust and Transparency

—— ✦ ——

Registered Charity: we are in good standing with the CRA (Registration: 11889 1027 RR0001).

Legal Authority: we have the authority to ordain our own ministers and are recognised by the Province of Ontario to solemnize marriages under the Marriage Act.

Safe Space: we maintain a safe, inclusive atmosphere for all visitors.

 

What People Say About EHSC

—— ✦ ——

"This is what a Church, or place of worship SHOULD FEEL LIKE. You can feel the positive energy as soon as you walk in!" Connor Ian Miller

"A little church with a huge heart!! I have made many new friends because the people are so caring, loving, giving and honest! I love my church!" Kelly Chimirri

"Like being welcomed home. A little church with a community heart. Lovely services and great workshops." Ruth Nabb

"This spiritual church and sacred space is a very comfortable, welcoming, and peaceful environment. There is always something to learn, some way to grow, and something to heal." Lenka V.

 

Our Church History

—— ✦ ——

East Hamilton Spiritual Church is an independent Spiritual church, with a growing congregation of all ages. (Church history, as documented in our church archives/records and government documents.)

October 20, 1903 - The founding members of East Hamilton Spiritual Church incorporated the church under its original name - First Spiritual Society of Hamilton, although the church was in existence many years before this original incorporation, gathering for services in the homes of its members.

1905 - 1918 - First Spiritual Society of Hamilton acquired the use of 126 James St. N. to hold their church services, relocating to 1032 Barton St. E. in 1919. (See 1919 - 1921 below)

September 24, 1918 - A Charter was granted to change the name from First Spiritual Society of Hamilton to East Hamilton Spiritual Church, affectionately known as (EHSC).

September 25, 1918 - Letters Patent (incorporation) as EHSC is signed by EHSC Board members: Herbert Pickles (EHSC's first President), Benjamin Hunt, Thomas Gretton, Peter Hockley, Richard Crowther, Emma Slack, Harriet Gretton, and Mary Hunt.

1919 - 1921 - In the early days, distance and travelling time from the Eastern part of the city to central Hamilton was not as convenient as today. To resolve this issue, East Hamilton Spiritual Church relocated their gatherings to 1032 Barton St. E. During this time, the church, through the support and devotion of its congregation, raised the monies needed to purchase land around the corner on Balmoral St. N. and proceeded to build their own church.

March 11, 1919 - To fulfill our commitment to establish a permanent home for EHSC, two lots of what was then known as the Maple Leaf Park Survey were purchased from Mrs. Sarah W. I. Diamond (Lot 12, frontage 32'; part of lot 13, frontage 14', making a total of 46' on the West side of Balmoral Avenue. County of Wentworth, Second Concession of Barton, City of Hamilton. Price $1,242).

March 15, 1921 - A mortgage from Thomas N. Stables of $2,000 was taken out to add a subdivision of Lot 5 of the Maple Leaf Park Survey.

1921 - a new purpose built church was opened at 299/301 Balmoral Avenue N., just south of Barton Street, in the eastern end of the city, a few blocks from the present church location.

August 15, 1927 - After almost four years of separation, an agreement was signed between EHSC and the Church of Spiritualism bringing the two churches back together once more as East Hamilton Spiritual Church.

May 1, 1973 - EHSC was designated as a charitable organization, whose status remains in good standing.

October 12, 1973 - the Lots for the current Ottawa Street location (lot 371) were purchased (price $32,500) with adjustments made on October 19, 1973 for 5' of the (south) neighboring lot (lot 370).

May 2, 1974 - As new land owners, supplement to the Letters Patent of September 25, 1918, was signed which states: "PROVIDE that, upon dissolution of the Corporation and after the payment of all debts and liabilities, its remaining property shall be distributed or disposed of to one or more recognized charitable organizations in Canada".

June 3, 1974 - The sale of the Balmoral Avenue location, to the city of Hamilton for purposes of a municipal parking lot was finalized. The church then relocated to its present location at 83 Ottawa Street North.

September 25, 2011 - EHSC became an independent Spiritual Church.

May 8, 2016, Mother's Day - EHSC ordained its first Minister, Reverend Kathleen Barnard. Rev. Barnard is the first official ordained Minister of East Hamilton Spiritual Church.

November 19, 2017 - EHSC appointed it's first Honorary Minister, Reverend Susan Dinsmore, followed by an official church celebration on December 17, 2017.

November 21, 2017 - EHSC was recognized by the Office of the Registrar General as a religious body for the purpose of solemnizing marriages in Ontario under the provisions of the Marriage Act.

September 23, 2018 - EHSC held two celebratory Sunday services in honor of their 100th Anniversary under the incorporated name of East Hamilton Spiritual Church (Anniversary date - September 25, 2018).

October 10, 2019 - EHSC ordained Reverend Denise Ryan.

December 12, 2021 - EHSC bestowed unto Gisele Marshall, the status of Lifetime Member.

September 25, 2022 - EHSC celebrated their 104th Anniversary with a Dedication of the land and its properties to the Religion, Philosophy and Science of Spiritualism.

May 26, 2024 - EHSC ordained Reverend David Jewell.

October 24, 2025 - EHSC ordained Reverend Kerry McLeod and Reverend Philip Dykes.

February 22, 2026 - EHSC celebrated our oldest church/life member Len Spicer, acknowledging his over 50 years of service and devotion to Spiritualism and East Hamilton Spiritual Church.