The Churchville War Memorial
The Churchville War Memorial
At the close of the Great War, and again after the Second World War, the members of Churchville United Church erected bronze war plaques, honouring those community members who served. These two plaques hung in the two buildings until the church was closed and the congregation moved to Huttonville. At that point, around 1972, they were affixed to the rear of the new memorial cairn.
When looking for a special project to take on to honour the cemetery's 200th anniversary in 2022, the trustees of the Cemetery Board conceived of the idea of using the information from these plaques to establish a new War Memorial on the grounds of the cemetery. By organizing a number of local fundraisers, creating a GoFundMe account and partnering with the Bramalea (Branch 609), Streetsville (Branch 139) and Brampton (Branch 15) Legions, the Board was able to raise $20,000 to build and install an impressive new monument to our village's past.
The situation of the War Memorial plaques, since the church was decommissioned in 1971.
Detail of the first plaque, dedicated to the Great War.
Detail of the plaque dedicated to the Second World War.
The Memorial was dedicated on May 27th, 2023 in a wonderful ceremony involving all three Legions, the Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin & Halton Regiment) and 577 Lorne Scots Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (Brampton). It was a beautiful day, and many past & present members of the Churchville community, plus local dignitaries and volunteers, were there. Cemetery Board President Peter Hutton welcomed everyone and Padre Joe Murphy, CD, conducted the dedication and blessing. Parade Commander Hank Verschuren, CD, organized the troops and Pipe Major Jeremy Federico led them in. Local trumpeter Dave Harmsworth played the Last Post and Rouse for the ceremony. It was an important day in the history of the village and a wonderful way to mark the 200th anniversary of our cemetery.
Legion Colour Guards leading in the parade.
A great crowd turned out to enjoy the sunny weather.
Troops guarding the memorial before the dedication.
Board President Peter Hutton bringing greetings from the Trustees.
Trustee and Board Historian Dan Rollings, Master of Ceremonies.
Padre Joe Murphy, CD, dedicating and blessing the new memorial.
The Churchville War Memorial on the day that it was installed.
Profiles of the Soldiers Whose Names Appear on the Memorial
THE GREAT WAR
HONOUR ROLL
THESE PAID THE SUPREME SACRIFICE
Lcpl. L. L. Wyles