The two churches that stand before you are a testament to the denominational diversity and religious fervor of the people of Potton Township at the turn of the 19th century.
The Methodists, a Protestant sect that became the United Church of Canada in 1925, built this modest white wooden church in 1894. It replaced a church that had been built in 1879 and which was destroyed by fire. For several years, it welcomed the faithful for regular and celebratory services. Sold in 2010, the church is now a private property.
The neighboring building is an Anglican church built in 1904. Adorned with beautiful red bricks, this Gothic-inspired church has lancet windows decorated with beautiful stained glass depicting, among others, Christ and the apostle Paul. Some of the windows bear the names of influential donor families of the time, such as the Borights and the Perkins.
Unusually, many symbols associated with Freemasonry are painted, such as the anchor, representing hope and eternal life, and the Star of David, symbolizing divine protection. These markings are probably due to David Mason, grandson of Mansonville's founder, an influential Freemason and generous donor who financed the purchase of the main stained-glass window in the building front and is reputed to have overseen the Church construction.
At the north end of the village, at the intersection of West Hill Road, you can see the Evangelical Baptist Church, built in 1893. It replaced a church that the Baptists had built in 1847, which they ceded to the Anglicans. To its credit, this faith group is still active more than a century after its opening. It is the last in Mansonville to hold regular worship services.
The religious diversity in Potton is not limited to the Protestant and Catholic denominations. At the southern extremity of the township, along a winding road, lies a discreet Russian Orthodox monastery. Completed in 1979, the Holy Transfiguration Monastery has a typical northern Russian architecture with its bulbous dome and wooden construction. Although still active, the monastery is less and less frequented by the faithful.
A few steps away from the main building, a cemetery stretches under the trees, covered with about fifty humble and distinctive Orthodox crosses. Under one of them lies Metropolitan Vitaly Ustinov, the bishop who, enchanted by the charms of Potton, bought the property in 1959.
Before leaving the village, admire the elegant residence across the street, the Reilly House. This large cottage was built in 1844 and was inhabited by the Boright family who played an important role in the history of the township. The square turret was added to the building to house a library. When its last owner, Beatrice Reilly, daughter of Henry Boright, died in 1980, the house was purchased by a group of citizens who transformed it into a community space.