From History of Perth County 1825-1902
by William Johnston, published in 1903

In 1838 a grant of land was made by the Canada Co. to the Presbyterian Church.   Old St. Andrew's, in Stratford, was the first Presbyterian congregation in this county.   A new building was erected of logs in 1840, the corner stone being laid on July 16th by Mr. Alexander McDonald.   On November 21st, 1839, the Rev. Daniel Allan became Perth's first Presbyterian minister.   With him were, as elders, John Stewart, Robert Fraser, George Hyde, John Gibb, and Mathew Nelson.   Mr. Allan also preached in Woodstock, this place and Stratford being united at this time under one minister, who rode through the bush on horseback between these points, there being no roads.   In 1842 came the disruption in Scotland, which was soon followed by Canada.   Meantime, Mr: Allan had established St. Andrew's church in North Easthope.   During 1844 he withdrew from both, and organized a new congregation on those principles so effectively taught by the Edinburgh divine and the stone mason of Cromarty.   The old time-honored institution, which had done so much for Scotland, was deprived of a portion of her glory. That "Old Kirk," whose hoary and time-worn edifices had rendered sacred many a quiet nook in lonely glens and valleys far remote, now bereft of her former glory, was still undismayed in her native land.   In Canada she was ruined.   In 1848 Mr. Bell was inducted in Stratford and North Easthope St. Andrew's churches.   In 1857 a separation took place.   Mr. Miller succeeded Mr. Bell. In 1863 Rev. Dr. George came, remaining till 1870.   Rev. Mr. Wilkins succeeded Dr. George, and he by Rev. E. W. Waits.   During 1883 Rev. E. W. Panton was inducted, under whose ministrations great progress has been made.   Total membership at that period was 155, now increased to 350.   In 1868 the present building was erected, although latterly great improvements have been effected, adding much to the comfort and convenience of the congregation.

Knox Church, Stratford was founded by the Rev. Thomas Mcpherson, in 1849.   This minister was of splendid physique, douse and energetic.   He was selected by the Free Church Society in Scotland to plant those reforms in Evangelical discipline so recently introduced in that country.   Service was first held in the schoolhouse, until a church was erected in 1850 Knox congregation increased rapidly, and in 1869 greater accommodation had to be obtained.   In 1870, therefore, the foundation of the present building was laid by Mr. Henry Gibson.   This is the most imposing church edifice in Stratford, and presents an outline of singular grace and beauty.   Its seating capacity is about 1,500.   In 1878 Mr. McPherson retired, being succeeded by Mr. McLeod, now of London, England.   During 1881 Mr. Wright was inducted, who was followed by Rev. Lauchlin M. Leitch, in June, 1891.   Over 1,100 members are now under Mr. Leitch's ministrations, 900 of whom have become communicants since his inception.   A session composed of George Hunter, John McIntyre, James Callin, Wm. Jeffrey, George Malcolm, Henry Duncan, James Barton, Samuel Rankin, J. A. Bothwell, J. J. Forbes, William Donaldson, F. Buckingham, W. H. Fletcher and William Ireland assist in church work.   Another officer who appears to be part of the institution itself is Mr. Ralph Donaldson (son of an old precentor), who is caretaker, treasurer, and secretary of the Sabbath school.