Memorial Church is located in the historical picturesque village of Port Ryerse on the northern shore of Lake Erie, approximately 10 minutes south of the town of Simcoe and 10 minutes west of the town of Port Dover, close to both town amenities. The village was one of the first settlements in the area and the Memorial Church grounds contain a Loyalist cemetery with burials as early as 1798. The cemetery was closed for burials in 1917. The church building was built in 1870 in memory of the early pioneers and Col. Samuel Ryerse who is buried there. The church building, cemetery, and grounds are situated on one corner lot at 31 King Street, Port Ryerse. 

Memorial Church is an active church with weekly worship. Our space is flexible and hosts community functions. We invite you to see our space!

It is the only church in Port Ryerse and holds approximately 75 people seated. In 1980, the congregation together with financial and physical support from the community, raised the church and added a basement. This is our parish hall and has a capacity of 65 persons, with kitchen and washroom facilities. In 2012 the building was renovated with a new bell tower. We have made our building fully accessible with wheelchair accessible washrooms and a lift. The Bell Tower and Accessibility Project cost over $200,000 raised through available church funds, grants, and local support. In 2014, the exterior was repainted and the windows repaired. 

The interior of the church sanctuary is historical with original woodwork, high ceiling, and excellent acoustics. We removed the pews and chose 30 comfortable chairs in a circular seating arrangement, allowing worship to be in the round. This  allows for a more functional space. The chairs can be arranged in the more traditional rows for larger functions or removed for the addition of tables for conferences, art shows, musical presentations etc. There is great potential for use as a retreat center or spiritual workshop. Presently the building has regular weekly rentals for QiGong,  and singing groups. The weekly community coffee break brings the community together on Mondays. Memorial Anglican supports outreach programs both local and abroad.

Join us for Sunday morning services at 9:30 am (Alternating between Eucharist and Morning Prayer) We have a wonderful organist who leads us in music for every service.  We hope that there will once again be a choir and Sunday School. Being part of the Parish of Long Point Bay means share the parish priest with St. John's, Port Rowan, and St. John's, Woodhouse. 

Each point in the Long Point Parish is unique. Memorial Church in Port Ryerse is no exception.   Our circular seating arrangement and inclusive services have given many the feeling of welcome and the ability to express themselves. Our prayer is to attract growth and address the many needs of a busy population. Come and be part of our future!

A popular annual event is our Silent Auction held in the parish hall each spring, creating friendly competitive bidding for donated items. Our biggest turnout of supporters occurs each August when over 200 come out on a summer evening in the church yard to enjoy a corn roast and BBQ burgers with desserts. This has been an event for the last 30 years. In Port Ryerse, any event that attracts the public is usually organized by Memorial Church.

We give thanks to God when Memorial Church has been financially viable each year and been able to overcome unexpected expenses with appreciated support from the congregation and community. It is our belief for the future of our little church, the congregation and community must work together to keep the church viable and a community space. 
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“We are a Christian presence which reaches out and provides a sense of community, including spiritual, emotional and physical support to our parishioners and all residents of the surrounding area, in a flexible, compassionate and participatory manner.”