Last Sunday, Theresa and I had the pleasure of worshiping at Knox Church with some dear friends who have been active members there for many years. Their longstanding involvement gave us an opportunity not only to attend a Sunday service but also to experience the church through the eyes of people who genuinely love their congregation.
We came away encouraged by what we found. As an Anglican priest, I enjoy visiting churches from various Christian traditions, especially those that remain firmly rooted in Scripture, historic Christian worship, and the enduring truths of the Reformation. Knox Church reflected all of those qualities in a warm, welcoming, and Christ-centered setting.of people who genuinely love their congregation.
The church takes its name from John Knox, the great 16th-century Scottish reformer whose preaching helped shape Presbyterian Christianity. Knox stood firmly on the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ, and it was encouraging to worship in a congregation that continues to value that heritage today. The influence of the Reformation’s emphasis on God’s Word was evident throughout the service.
One of the first things that struck me was the church’s commitment to traditional worship. We attended a service that featured familiar hymns sung by the congregation, accompanied by beautiful organ music. There is something timeless about hearing a congregation raise its voice together in hymns that have nourished believers for generations. The organ added dignity and reverence to the service, reminding me of the rich musical heritage shared by many Protestant traditions.
I particularly appreciated that the sermon was drawn from the Old Testament. In many churches today, Old Testament preaching can sometimes receive less attention, yet these inspired Scriptures point us continually toward God’s covenant faithfulness and ultimately to Christ Himself. The message was thoughtful, biblical, and carefully rooted in the text, helping worshipers see God’s unfolding plan throughout Scripture. Knox offers two Sunday worship services, providing opportunities for people with different schedules and preferences to gather for worship and biblical teaching.
Another aspect of our visit left a lasting impression on me. After the service, while spending time in the lobby, I noticed an area featuring missionaries supported by the church. There appeared to be a dozen or more individuals, families, and ministries displayed, representing gospel work in various parts of the world. I found myself stopping to read through several of the displays. It was encouraging to see tangible evidence that Knox Church is not focused solely on its own congregation but is actively engaged in supporting worldwide missions and the spread of the Gospel. In a time when many churches can become inward-focused, this visible commitment to Christ’s command to “go into all the world” was refreshing and inspiring.
The congregation appeared to include people from several generations, and there was a genuine sense of community and fellowship among those attending. Worship was not presented as a performance but as the gathered people of God offering praise, prayer, and attentive listening to His Word. We were greeted warmly and made to feel welcome as visitors.
As Theresa and I drove home, we reflected on how refreshing it was to encounter a church that combines biblical preaching, historic Christian worship, congregational hymn singing, a strong Reformation heritage, and a sincere commitment to global missions. In an age that often prizes novelty, Knox reminded us of the enduring value of the old paths—the Scriptures faithfully preached, Christ faithfully proclaimed, and God’s people gathered together in worship while maintaining a vision for reaching the world with the Gospel. We were grateful for our visit and left encouraged in our faith.
