In early 1957, a mission church was formed from the mother church of St. James, Port Colborne under the guidance of Rev. G. N. Standish and Archdeacon J. H. Ferris. In early 1959 church services were being held in Oakwood School and Sunday School as well. Approximately 100 people attending services.

Rev. John Patterson, a former blacksmith, made the wrought iron candlesticks, the Bible holder and the baptismal font. He worked from the beginning with parishioners and took his place as first rector of St. Brendan the Navigator Church in 1962. The northwest end of Port Colborne look very promising as to growth at that time, but proved not to be. With young people moving to where the work was, this became a problem as in many small towns, and attendance dwindled. In the mid-eighties, the parish roll was 392. However, on June 15th, 2006, the parish was officially disestablished by Bishop Ralph Spence.

We were very fortunate to have had very good clergy over the years and a close, caring congregational relationship for which we are very grateful today. We have come full circle. St. James and St. Brendan became a joint parish once again on June 18th, 2006.

History of St. Brendan the Navigator
 

January 1957: Church School started by Archdeacon J.H. Ferris in Oakwood School.

January 1959: Church Services started in Oakwood School with Canon G. N. Standish.

April 1962: Rev. John Patterson was appointed rector and continued weekly services in Oakwood School.

April 21, 1963: Sod turning service with Archdeacon J. H. Ferris and Canon G. N. Standish.

May 1964: First Service held in new church hall.

June 1964: Laying of Cornerstone with Canon G. N. Standish and Archdeacon Hill.

August 1964: Canon Bourke from St. Brendan the Navigator, Birr, Ireland presents St. Brendan Port Colborne with a stone removed from the ancient tower of St. Brendan, Ireland.

October 4, 1964: Dedication of Parish Hall with Right Rev. Walter R. Bagnall D.D., D.C. L., Lord Bishop of Niagara.

February 1965: The Rev. John E. Course was appointed rector.

September 1971: The Rev. Michael McKinley M.A. was appointed rector.

October 1973: Canon Peter H. Ford was appointed rector.

July 1978: The Rev. Graham A. Thorpe was appointed rector.

October 21, 1984: The existing Parish Hall was dedicated as our church by the Rt. Rev. John C. Bothwell, Bishop of Niagara.

Other clergy in recent years included the Rev. Mark Tiller, Rev. Sandy Copeland and Rev. Michael Halchuk. During the transitional period and prior to amalgamation, the parish was served on an interim basis by the Rev. Jim Powell, Rev. John Ripley and Rev. Dan Bennett.