On Sunday September 29, at 10 am, the little church stood ready for its 155th birthday--the teal blue doors welcoming on the outside, and the inside resplendent in Autumn colours. Did anyone care?...Then, by 11:00, to the strains of Sharon Stevens' organ prelude, 80 souls greeted by Dave Martin and Terry Smith were seated in the old-fashioned wood-and-wrought iron pews, just a little bit crowded!!
Many came for sentimental reasons. Lloyd and Cathy Jackson of Chatham were here to celebrate the church where Lloyd's father, Morley, had tended the coal fires and the lights since 1918 when he was a lad, and where Morley and his wife Gladys were lifelong supporters. Morley passed away 23 years ago in September. The red oak, pictured here, was planted on the south lawn in his honour by Jim Boyle, neighbour.
The service was opened by the Rev'd Annalee Kerr, assisted by guest speaker Tracy Wygiera, LLWL. The Christ candle, a gift in memory of Brad Martin, was lighted, and the congregation paused to remember Mary Powers, who passed away September 6. Several members of her family were present, and a floral tribute in white was placed at the front of the church to honour Mary, who was always there to make sure that the anniversary and Easter flowers were on hand at the church.
Marc and Kimberly Reid led special music with keyboard and guitar, and when at the final hymn, the congregation was invited to sing along, it did!
At children's time, Tracy delighted all with a lesson in dominoes, teaching the interdependence and connection each one has with another, and noting that all generations in the long life of the church have a place and a purpose to fulfill. In the sermon, Tracy preached from Jeremiah and related our history to the future that calls to every one of us.
After the service, all were invited to go "downtown" to the Wabash W.I. Hall, where lunch and fellowship awaited.
