Church marks 150 years of community service

BY PAT MARTIN

The Canard United Church on Highway 341 in Upper Canard commemorated 150 years Sunday, Oct. 19 with an anniversary celebration that provided a wealth of historical and spiritual inspiration to the congregation and welcomed guests.

Being one of the oldest church buildings in the area, roots can be traced back to Anglicanism, Congregationalism and Presbyterianism. It was built in 1858 at a cost of 1,000 pounds five shillings, approximately $5,000 and was dedicated Nov. 14, 1858.

It was built to accommodate the religious needs of its people and fulfilled their expectations with dedication and integrity. Birth, marriage and death records have been kept faithfully and gravestone inscriptions in the adjacent burial grounds provide stories of struggles, sorrows and hardships.

The aging house of worship is a landmark struggling to survive. It has survived the test of time, but has had many renovations. Additions were made to the vestry in 1899; classrooms in 1903; the second story of the hall in 1967; replacement of the sanctuary and hall in 2002; vinyl siding and extensive renovations to the vestry, kitchen and parlour in 2004; and the spire sleeves were removed, repaired and reinstalled after the steeple was painted in 2007.

Stands out among the rest

There is something alluring about the Canard United Church that accommodates seven towering spires that make it stand out among the rest and has often been a favourite backdrop for photographers. It has attracted visitors and a procession of Apple Blossom Festival queens and princesses that have posed among the delicate and fragrant apple blossoms in full regalia.

Also drawing attention to the church, members welcomed guests during the August Churches of Blomidon Country tour organized by the Canning Fieldwood Heritage Society and the Canning and Area Interchurch Council. A colourful photograph of the church made a stunning addition to the posters that were used to promote the tour.

Colourful balloons stirred on the church sign during the Sunday afternoon tour, catching the attention of interested parties from far and near. Dressed in period costumes, Ernie Hawbolt welcomed guests, Glenn Ells posed as a gravedigger in the Burgess Cemetery, Evelyn Hawbolt and Betty Rockwell served old-fashioned lemonade and cookies on Ruth Ann Sterling’s antique plates while Mary Swetnam played organ hymns and Bill Swetnam pointed out the original chandelier, marble-topped oil lamp tables, red velvet chairs, the anniversary quilt, old hymnbooks, the replica of the church and the old bible presented to the Presbyterian congregation of Cornwallis in 1810.

A committee was formed in January 2008 to oversee a year-long celebration that ende in October. In January the church story was told, a wooden model was presented and the anniversary hymn was sung for the first time.

In February the 135th anniversary time capsule was opened; March, Easter Sunday; April, quilt pieces were handed out to families and the congregational picture directory was started; May, two red maples were planted by the eldest and youngest members and a white stone sign depicting anniversary dates was made and the church stories were collected

In June, t-shirts were made with the contest winner logo and donated to the Sunday school, the quilt was complete and hanging on the east wall of sanctuary; July, Vacation Bible School was held and a photo album and directory was made; August, participation in the “Churches of Blomidon Country” open house tour; September, an old-fashioned congregational pot luck picnic with games; and in October, the 150th anniversary service.

Specials guests, hymns and scripture

Commemorating the 150th Anniversary in October was a special salutatory service that included guest speakers, prayers, hymns, scripture readings and greetings from former ministers.

Reverend Ray Frances conducted the service that opened with welcoming announcements by Bill Swetnam, who introduced the committee responsible for the success of the anniversary celebrations. “The service was the final hurrah,” said committee member Betty Rockwell.

Sunday school student Nicole Martin followed with the lighting of the Christ candle. Dr. Homer Noble presented the scripture and then Rockwell presented written greetings from former ministers. “One of the projects undertaken by the committee was to contact some of the former ministers,” Rockwell said. “Our last minister was Reverend Michael Gibbons, who is completing his basic training before leaving for Afghanistan as a padre. He takes along the thoughts and prayers of the congregation. Guest ministers now perform the weekly services.“

Rockwell thanked former ministers Reverend Ray Frances, who ministered from 1999-2005; Reverend Gail Golding, from 1992-1996; Reverend Gil Todd, from 1997-1999; Reverend Clifford Moase, from 1962-1966; and Reverend John Barbour, from 1951-1962.

Another greeting came from Nora Bell, who began attending the Canard Church with her father Reverend John Urwin Bell in 1912. John Bell ministered until 1919. “It would have been real nice to see Nora Bell, who started going to the church when she was just four years old. Nora now resides in Windsor and will celebrate her 100th birthday next month,” Rockwell said.

Outstanding entertainment

Outstanding musical entertainment included Rockwell’s composition of the anniversary hymn, the Pereaux Baptist Church choir performing “Laudate Dominum”, “God So Loved the World” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” under the direction of Tony Stephenson, as well as soloists Jim Retallack, baritone, and Paula Rockwell, mezzo-soprano. “It was thrilling when the Pereaux choir sang ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic,’” said Wilma Gibson of the Heritage Society. “It was a lovely evening and the music was electrifying.”

Guest preacher Rev. Ivan Gregan provided additional motivation with his inspirational words, “The Church is Not the Building,” “Reverend Gregan was dynamic,” Rockwell said. “He caused everyone to think”

Reverend Waldo Elliott concluded with the commissioning and benediction. Refreshments followed with Elizabeth Murdock, the eldest member, cutting the anniversary cake. “The Canard United Church will always remain close in my heart,” said Nora Bell. “My family are buried there and it gives me great peace to know they are in such a special place.”

Anniversary booklets are available for $10 by calling George Brien at 678-0537.