MINDEMOYA—The Anglican church of St. Francis of Assisi in Mindemoya celebrated its 90th anniversary on Sunday, August 20 with a Service of Thanksgiving. The walls echoed with praise as over one hundred of the faithful gathered to sing “Christ is our cornerstone, on him alone we build.” This stone church has provided a unique worship setting through the decades, serving as a legacy to the first pastor, Richard Taylor, and the founding families including the names McAllister, Burt, Berry, Cox, Taylor, Ferguson, Cress, McDonald, Smith, Williamson, Trowbridge and Wedgerfield.
For the celebration Pastor, Catherine Hazlitt and the five Anglican congregations of Manitoulin met at Mindemoya, joined by Archbishop Anne Germond as preacher and presider. The Archbishop’s sermon noted how St. Francis of Assisi, in the thirteenth century, carried stones into the forest to rebuild a chapel. Likewise, ninety years ago the founders of St. Francis Church volunteered their time and effort during the difficult years of The Great Depression to clear the land, quarry the stone, cut the wood and build the walls – a work of labour and love.
One of the hymns expressed the day’s sentiment perfectly, “Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided, urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way, sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided: Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.” Special music was provided by soprano Esther Anstice and violinist Sonya Mulder, filling the church with heavenly melodies.
Everyone gathered in the parish hall after the service for lunch, enjoying the opportunity for fellowship when the five congregations come together, joined by summer residents and visitors.
