St. John's United Church celebrated its 50th anniversary Sept. 4-5. Over 50 out-of-town guests ranging in age from newborn to over 80 joined the current congregation for a marvellous event-filled weekend. Two former ministers, Rev. Glenn Thompson and Rev. Alan Armstrong were able to attend.
On Friday evening, out-of-town guests were treated to chili and buns when they arrived to register. It was an evening of hugs, tears of joy and reminiscences. Many poured over the history books and congratulatory letters.
Saturday morning the men, resplendent in their colourful aprons and blue bonnets, served a hearty pancake and sausage breakfast. People stayed on chatting and renewing old acquaintances. During the afternoon, congregation members acted as tour guides for the out-of-towners.
Saturday evening began at Juniper Centre with a lovely turkey dinner. Before the meal, Gaylene Weselowski said a grace, which she had composed. Milt Goble, the emcee, asked that during the meal people give short reminiscences about St. John's. They ranged from very serious to uproariously funny.
Entertainment, emceed by Joan Goble, began back at the church at 8 p.m. The first performance was the world premiere of a piece of music composed by Carl Hultin. Carl had set Bliss Carman's poem "Vestigia" to music. Carolyn Halcrow, the soprano soloist, was accompanied by Caroline Winship on flute and Hultin on piano. They received a standing ovation. Next a costumed duo, Sya Gregovski and Julie Thorarinson, presented a dialogue between two old ladies residing at Northern Spirit Manor. Between them they tried to remember people and events at St. John's over the past 50 years. The hilarious results brought roars of laughter from the crowd. They too received a standing ovation. Then Heather Todd presented a DVD of the first 50 years of St. John's. There were very few dry eyes at the end of the showing and, of course, the appreciative group gave another standing ovation. What memories! Copies made available later in the evening literally flew off the table. Carolyn Halcrow accompanied by Carl Hultin ended the evening with a solo "Count Your Blessings."
Sunday morning's service, led by Rev. Leslie-Elizabeth King, was magnificent. With a choir of 25 led by Hope (McLatchy) Smith; two pianists, Carl Hultin and David Wolfe; trumpeter Erin Taylor-Goble; and a congregation of well over 100, it sounded like a cathedral service. During the service, a beautiful three-panel stained glass window was dedicated. Norine Miller and Gaylene Weselowski, two women from the congregation, designed and created the window. Other special additions to the service included the filling of the time capsule to opened in 25 years; anthems sung by the choir; memories of St. John's given by Vic Wiebe; and, "that video guy" a.k.a. Harold Smith deftly catching the framed copy of the church's charter members as it fell from the wall.
After the service the building was quickly transformed from church sanctuary to banquet hall. Members of the Advent Lutheran Church set out a truly magnificent feast while Randy Todd, atop a ladder, took a commemorative group photograph on the front lawn with the church as the backdrop. Copies were available by suppertime. After the meal, people again lingered on over cups of tea and coffee, chatting, going from table to greet old friends, or wandering about the building to see what had changed.
The anniversary events ended with a bountiful potluck supper at 6 p.m. and a rousing hymn sing at 8 p.m. with both Hope (McLatchy) Smith and Carl Hultin playing accompaniment. By 10 p.m. even the most talkative had left and the building was empty. "An inspirational weekend," "I am so glad I came," "I feel renewed," "What wonderful memories," "I am so glad to see so many old friends" are just a sample of the parting comments.
