Sept. 20 – 140th Anniversary!

In 1886, the local history book Hewers of the Forests, Fishers of the Lakes tells us that after a couple of years of revival meetings and a missionary presence, a little church was built at the Tobermory Harbour. Saws and axes were used to cut the timber and oxen hauled out the logs. People who lived in the village as well as visiting fishermen focused “all their efforts toward completing the construction of the church.” When the church was almost finished, however, funds were running low, so Reverend Philip Sparling put down $10.00 and encouraged others to follow suit. $10.00 in 1886 is the equivalent of about $350.00 in today’s currency.

Such acts of faith and commitment form the backbone of a community of faith, and they have occurred over and over again throughout 140 years. A community of faith is continually evolving and growing, adapting and re-shaping itself every week, according to the times in which it finds itself, the gifts and needs of the congregants, the grace of God and the movement of the Holy Spirit. It’s a beautiful thing, really, and it’s what we’ll be celebrating this Sunday!

There will be music (the choir has prepared three pieces); food (the potluck may as well be the official symbol of the United Church of Canada); and beauty (the exhibition of altar decorations will still be up). And of course there will be singing, sharing, community and prayer – what folks have come to church for all these years…

To prepare, read Matthew 6:25-34 and ponder the following:

1.      Jesus says, “Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” What’s he getting at?

2.      Over 140 years of our community of faith, what are you most thankful for?

Image: The Harbour Methodist Church