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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2015-10-01, Page 26Continued from page 1 with an old Scottish proverb “Happy are we met, Happy have we been, Happy may we part and Happy meet again”. A letter was read from Joan Tuchlinsky, Diaconal Minister at Duff’s from 2000-2006. She reports it was hard to pick one memory but offered a collage of memories. She remembers starting Confirmation classes with youth and mentors, enjoying beautiful sunsets while sitting on the manse’s wrap around porch, finding a fresh baked pie on the manse stove following Brian’s dad’s passing, driving a tractor with Campbell Wey, youth campfires, the special privilege of being with families during sacred times of weddings, baptisms, illness and death. Wonderful Christmas Eve services, playing ball, learning about pigs from John Van Vliet, but mostly she remembered the kindness, humour and hospitality of the members of Duff’s. Pastor Cable then read a letter from the Brussels Ministerial Group. They expressed their regrets in our closing and wished everyone well in the next chapter of our faith journey. The hymn “Joyful, Joyful We Adore You” was sung between the next remembrances. The congregation welcomed Rev. Bonnie Cole-Arnal to reflect on her time at Walton arriving 30 years ago in 1985. She raised three lovely daughters, Liz, Barb and Sarah and married her husband Oz and the community celebrated with her. She would describe the community as a group that lived by the motto “work hard, play hard and eat well”. That motto extended into the life of the church. People worked hard to be the presence of Christ in the community and in the world, shared freely of their gifts, enlivening worship with music and other talents and broke bread together and ate well at countless church suppers. She wished everyone well in the new opportunities ahead. The next church member to share his memories was Keith Wilbee. Keith recalled his days at Sunday School in the 1960s when Sunday School was held an hour before church. He was in an all-boys class, and there were many high-spirited pranks. Martin Baan was the superintendent and he delivered a sermon before class. Jean Bewley, the neighbour was the leader of Mission Band. He recalls Dave Baan and himself sneaking out to play tag. They were caught by Margaret Craig, but she never told their parents! He praised the efforts of the church women who went to Ronald McDonald House to prepare a meal there and said he was honoured to be a part of it. He recognized Sarah and Sean Mitchell being in attendance at today’s service and gave his best wishes in her continued recovery from a car accident months ago. Rev. Randy Banks had a three-fold duty as part of the final service. First he recalled his memories of coming to the Walton -Bluevale Pastoral charge from Manitoba in 1992 until 1996. The first thing he noticed was that the pulpit was not at the front of the church, but at an angle. Why would that be? He recalled the quick thinking of Phyllis Mitchell in putting out the fire that started on the communion table. He remembered how the Walton Public School and the church worked back and forth using the building for concerts and picture days. He recalls the community support and the full church when his son’s funeral was held. Many good times and some sad. This is the third church closing he has been a part of in the last three months. Randy then read a letter from Patty Banks on her memories. She recalls being picked up from the airport by Graeme Craig and when arriving in Walton thinking “there’s not much here”. Then when she saw the beautiful church and manse, she was wowed. That Sunday, she heard Donald McDonald sing with the most beautiful voice, “Jerusalem” and knew they had to move to Walton. It was so far from her family in B.C. and it was hard, but the congregation became her family. She has sung for the congregation, and preached and prayed, through the worst times of her life and the joyous times of her life. She thanked all for being her friend and family. Rev. Randy then presented the children’s story. He had brought along a small child’s chair. He had purchased it from the closing of his own original church. He felt it was a tangible memory he could hold on to and hoped that we all can find something tangible to hang onto from our memories of Duff’s. He concedes that it is easy to feel God’s presence in such stately buildings, such as Duff’s, but it is only a building, and when we gather in one place, we are gathering with God. A special presentation was then made to Michael Craig. Michael has folded the bulletins for the Sunday church service for many years and Gloria Wilbee presented a gift to him in appreciation for his years of service. The congregation was then privileged to enjoy Graeme Craig sing the very special hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Graeme has sung at Duff’s for over 50 years and his voice will be missed by all. Memories of Duff’s resumed with Rev. Gail Clarkson, who started her ministry journey at Duff’s, with Joan Tuchlinsky in the fall of 2006 until the spring of 2007. She recalls learning how to celebrate life, and acceptance of others and how she was welcomed. She told the story of how in bad winter weather she went into the ditch on her way to Bluevale and a good samaritan took her to Bluevale church in time. She was welcomed with grace and warmth and hospitality during her time in Walton. Rev. Ed Baker, who was minister in 1975-78, said he remembered thinking how beautiful the church was and how the people were so friendly and welcoming. He pitched into the work of the church peeling potatoes or whatever help the ladies needed. He recalls Moncrieff United Church closing during his time at Walton. Neil McGavin shared his memories of his growing up at Walton church. He said the building has brought many great memories to the community and now we have PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015. Remembrances highlight final Duff’s service Hallelujah The final musical performance at Duff’s United Church in Walton was to be a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” performed by Sean Mitchell, left, Glenda Morrison, right, and Gloria Wilbee, centre. The performance was an emotional one for those in attendance on Sunday. (Jim Brown photo) Heaven is forReal Author Todd Burpo will be at Huron Chapel this Sunday October 4th @ 10:30am huronchapel.com Huron ChapeAuthor Huron ChapeTodAuthor Huron ChapeBudTod l rpBu Sunday will be atorp Sunday will be at OctobHurOtb hurber 4th r on Cbth haonchur30am @ 10:Chapp@ omcel.pha30am thislHuron Chape om Sunday this Sunday BUCK & DOE for Sandy Earl and Jason Elg Saturday, October 10, 2015 Perth East Rec Complex, Milverton Music by D.J. 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Lunch provided For tickets please call Becky 519-347-4249 Tickets: In Advance $10.00 At The Door $12.00 Age of Majority Required Happy 25 th Anniversary Steve & Teresa Baan October 6 Love from Allison,Scott and Craig 273 Hamilton St., Blyth • 519-523-4590 Visit us on Facebook Blyth East Side Dance Learn the Waltz Entertainment StopsStopsStopsStopsStops a l o n g the wayalongtheway A VISITORS’ GUIDE TO HURON COUNTY stopsalonglakehuron.com Read the latest issue on-line at... 430 Queen Street, Blyth, Ontario 226-523-9720 Specialty Coffees & Espresso Bar Lunches, Treats, Craft beer and Ontario wine Continued on page 27