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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen-Auburn, 2004-07-29, Page 33Baptist Church The former Baptist Church is now home to Innerfit, a counselling and consulting business owned by Gabe Deibianco. (Photo courtesy of Dorothy Schneider) Id 1111ill Visit The Visit Bainton's Downtown Blyth Years of experience gives you BETTER LEATHER-FOR LESS Huge Inventory Leather Coats Bike Jackets & Accessories Far West clothing Great selection of.Clothing and Items for the Home DOWNTOWN BLYTH 519-523-4740 Open 7 days THE EXPERTS: For Leather & Wool Incredible Selection, Quality, Prices LEATHER: Coats, Gloves Handbags, Moccasins MACHINE WASHABLE: Wool Blankets, Sweaters Sheepskin Rugs, Infant-care Lambskins THE SHOPS: Clothing (casual to formal) for Women, Men, Children GIFT'WARE: Home Accents 1 MILE SOUTH OF BLYTH 519-523-4595 Open 7 days eatt riatittatiatta and hat utiaitea an 150 veafted NGRATUL & Happy 150th Auburn S Focus - Taurus - Mustang - Grand Marquis - Thunderbird - Freestar - Escape - Explorer - Expedition - Econoline - Excursion - Ranger - F-Series Over 35 years in Business SALES - SERVICE - LEASING Ford Trained & Certified Technicians - complete with licenced diesel endorsement Sale hours: Mon. - Fri. 9-5:30; Sat. 9-12 Service hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-5:30 BRIDGE MOTORS LTD. Sales AllanBridge Hwy. 86, Wingham 357-3460 Scott Bridge Parts Tammy Gibson Service Shane or Scott BRIDGE MOTORS BeA,I oot 150` 741~ticivar.4441 Garth Postill Construction Limited Earth Moving • Erosion Control • Site Work • Land Clearing (519) 482-3292 Fax (519) 482-5445 R.R. #3, Clinton, Ont. NOM 1L0 "Mountains To Ant Hills" PAGE 12. AUBURN - 150 YEARS OF HISTORY. Baptists construct brick church in 1908 By Elyse DeBruyn Citizen staff Due to declining memberships and general changes to the church, regular services of the Baptist Church were discontinued, but not before serving the Auburn community for over 100 years. Rev. George Medley delivered the farewell sermon to the Baptist congregation in Auburn on June 27. 1971 The building has since been sold for a residence and in 1996, Gabe Delbianco, bought the building and today resides there using half the building for his home while the other half is for his counselling business, Innerfit, counselling and consul- ting. He renovated the former church, creating the upper level as his business using different rooms for seminars, workshops and counselling, while the bottom half is his home. All the original stainglass windows and original banister still remain. Rev. A. Maybury was the last minister before the church closed. The first Baptist witness to come to Auburn was Rev. T. Sinclair who arrived by way of the Wingham church. Meetings were held in school houses, various homes throughout the community and any other available building. The first minister was Rev. Alexander Stewart, followed by Rev. John Gray and in early days, the worship song was led by George Asquith. Mrs. C. A. Howson and Mrs. W. C. Robertson became the first organists when the congregation decided to purchased an organ. The first church was built just south of Auburn, on the Base-line at the end of the 10th concession in Hul lett Twp. This frame building served the congregation's needs until a red- brick building was constructed on Goderich Street in 1908. The lot was purchased from James Ball for $210, but pervious to this, a general store operated by Mrs. M.A. Rhode, occupied the property. Church members voluntarily supplied most of the furnishings and the corner stone laying was a red- letter day for the congregation, which was done by E. Fox of Toronto. To help commemorate the corner stone event, Earl Raithby presented Fox with a silver trowel and souvenir ribbons were given to Auburn citizens. A lawn social evening held at Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Asquith home, ended the memorable day and about two months later, the building was ready for a service. Rev. T. W. Charlesworth was minister during the church's construction. The building committee consisted of George Raithby, Elias Ball, James Raithby and W.C. Robertson, who were all selected to contract the work and supervise the construction. The total cost was not to exceed $3,000 and of this $2,500 was to be pledged in advance. The Maitland River was frequently the scene of Believer's Baptism since it was so close to the church and 'in early days, interdenominational cottage prayer meetings were held with good attendance. Over the years George Raithby served as a deacon, clerk and a Sunday school teacher. Frank Raithby served as a deacon and is church treasurer for the last 25 years. Torrance •Tabb also served as a deacon as well as a church trustee. Other past deacons include Earl and James Raithby„ Past clerks are Mrs. Lloyd Ferguson, Harvey Reid Glenn Raithby, Elmer Robertson and Mrs. R. J. Phillips (Winnie Howson.) Past trustees include W. C. Robertson, Dr. C. A. Howson and V. S. Alfred Asquith. Sunday school teachers included Mrs. C.A. Howson, Mrs. Anna Walper, Mrs. W. C. Robertson, Mrs. Elmer Robertson And John Raith- by. Shortly after the new church opened, Phillips- was appointed organist and her mother, Mrs. C. A. Howson, became choir leader. Phillips remained organist until services discontinued. Relief organists include Mrs. Wilfred Donaldson (Elias Robertson), Mrs. Clifford Ronson •(Evelyn Raithby) and Nancy Anderson. There was always a mission band and each year money was sent to educate a student in India. B.Y.P.0 services were held for many years and weekly prayer meetings were held in the various homes. The Ladies Aid was a busy and respected organization throughout the community. Rev. William Raithby and Rev. E. S. Grigg both entered full-time ministry. • Exciting special events were held for the church's 50th, 75th and 100th anniversary celebrations. 4