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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1995-12-20, Page 2Page 2 Times -Advocate, December 20,1995 New Centralia Faith Tabernacle Church finished Brenda Burke T -A staff CENTRALIA - Just in time for Christmas, the new Centralia Faith Tabernacle Church was completed on Dec. 2. The 7,700 square foot structure, finished inside with oak trim and rose-colored walls, provides the non -denominational congregation with a dozen class.aoms, a spa- cious Fellowship Hall, offices, stor- age space, a kitchen and a sound- proof nursery that overlooks a large sanctuary. "This provides us with a lot more flexibility and opportunities," said Cathy Prout, the church's Sunday school superintendent. "It's a miracle," said Pastor Bob Degraw, adding 90 per cent of the building's work was done by the congregation and outside volunteer help, including members of the lo- cal community. "The dedication of the people was absolutely amaz- ing." With the help of local building 5o faithful old friends and cherished new, go our best holiday sentiments, along with our thanks. Exeter Decor Centre tli�Gpoiraue► 15 Maley St. E., 235-1010 contractor Jim Gregus, described by Prout as "a super person to work with amateurs," the congregation, including one mechanic, two ex- perienced back -hoe operators, one road superintendent and a few vvood hobbyists, began their 85 - week project in April, 1994. During the first three-week building thrust, said Prout, people worked "six days a week from morning 'till dark." Between eight and 15 people reg- ularly worked on the church three days a week for the next year and a half. Plans for the new church began in December, 1989, when it was de- cided the old church had been out- grown. "We had 32 families taking over p half a million dollar project," said Degraw, explaining the 44 -family congregation did not want to take on a large mortgage. "That's why we went the route of building ourselves," he said, adding 80 per cent of the church is already paid for. There were four construction op- tions including waiting for funding before building, having pro- fessionals build the entire structure, hiring professionals for half the work, or doing the work as a com- munal project with Gregus as the sole overseer. the men cut trim from rough oak planks and worked it to its finished stage while the women did the staining, painting and finishing. A cross was created by Huron Park residents Al and Madeline Harvey and the sanctuary lights, which have both a traditional and modern appeal, were made by Gerald and Margaret Fergusson, of Centralia. In the midst of all the work, how- ever, the old church was not for- gotten as its baptismal tank, alter, communion table, furniture and - Vehicles demolished STEPHEN TOWNSHIP - Minor injuries resulted in a head-on colli- sion that demolished two vehicles Friday night on Hwy 83. A car driven by John Kingma of Exeter collided with a pickup truck driven by Thomas Ryan of R.R. 2 Zurich.. i• • Drivers and occupants were wear- ing seatbelts at the time of the acci- dent. May peace and love fill your heart as we celebrate His birth. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN THE NEW YEAR Sales & Service 578 Main St. Exeter 235-4441 mural, which was painted by a lo- cal resident 20 years ago, were add- ed to the new building. Prout, who had spent her childhood years at the old church, stressed the importance of giving the new building warm, homey touches. In the meantime, the old church will be put up for sale. "There (were) just no facilities over there," said Prout of the ap- proximately 100 -year-old, 3,500 square foot building that was moved to Centralia from Brimsley in 1951 by its original Anglican owners. The church was Tater used as a Boy Scout Hall before the Faith Tabernacle congregation purchased and renovated it in 1965. Degraw became pastor of the building in 1976 and began to build a Sunday school. "At that time there (were) ap- proximately six families in the con- gregation," he said, adding, "We outgrew the space." In an effort to work with the space they had in the old church, two trailers were added to the struc- ture. "We knew the trailers were a temporary situation, that someday we'd have to do something perma- nent," said Degraw. "By 1986 we definitely knew we had to expand. We had to do something...By 1989, I guess you could say we were des- perate." • That year the congregation ex- plored their options, which in- cluded removing the trailers and adding a two-storey structure. When the property where the new church now stands, came up for sale, they jumped at the chance. A five -person building committee was immediately appointed and the work began. A model of the building was con- structed by local residents who used the concept drawings as their guideline. And, an 18 -item 'wish list' of building features was ful- filled. "It was made so we could kind of see our goal," said Prout, adding no major building alterations were made. An open house, including the lay- ing of the dedication stone, was held Dec. 2 for the new church. Events held the week of April 8 will celebrate the building's official opening and recognize the people who helped build a dream. "The original objective," said De - The new Centralia Faith Tabemacle was completed Dec. opening of the church are slotted for the week of April 8. 2. Events celebrating the official Amalgamation expands - Usborne now in EXETER - Exeter Council, through its Chief Administrative Officer, Rick Hundey, reported on the progress of the amalgamation meeting held on Dec.12 with councillors from Stephen and Usbome Townships. (The T -A reported last week Usbome Council voted unanimously to take part in discussions with its neighbors at the earliest opportunity.) It was decided each municipality would provide three members to a ne- gotiating committee and that committee would determine a procedure for conducting its deliberations. Thought was also given to inviting a repre- sentative from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to chair the meetings or facilitate the discussions and act as mediator. The three councils agreed political amalgamation would take place by January, 1997, but administration and operations would be merged on an "incremental" basis during 1996 and 1997. One of the key areas for mutu- al research is the financial implications: individual debt loads, cost of ex- tended or merged services and budgets. Reeve Bill Weber of Stephen stat- ed, "We believe it is in the interest of township residents Exeter continue to grow and prosper, and we all participate in that success. We also be- lieve it is in the interests of Exeter residents that rural areas develop appro- priately, and municipal services continue to be provided in an equitable manner everywhere." As icing to the cake, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Al Leach, wrote to Exeter and Stephen praising them for their foresight, their obvious ap- preciation as to where the government is headed and their invitation to in- clude other of their neighbors. At the conclusion of the report, Deputy Reeve Dave Urlin, suggested a copy of the letter be sent to the reeve of Hay Township, Murray Keyes. Amalgamation on agenda or Continued from front page The county seems to want the agenda for amalgamation to come from the "bottom up" and at least one reeve in the group prefers a one-titred government. But some , municipalities are not convinced proposed regional government will save money. Many municipalities are already sharing some services _now. "I'm not sure you'd really save any money, " said Pepper. The target population size for municipalities has been suggested at approximately 10,000 according to Pepper, but this number has not been confirmed at the county level. Huron County has a population of approximately 56,000 people. This translates into five or six mu- nicipalities if the suggested target size is accurate. Hensall Councillor Butch Hoffman .echoed the opin- ions expressed by Pepper. "I think we should start thinking about it because we are going to be forced," said Hoffman. A committee is scheduled to re- port to the county by the end of March, 1996. Zurich council agreed the main impetus behind amalgamation is the reduction by the province in conditional and unconditional grants to be phased in over five years. The option for municipal- ities, according to Reeve Dwayne LaPorte, is either to double the tax base or reduce expenditures by half. Still, council has many ques- tions regarding the implementation of amalgamation. graw, "was to be in it by Christ- , mas. HO! HOI May the joy of peace, love, health and prosperity be yours this holiday time. Thanks to all our wonderful customers! Open Dec. 24, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Boxing Day ar Sales Wed. Dei . 9 a.m. Greeting ..Card World 401 Main St., Exeter 235-1019 wil -.`r1 11Py %°.1146`s'141 - y x'40-* ti ge ?sr ft t Fa_ Fred Haberer ititiChairman BLUE WATER REST HOME Zurich Ontario Thank Wou -42" 4114, On behalf of the residents, staff and board of directors we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all who have added some comfort to our residents by visits, providing entertainment, assisting financially, food donations or Are treats, during 1995. We at the Blue Water Rest Home wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Josef Risi Administrator .4 -410 -ds- 010- ►-40MIa...- fie..,4,'dM10,..s-- � Christmas is here, a time for joy, love and togethemess — and the perfect chance for us to say "we're proud to serve you." Thanks for your valued business) from all of us at Jack's Plumbing & Heating (Exeter) Inc. Exeter 23501 fig. 20.4M.c.iiikl.t**.t.*****Ita4.taltfirRMaltiledftettisvitik*MV 11 May all your plans for a happy holiday be fulfilled. Y We value your friendship and trust. Thank you for your patronage. We look forward to serving you in the if New Year. Doug Geoffrey • Construction Ltd. Residential - Commercial - Agricultural - Renovations Exeter 235-2961WoitimmootoomentioiweitwoestatitioslemitA.ykv iorio ♦ , J . HAVE CA o EAR -Y ``" MERRY CHRISTMAS! i.,--- ,x .70 ��I' From outdoor fun to inner peace and joy, .. h all the best to you this holiday season) j///.� f ')hank, you for your patronage \� over the past year.• From aft the staff at: �' ' 215 Pickard Rd. General Delivery " "'' Exeter, Ontario Woodham, Ontario NOM 153 NOK 2A0 (519) 235-2809 FARM SUPPLIES INC. (519) 229'8000 /DIETER — WOODHAM , /' ? ' r . i/ • ` Ili "I think we should start thinking about it because we are going to be forced," said Hoffman. A committee is scheduled to re- port to the county by the end of March, 1996. Zurich council agreed the main impetus behind amalgamation is the reduction by the province in conditional and unconditional grants to be phased in over five years. The option for municipal- ities, according to Reeve Dwayne LaPorte, is either to double the tax base or reduce expenditures by half. Still, council has many ques- tions regarding the implementation of amalgamation. graw, "was to be in it by Christ- , mas. HO! HOI May the joy of peace, love, health and prosperity be yours this holiday time. Thanks to all our wonderful customers! Open Dec. 24, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Boxing Day ar Sales Wed. Dei . 9 a.m. Greeting ..Card World 401 Main St., Exeter 235-1019 wil -.`r1 11Py %°.1146`s'141 - y x'40-* ti ge ?sr ft t Fa_ Fred Haberer ititiChairman BLUE WATER REST HOME Zurich Ontario Thank Wou -42" 4114, On behalf of the residents, staff and board of directors we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all who have added some comfort to our residents by visits, providing entertainment, assisting financially, food donations or Are treats, during 1995. We at the Blue Water Rest Home wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Josef Risi Administrator .4 -410 -ds- 010- ►-40MIa...- fie..,4,'dM10,..s-- � Christmas is here, a time for joy, love and togethemess — and the perfect chance for us to say "we're proud to serve you." Thanks for your valued business) from all of us at Jack's Plumbing & Heating (Exeter) Inc. Exeter 23501 fig. 20.4M.c.iiikl.t**.t.*****Ita4.taltfirRMaltiledftettisvitik*MV 11 May all your plans for a happy holiday be fulfilled. Y We value your friendship and trust. Thank you for your patronage. We look forward to serving you in the if New Year. Doug Geoffrey • Construction Ltd. Residential - Commercial - Agricultural - Renovations Exeter 235-2961WoitimmootoomentioiweitwoestatitioslemitA.ykv iorio