Clinton News-Record, 1985-6-26, Page 54Churches
PAGE TWENTY NINE
All ages participate in
Vanastra Church clubs
The Vanastra Christian Church has grown
throughout the years, meeting the needs of
its parishioners by offering clubs to both
young and old.
When the air base closed in 1972, the
RCAF Roman Catholic Chapel was bought
for the purpose of establishing a church for
the people of the community. Two years
later, Rev. Karel Boersman was installed,
becoming the churches first minister.
Rev. Boersman left in August of 1978.
After his departure, the church had guest
speakers, including Rev. Muller until they
ere able to get their second minister, Rev.
ter Mantel. Rev. Mantel stayed at the
nastra Christian Church until July,1981.
The church was without a minister from
July until September at which time their
current Evangelist, Jim Visser and his
family arrived.
The church has an impressive list of
clubs, providing all age groups the oppor-
tunity to become involved in a club within
the church.
In the beginning, Tuesday Night
Children's Bible Story and Craft hour was
offered, but now there is something for
everyone.
On Monday nights, a Teen Club for people
13 -years -old and over is offered as well as a
club for girls 10 -12 -years -old. This club is
called Calvinettes.
Men's Bible Study is held on Tuesday mor
nings. In the evening, Come Alive, a mixed
club for children four -years -old and over
meets as does a Busey Bee club for girls
eight and nine years of age.
On Wednesday nights, C.E.T calls on
families in the community.
Pre-schoolers .are not left out of the ac-
tivities. Every Thursday morning they are
invited to attend story hour while the ladies
get together for a "coffee break."
Every other Sunday Adult Bible Study is
held.
During the Sunday services at the
anastra Christian Church, a Sunday
Vanastra Christian Church's present Evan-
gelist Is Jim Visser. Here he is pictured
with his wife Hilda.
School is offered to children up to Gr. 2. This
allows the parents to attend the service
while the children are being taught.
Over the years, the church has establish-
ed a Vacation Bible School for the children
to attend each morning. This year the school
will be held for 12 days, starting on July 8
and ending on July 19.
111 II II II I
Enjoy the
Celebrations
TUCKERSMITH
"We're proud to
serve you with
quality products and
personal service"
MILTON J. DIETZ
LIMITED
7117
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•
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• Health Aids
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Equipment
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Ground and
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Applicators
Seaforth
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BEST
WISHES
for
another 150
GREAT YEARS
THE
BEAN
POT
HENSALL
262-2719
generosity builds church
From page 28
underway to build a church on a site offered
by Mr. Cooper and a building committee off
William Blair, William Cooper, Robert Bell,
John Doig, Alexander McLean, Alexander
McLaren and John McMurtrie was set uo.
The dedication and generousity of the con-
gregation was evident with the donation of
free labor and supplies. Records show that
up to 300 bricks, bags of lime, sand and three
pounds of nails were donated from various
people. By December 22, 1867, St. Andrew's
was standing.
Rev. McDougall returned to Scotland
before the church was opened so the official
ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr.
George of Stratford, Rev. Camlon and Rev.
McKidd of Goderich, Rev. McLeod of
Williams and Mr. J.S. Eakin of Kingston
who had been a student missionary during
the summer months.
The first Sunday School was° introduced to
St. Andrew's when Rev. Hugh Cameron was
at the church in 1873. Rev. Cameron had
preached at Hillsgreen and the Red School
where Sunday Schools had been in place, br-
inging his knowledge and experience with
him. Miss Mary Brown was precentor in the
Sunday School during Rev. Cameron's time
at the church.
In 1875 St. Andrew's became a part of the
Presbyterian Church in Canada. In 1883,
Rev. Cameron retired and the church was
without a minister for nine months. After
this period, Rev. Samuel Acheson accepted
a call from the now joint congregation of
Hillsgreen and Kippen.
The growth in the Tuckersmith area saw
two churches, two stores, two carriage
shops, two blacksmith shops, one harness
shop, a hotel, a public hall and three -service
Bell mill. And with the growth of the ser-
vices came the increase in population. Dot-
ing Rev. Cameron's stay, he baptized 100
children and Rev. Acheson baptized over 200
up to 1901.
The first talk of union between churches
was heard around the 1920s and such talk
brought unrest from members of the
Methodist and Congregational Churches.
However, the union in Kippen was handled
very tactfully and St. Andrew's became part
of the United Church of Canada.
The first task of the United Church was to
appoint elders and managers from the
former Methodist congregation. The elders
were William Ivison, Robert Dinsdale and
Joesph Dayman. Managers were Samuel
Cudmore, Wesley French and Herbert
Jones. Henry Ivison was named steward of
the United Church.
Rev. Sinclair, of Hensall, was the first to
preach at St. Andrew's United Church. His
words, "Behold how good and pleasant a
thing it is for brothers to dwell together in
unity" were heard loud and clear.
In 1960 Brucefield and Kippen churches
united with Rev. A.H. Johnston being their
first minister. Today Mr. Donald Moffat is
in charge of the two churches and lives in
the manse in Brucefield as Rev. Johnston
had.
Co nvraitutatio
TUCKERSMITH
TOWNSHIP
on your
150th BIRTHDAY!
"SERVING THE AREA SINCE
C.E. REID and SONS
(HENSALL) LTD.
SAND - GRAVEL - STONE -
BRtCK SAND
EXCAVATING
HENSALL
262-2321
EXETER
235-2262
1944"