Clinton News-Record, 1985-6-26, Page 56PAGE TH1R -ONE
Church ravaged by tragic fire on November 20, 1970
From page 30
$1,500.
Outstanding improvements were made to
the church in 1932 with the installation of
electricity. In 1947 a beautiful Hammond
organ was added and in 1950 an oil Miming
heating system provided warm comfort for
the congregation in winter.
Throughout the years the Brucefield
United Church continued to grow and pro-
sper.
Pe
The congregation faced its greatest test of
faith on the tragic night of November 20,
1970. Fire ravaged the church.
High winds and rain hampered the fire
fighters' work to save the building. When
dawn came, all that remained of the 62 -
year -old building was a charred skelton.
The congregation found some consolation in
the fact that the wind was blowing in a
favorable direction and the church manse
was saved:
*A search among the burnt ruins salvaged
me irreplaceable items. The brass cross,
which was donated by Mrs. John A.
McEwan and family in memory of John A.
McEwan, and the church bell were found in
good condition. The cornerstone was also
undamaged.
Among the articles lost were - a commu-
nion set used in the first church, consisting
of four chalices and two communion
flagons; the Hammond organ; the piano,
choir gowns and music; the chimes and
sound system; the communion table; bap-
tismal font and honor roils of the two World
Wars.
The Kipper' United Church congregation
came to the. aid of their neighbors. They in-
vited the Brucefield congregation to use
their church and Sunday School rooms.
This offer was thankfully accepted and
immediately following the Sunday morning
service after the fire, a general meeting was
held. Without little hesitation the Brucefield
congregation decided to undertake the
building of a new church.
The congregation faced the monumetnous
task with determination and dedication. A
building committee was immediately ap-
pointed, namely, Chairman Ross Scott,
Secretary -treasurer Robert Fotheringham
and members John Broadfoot, Arnold
Taylor, W.D. Wilson, John Moffat, Mel
Graham, Elgin Thompson, Fred McGregor,
Joyce Wilson and Jean Henderson, with
Rev. E.D. Stuart and later Rev. Paul
Packman.
A Stratford firm, Kyles, Kyles and Gar-
rett drew up the plans. Don Riehl Con-
struction of New Hamburg was hired to
build the church.
The building committee came across a
gold mine during the construction, in the
form of the Canadian Forces Base, Clinton
Protestant Chapel. The base was closing
and Brucefield United Church secured the
tender for purchase of the interior fur-
nishings.
The furnishings included the communion
table, the pulpit and lectern, organ, bap-
tismal font, a cross made from airplane pro-
pellers and church seating and chairs.
As the building of the church progressed,
the cornerstones were laid by Ross Scott
and Elgin Thompson. The ceremonial ser-
vice was conducted by Rev. Fredrick Faist
of Stratford, Rev. E.D. Stuart and Rev. Paul Highlights of the service were musical
Packman on April 23, 1972. performances made by former choir
The new church building was officially members, accompanied by Elsie Henderson
opened on May 7, 1972. The service was con- who played the piano. As well, during the
ducted by Rev. Wilson L. Morden. The total service, William Pepper played the violin,
cost to build the new church was $129,238.12. accompanied by Mrs. Henderson.
With tragedy behind them, the Brucefield Brucefield United Church has moved into
congregation began the uphill climb again. its second century of service with renewed
In 1976 the church remembered its beginn- strength and dedication.
ings and its history in a special centennial
celebration. Over 300 guests and members
of the congregation filled the church on Sun-
day, March 7, 1976 to mark the 100th birth-
day of the church.
Huron MP Hobert'McKinley, John Broad -
foot and Rev. E.S. Stephens welcomed the
guests, especially former ministers Rev.
Don Stuart and Rev. Harold Wright, who led
the service.
Everyone's into the act
Birthday celebrations are a time to have
fun, and the men of Tuckersmith are getting
into the spirit of the event with a beard
growi;ig contest.
Fifty-six men entered the contest that
str.rted on February 15 at the township's
Valentines dance. To the best of Chairman
Ken Moore's knowledge, only four of these
men have dropped out of the contest.
"They decided not to finish the contest for
various reasons. One man had a job inter-
view and he thought it was best if he didn't
go to it with a beard," explained Mr. Moore.
Turn to page 34
TUCKERSMITH
TOWNSHIP
ON YOUR 150th BIRTHDAY
We" re proud to have shared
48 of the past 150 years With
our many friends and customers
in Tuckersmith and area. The future
looks good for both of us!
When the Hensal Co -Op started in 1937 it was with one
purpose...to serve the farmers of the surrounding area.
Because we're owned by farmers, we know what they want and
need to make their own farming operations more profitable.
We now have four locations and we're still giving farmers
the same old fashioned service that'has made us successful.
We thank our employees, member -owners and customers.
We appreciate their continuing faith in the Co -Op movement
started by our forefathers over 100 years ago.
HENSALL DISTRICT CO-OPERATIVE
Hensel! Zurich Brucefleld Seeforth
262.3002 236-4393 482.9823 527.0770