Anyone driving down the 4th Line here on the morning of March 25 could be forgiven if he wondered if he had gone back in time.
Dozens of people were parking modern vehicles and emerging in long, old time gowns, wearing top hats from another age, with young girls dressed in gingham and wearing bonnets.
It was all part of the 150th anniversary celebrations for Stone United Church.
That building has expanded over the years and the usual congregation of 70 to 80 people particularly packed it because many came from all over for part of the celebrations.
Alice Millson, resplendent in her gown, prepared a poem, Blest Be The Tie That Binds, for part of the service – her memories of the church. She has been a member for over 68 years.
When asked just prior to the service what has changed she said the form of worship, the music, and, a little hesitatingly, the noise. People were engaged in socializing and chatter prior to the beginning of the service, something that was once frowned up.
Millson lives “a mile up the road” and thoroughly enjoys the activities of the church.
At the front door, Frank and Janice Stokman, who were married in the church, and Mary Brandon, 6, were resplendent in period costume and greeted worshipers as they entered. Others collected artifacts and memorabilia. Joyce Duffield explained the work that had gone into the celebration.
She noted that Jean Jackson was born into the church, got married in it, and “has been a member all her life.
In a back room were period costumes, including five wedding dresses dating back to 1936. Their owners were all married at Stone United Church. The old copper boiler used for heating water was part of the display.
The church itself has changed. When it was started in 1862, it was Stone Church Methodist.
Millson said the congregation was asked a year ago to prepare for the celebrations, and she used that time to write her poem. She told the congregation prior to reading her poem, “Excuse my ramblings that I put into rhyme.”
Jeanne then explained the history of the church to the congregation, but particularly to those still in Sunday School. She told them of the changes in the building, including the digging of the basement long after the church was built. That is where their Sunday School is held today. And, she said with a smile as parents nodded, “Kids had to behave or they got a scolding when they got home.”
Jackson told how Sunday School students learned Bible verses on tickets in order to obtain rewards.
Millson and Jackson were presented roses as long time members. Another received hers later. Elsie Jane Swanston was unable to attend for health reasons.
After the service the entire congregation posed for a picture outside the church. One member commented as people lined up that he had moved to the area and joined the church and he admires how well it serves so many people in the area – just as it did when it opened in 1862.
