by Jean Bird
Beachburg Pentecostal Tabernacle
WHITEWATER REGION (Beach-burg) — The congregation of Beachburg Pentecostal Tabernacle celebrated 65 years of service to the village of Beachburg last weekend.
There was a banquet attended by approximately 80 people on Saturday and on Sunday the usual service.
Over the years, numerous clergy have come and gone. We were pleased to have three former pastors return and say a few words.
Reverend Brian and Christine Taylor dropped in from Vancouver. He told the story of visiting the Mervin Black family one day. Since no one was home he saddled up Dara’s horse and rode down to the cottage. No one was there either, but he had a nice ride. Christine still makes good use of Elva Mullins’ bun recipe. The Ottawa Valley is known for good food!
Pastor Phil and Catherine Robillard, recently retired, joined us from their new home in Ottawa. He had us laughing about escapades with the youth that involved snowmobiles and a trip to “the pit”. He spoke of his love for music and the TV show he ran on CHRO for several years. Both of them had started their ministry years in Beachburg and commented on the friendly community where it was so easy to visit and be accepted.
Pastor Garry and Joy Hobbs are no longer our pastors but they are still members of our congregation. Pastor Garry spoke of the church’s heart for children evidenced by our annual Vacation Bible School, we have hosted one annually since 1979.
On Saturday evening the Gutz family sang their hearts out in two sets of songs. Reverend Dave Tubby, our sectional presbyter, brought greetings from our section and spoke about the Father’s love for His children.
On Sunday morning we were able to enjoy the music of the Fitch family. Becky Bird Fitch grew up in Beachburg and now co-pastors with her husband Shane in Bradford, Ontario. This was a special treat for grandparents Dan and Jean Bird. The superintendent of Eastern Ontario Nunavut District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Reverend Craig Burton, spoke on Sunday morning about being lost and then found by our loving God. We have “an expectant future.” We expect God to continue His faithfulness to us as a church family while we serve Him on earth. We expect to spend eternity in Heaven with all those who believe on Jesus’ Name!
Anyone looking for spiritual care or without a home base for worshipping the Lord is welcome to join us any Sunday at 10 a.m.
