by BOB GRYLLS
Reporter
WHITEWATER REGION (Perretton) — Although, Perretton United Church was closed for regular services in 2009, it has been kept open by former parishioners for various events.
The very first church was part of Westmeath pastoral charge and called Wesleyan Methodist mission and held services in the school house on Indian Road. In 1891, the church was built and called Grace Methodist church of Canada. The organ purchased for $118 was still in use in 1984. Baseboard heaters replaced the two wood burning stoves in 1964. Timers were finally added – no more Saturday nights to turn the heat on!
The hall was built by volunteer labour under the leadership of Joseph McLaughlin and dedicated in 1959, debt free. The porch was added sometime early ’60’s.
Although, a small rural church, it has been the most vital force in the community. The first church supper in 1959 saw 459 people attended at $1 a plate. In 2009, the last supper was held, with 226 people attending.
When the church closed in December 2009, the Presbytery allowed use of the church for special occasions; since then; seven funerals, three weddings, two baptisms and numerous birthday parties and baby showers have been held.
The Gospel Hall congregation has used the hall since 2012. Decoration services have taken place for the past 14 years.
On Sunday, June 10th for its special anniversary, the church was packed with former parishioners and friends. It wasn’t without the efforts of Barb McGonegal and Sheila Kenny who reminded all those still around about the occasion. Sixty or more phone calls resulted in 80 in attendance.
Before the service, Ms. McGonegal was at the pulpit reciting great memories and moments in the history of the church. She concluded by saying, “We have had this church open for 150 years and still no washroom.”
Rev. Margie Patterson conducted the service. Alan Lance played a lament on his fiddle: ‘Ashotan Farewell’ was a Scottish tune, written by a Jew and first played in the Bronx. Afterwards there was a celebration of ice cream and cake, which was made by Lucy Allard.
Joyce (Moore) Campbell, 90 and Earla (McLaughlin) England, 91, were the oldest parionshioners at the celebration.
Two other parishioners who will be 94 this year, but were not able to attend, are Dorothy McGregor and Enid Krushinske. The youngest member there was Alan Lance.
Rev. Patterson, who came to the Valley from the east coast with the intent of being only a grandmother, was discovered by a church in need. She became the minister of Greenwood and Westmeath churches 24 hours after the Perretton church closed in 2009. Rev. Patterson retires from the ministry in two weeks.
