Harlowe United's final service

Dec 08, 2011

Photo: Ministers Timothy Hayward and Judith Evenden lead the final service at the Harlowe United Church on December 3.

A “For Sale” sign posted outside its front doors reminded worshipers that the Harlowe United Church, which has served the community for 134 years, would be closing its doors for good as of Monday, Dec. 5.

Members of the congregation and community were invited to attend a moving and emotional service on Dec. 3 led by Rev. Judith Evenden, who was joined by chair of the Belleville Presbytery Rev. Timothy Hayward. Long-time church musicians Mary Ann Tryon and Elaine Douglas opened the service with the song “Come In, Come in and Sit Down”, a song that has been welcoming worshipers to the building for many years.

Rev. Evenden opened the service with the words, “We are here to give thanks to God for those who built, maintained, renovated and nurtured this place as a place of worship for so many years. We are here to remember, tell stories and sing songs of praise. We are here to pray in words and in silence that the rich memories of this place will never be forgotten. We are here to ask God’s continued blessing as this space transitions from a worship space to a place of new beginnings and new life in this community.”

Also included in the service was a history of the church written by Eileen Flieler, a long-time member of the congregation and archivist, with contributions by various members of the community.

Eileen related that the church was built originally as a Methodist Church in 1887 by various members of the community who were in need of a place of worship. Though the main carpenter remains unknown, Joel Thompson built the belfry and John Thompson built the pulpit and the sanctuary’s front railing. Others known to have helped with the construction were Silas Parks and Jake and Willie Miller. At the time of its construction, a drive shed was built to the west of the building to house horses and conveyances, and in 1905 Reverend Higg built a second shed that included an outdoor privy and second floor hall in which suppers, concerts, weddings and funerals were held over the years. Custodians over the years have been Hugh Mills, Louise Mills and Marie Whiteman.

When horses were no longer used for transportation, the sheds were torn down and the lumber exchanged with George Cuddy for land the church purchased for a new cemetery. The building’s original wood siding was covered with grey insulbrick and 25 years ago was covered with the white vinyl siding that remains today. Originally heated with wood, then by oil-fired space heaters, the church’s propane heater was installed in 1996. Its double doors were purchased with funds donated to the church in memory of Hugh Mills and Cassie Huffman in 1988. Church organists over the years have included Sadie Scott, Mrs. Wesley Good, Winnie Hill, and Lorna Seaman. In its early years the church had a large congregation and certain members, like the Garey and Loucks families, walked miles to attend services.

Following Eileen’s history, the Rev. Evenden invited those in attendance to share some of their memories of the church. Grace Kenny, who lives next door to the church, recalled coming to the church for choir practice. At one time the choir had 24 members; now there are 10 members in the three combined congregations. Another attendee recalled coming to the church for Good Friday service when it was a custom for the congregation to stand in a cross formation. Others recalled baptisms and marriages, some over 56 years ago.

The church will be sorely missed by members of the congregation. Rev. Evenden who has been ministering at the church since 2006, said she felt a bit overcome during the service. “There are so many good memories here but I felt that the overall feeling was one of celebration.”

The following poem by Eileen Flieler was read at the end of the service; it demonstrates the special memories that Harlowe United Church holds for many in the community.

The little church still stands erect Where it was built so long ago. A testament to our humble faith Where country breezes blow. Its roots are deep in pioneer soil. Well built with hands of old. It's filled our peoples’ spiritual needs Their praises to behold. Community folks for miles around Came to worship here Heard scriptures-sang the hymns And quietly bowed in prayer.From this place we now will move Though peace and faith remain We ask for God's guidance along our path That grace and hope will reign. May God bless this little church today As we bid our sad farewell. Let's look ahead to future years Where ties of friendship and love will dwell.