Special service celebrates 165 years at St. Paul's United in Harrowsmith

Oct 22, 2014

A special service on October 19 at St. Paul's United Church in Harrowsmith marked the 165th year that the church has been a gathering place of worship for the local community in and around Harrowsmith. Rev. Patsy Henry was joined by guest preacher, retired United Church minister Rev. Ian MacKay, in the special service that included songs of praise by the joint St. Paul's/Trinity United Church choir under the direction of music director Annabelle Twiddy. Rev. Ian MacKay, in his sermon titled “How Big is Our Church”, spoke of the 8580 Sunday services and sermons that have taken place at the church in its 165-year history, which he called “an altogether remarkable achievement.” He continued by addressing the congregation: “Your presence in this church building here in the centre of Harrowsmith continues to enrich community life and spiritual life and naturally I applaud you for that.”

Rev. MacKay in his final prayer thanked “all of those who in years past helped to establish this community and who had the vision to step forward to establish this church.” The service included a children's portion in which Sunday school teacher Marni Pedersen gathered with youngsters on the steps of the main sanctuary, and following the service, members of the congregation were invited to share a special meal in the community hall.

Rev. Patsy Henry, who has been the minister at the Harrowsmith-Verona Pastoral Charge for the last three years, said she felt it was “important to celebrate the contributions of the people that we did not know but who paved the way for our welfare, as well as looking ahead to caring for a community that will come long after us.”

With that in mind it was noted that many youngsters attended the special service and Rev. Henry said that the youngsters always bring “a certain kind of energy and joy to the celebrations”.