St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church celebrates annual anniversary and decoration service

The historic St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church overlooks the surrounding countryside north of Shakespeare. Families gathered Sunday for the annual anniversary and decoration service to honour generations of community members who came before them. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Generations of families gathered Sunday at historic St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, north of Shakespeare, for the church's annual anniversary and decoration service.

Although regular worship services ended more than 65 years ago, the small church on the hill at Bell's Corners continues to draw descendants of the area's early settlers and members of the community each year for the special service.

Located on the Second Concession of North Easthope Township, the red-brick church was built by Scottish pioneers in the early 1850s. It sits across the road from the former S.S. No. 2 Bell's School, a one-room schoolhouse that once served local families.

St. Andrew's held its final regular church service in 1960. The following year, ownership of the church was transferred to the St. Andrew's Cemetery Board, which has organized the annual anniversary and decoration service ever since.

Throughout its history, the church supported missionary work at home and abroad. Its Women's Missionary Society remained active until it disbanded in December 1997. The congregation also supported Bible Society initiatives and offered programs including Bible classes, Mission Band and young people's groups.

Funds raised through the annual service continue to support the upkeep and maintenance of the adjacent cemetery.

Cemetery board member Murray McTavish welcomed attendees and introduced guest speaker Bruce Whitmore, who delivered the service. Music was provided by organist Doug McTavish and soloist Jeff Skubowius.

The church pews were filled as members of the congregation gathered to honour family members and generations of community residents who came before them.

Many attendees commented on the condition of the historic church, praising the cemetery board and volunteers for maintaining both the interior and exterior of the building.

Under sunny skies and ideal weather conditions, the annual service once again provided an opportunity for families to reconnect with the history of the church and the community it has served for more than 170 years.

Those wishing to make a donation toward the upkeep of the cemetery may contact treasurer Darlene Robertson.