/

Foreward it is in keeping with the teaching of the Holy Bible that we should honor the hundreth anniversary of the congregations

which combined to give us the Alexander United Church. The Book of Leviticus tells us that every fifth year members of the ancient tribes gathered in order that they could be reminded of the glories of their heritage. As far as we could learn our

church heritage is recorded in this volume. All church members are indebted to the history committee for their collective efforts. Without stint they applied

themselves to their research. They studied the minutes, interviewed many of our senior members, even corresponded with members of the congregation who have since moved away.

Committee members are unanimous in their praise of the co-operation they found in their search for material. Individuals in the congregation were endlessly patient in supplying information , in confirming names and dates, in filling in the gaps in the myriad of undertakings in which a church becomes involved in the space of a hundred years. This book could not have been completed without either the committee members who were so determined, or congregation which was so

responsive. We lament the possibility that there may be elements missing from this record. If this occurs, it does so because. in a

busy century. it is only natural that some events should go unrecorded. If it is true that history is the record of human progress, then this slender volume is the record of one congrega tion, in

one community, in on century. We can only pray that it will serve those who follow us by telling them how we conducted our

affairs in our house of worship. Members of the Anniversary committee include:

lsabelle Bissett Rev. Brian Copeland

Jean Dane Madge Gamley Bea Goulsbra

Margaret lzzard Joyce MacKay

Georgina McEvoy Pat McManes (Secretary)

Hugh McManes Belly Rabe

Frank Rabe (Chairman) Olive Speers

Margaret Yeomans

Churches The town of Alexander (named after John Alexander

McDonald. Prime Minister of Canada 1878-1891) came into being about 1881. from an earlier start made 1 112 miles east. where Poultenay Siding had been located. A C.P.R. Station. water tank and section house, and a store had been completed at this point. Will Hoopera was the first C.P.R. agent. later moving the station just north of the tracks near the center of the village. The original station burned in 1928 when the burning Pool Elevator set it on fire. Rev. Wetherly, an Anglican Minister, operated the store and was Post Master at Poultenay.

The. first church services were held in the home of G. M. Yeomans. conducted by Mr. Thomas Lawson of Brandon. Some of the Pioneers associated with the early services were, McEwens. Gustins. Griersons. Griggs, Kerrs, Watts, Aitchesons. Yeomans. Howatts, Leitches, McKays. Speers, Hoopers and W alkers. The first school was situated south of the Railway. It was built by Jas. McEwen Sr. in 1885. The first teacher was Miss Way. a sister of ~rs. Wm. Broatch. The name Broatch was long associated with the religious life of the community. Miss Janie E. Walker was the first child born in Alexander. She was organist for many years in the Presbyterian and the United Churches. She was also Postmistress- succeeding her father, J.F. Walker · a Pioneer Postmaster. Mr. Walker also operated a small store in part of what is the present Post Office. he having bought the store from the first store-keeper, a Mr. Goodison.

The first Reeve was Sam Hannah, the present Reeve 1987 is Clarence K. Williamson.

Major Andrew McBride. veteran of the Riel Rebellion operated the first Telephone Central. at that time Ion~ distance only. The telephone office was in a frame buildin~ also used as a store and residence on the N. W. corner of Dumbarton Street and Second Avenue. This buildina was la ter removed and a cementblock building erected by ~D.A. Mcllquham in 1906. This housed a hardware store. a drug store and a bank, and still later a large general store. The building was damaged from a fire in 1958. and was finally torn down in 1961.

The Methodist Church was the first place of worship in Alexander. It was built by James McEwen. a pioneer. in 1886.

This Church is now the Masonic Hall, and of interest is the fact. it was not built on stone or cement foundation but on blocks of wood 2 feet by 2 feet placed at regular interva ls. When the members of the Masonic Lodge remodelled the structure around 1962, some of those blocks were in splendid condition after nearly 75 years. They were replaced by a cement foundation.

For many years Methodist Sunday School was at 2:00 p.m. followed by Church a t 3:00 p.m. Presbyterian Sunday School was at 11:00 a. m. and church at 7:00 p.m. Many attended a t least three services a day.

The early ministers had many long cold drives in winter with horse and cutter travelling to Griswold. Kemnay or Roseland. They were happy when they were invited into a farmer's place en route to have a meal and feed for their horses.

The former Presbyterian Church, now the United Church was built in 1887. The builder is unknown. An Annex with a spire was added in 1908. built by Mr. J ames Blair.

Church Union was being discussed throughout the country, but before it was passed elsewhere. Alexander Methodists and Presbyterians agreed to unite. In 1919 an Official Board Meeting to discuss Union had to be cancelled due to the Flu Epidemic. During this time over I 00 patients were ill in the Alexander School - which had been turned into a hospita l. Dr. Frank Purdie Sr. and his wile. a nurse from Griswold spent full time doctoring a nd nursing the sick.

The first organization meeting was held November 19, 1919. The first chairman was Rev. Dickson. Reverend Hyslop Dickson began his ministry in 1918, later serving the Uniting Congregations until 1921. Dr. Dickson and his wile gave unstintingly of themselves during the Flu period. .

During his ministry the church board joined with the community in welcoming the returned soldiers from the World W ar of 1914-1918.

The first session of the United Church of Alexander consisted of Thos. Young. A.H. Speers. H.E. Jackson. Ed. Grierson. and J ames Drummond. Clerk was Oliver Dunn.

The first Stewards were J .A. McGee. C.S. Touchburn, T.M. Drummond , J.C. Lundy, Neil McEwen, Thos. McGee. M.O. McKay, L.W. Skinner and D.A. Yeomans.

The first na mes submitted for membersh ip were Misses Grace Wiggens, Annie Critchley, May McKay, Jean Jackson, Joan Jackson, Evelyn Clark, Helena Gauld , Edith Gauld, Beatrice Bowman, Janie Hill , Mr. Warren Bowman and Mr. G. Oliver Dunn.

lt was agreed to hold communion three times a year. For several years the minister and a Session member visi ted the homes of Church members who were unable to at tend church. and held communion with them.

The church, a t first was the main part with a porch and the doors right in the middle with wooden steps down to the street level. A Iter Union B.W. Aitcheson tendered $2.557.00 to put a full sized basement under the church. The heating system was improved as well to the tota l cost of $3,000.00. The W.A. paid most of the cost a t the rate of a bout $300.00 per year. final payment in 1935. at which time Mrs. Tray Blair (President) and Mrs. Thos. Lundy burned the note at the Congregationa l Meeting. It is worth n.oting the financing was

First Presbyterian Church - 1887

Presbyterian Church, Alexander. Manitoba 1908

done during the depression years. A history of the Uniting Congregations was written m

1925 by Miss Walker a nd Miss Aitcheson. but it has been lost.

In 1936 a motion was passed to install electric it v. but finances were low at the time so it was dropped. Lat~r that year the Alexander Sports Committee took care of the cost of

installing the lighting. The 50th Anniversary was held October 8. 1939 while

Rev. G.A. Dyker was the minister. T he following is a reprint

of a newspaper clipping regardin g the 50th Anniversa ry; " Th e Fiftieth Anniversary of the opening of the form e r Presbyterian church. th e building now used by th e United Church. was he ld Sunday , October 8. 1939 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00p.m. (2 years later than it shou ld ha ve been ). Rev. G.A. Dyher conducted the Services and Dr. Doyle o f Bran don was the gues t speaker. The Juni or C hoir with K e ith Blair as organist. provided the music in the morning and Mrs. S.l. Speers as organ ist for the evenin!/."

At the Annual Meeting in 1955 it was agreed to have part of the church steeple removed on account of the upper section deteriorating. This work was done by volunt eers and over seen by Norman Fisher, a local carpenter. In 1959 th e interior of the basement was greatly improved, when the walls were finished with Oak Grain hardboard. a nd new tile installed on the ceilin g. This work was a lso done by Norma n Fisher. It ceased to be called the basement. and now spoken of a s the 'lower auditorium'. The followin g year new main entrance doors were added , and the whole church received a

new paint job. -United Church wi th new basem ent 1925-26

Alexander United Church Alexander, Manitoba

Minister: Intern Minister: Official Board:

Chairperson: Vice Chairperson: Past Chairperson: Secretary: Treasurer:

Business Administration Committee:

Christian Education Committee:

Outreach Committee: Pastoral Care Committee Property Committee:

Worship Committee:

Board of Trustees:

Presbytery Delegate: U.C.W. President: Mission and Service Secretary: . Nominating Committee:

Organists: Caretaker:

1987 Rev. Brian W. Copeland Mrs. Rose Ward

Frank Rabe Margaret Speers Margaret Yeomans Florence Wotton Olive Speers

Olive Speers Ralph Carvey

Vi James , Margaret Yeomans, Carol McManes

Bev Carvey lsabelle Bissett, Margaret Skinner Me! MacKay, Gordon Gau ld,

Dan Speers Jean Dane , Joyce MacKay.

Margaret lzzard , Betty Rabe Olive Speers. Albert McEvoy

Don McKay

Doris Rabe Judy Watt Pat McManes . Betty Rabe .

Margaret Speers Joyce MacKay. Georgina McEvoy Marla Ponscak

Through thf' ypars thf' timf' of church Services h<tVt'

\·cmed. At on<' time services were held twice a dav. Sunday School at 11:00 a.m. and Church service at 7:00 p.m. I~ 19SH 11 was decided to hold a morning church service only and 1t has continued intermittently since.

Over the years women's groups have given generously of the1r time and talents to promote the functioning of the church. History was made in 1962 when Mrs. W.A. Gamley '' c1s mducted as the first lady to act as a member of the SessiOn.

Also m 1962 the church celebrated its 75th Anniversary. This took the form of a Church Service at 11:00 a. m .. June 17th having Rev. Carlyle Parker, a former mm1sler. giving the Sermon. Speakers were set up in the auditorium for the capacity congregation. A Smorgasbord dmner followed the service on the church lawn, where visitors and Alexander people remenisced for the afternoon. The guest book showed over 300 names had been signed that dav.

In the fall of 1965 it was agreed to install two oil heating furnaces, one to heat the main body of the church, and one to heat the auditorium. These were installed by Cornell Bros. Heating and Plumbing of Brandon, and are still in use.

After the furnaces were installed, volunteers agreed to put down plywood on the church floor and cover it with tile. The men also placed the pews in place, which were a gift from Rrockies Funeral Home.

In 1968 a student minister, Jack White, was in charge for one year and lived in the Manse. In 1969 Gary Montgomery served as lay supply for 6 months and also lived in the Manse.

It became difficult to support a full time minister, and after several meetings with committees from Trinity United, and Alexander. arrangements were made where the minister from Trinity United could serve both congregations. It was dgreed in 1972 Alexander contribute 20% of the total cost of Trinity budget, and to be made in ten equal payments. This agreement has varied somewhat since the first arrangement. Alexander covers their own cost of supplies; clerk/typist and matters are reviewed each year. The first service for the above was conducted with Rev. Art Lucy as minister. Rev. Dave Wilson was appointed in 1975 as a pari lime assistant al Trinity, also coming lo Alexander. ·

It was agreed in 1976 la change the structure of the board from Session and Stewards to executive and committees, thus involving more people in the work of the church. The following year the new structure was working and is continuing quite satisfactorily.

For a number of years White Gift Services were held, the money going to Home Missions and the Children's Aid. Later it was moved that we sponsor a needy child in some country with the White Gift money. This is sti ll continued and at present we are helping to support a boy in Brazil.

During the years many improvements have been made in the Church. Kitchen cupboards were built in the kitchen by Mr. Wm. Gamley. In later years several shelves and more cupboards were added by Mr. All Gamley, who also did repair work where needed.

The three church Pulpit Chairs were recovered with red plush by Laverne Roman, with Thanks for this to Mr. A.D. Blair. An Oak table was made for the front of the church, paid

for by the Sunday School. An eled ric organ was installed in I9S7 and more about this later.

In 1980 the Church was reshingled with interlocking shingles by T urton Shingling Co., Brandon a t a cost of $2800. They also set up a new Selkirk chimney for $1200. The same year new eavestroughs were added. costing $490. New carpet was laid in the aisles, pulpit and entrance of the church costing $674.

At different times new chairs were purchased for the auditorium, new tables were made · some I 0 ft. ones and some 8 ft. ones, by volunteers under the guidance of Mr. All Gamley. In the spring of 1986 four more tables, made by Ken James . to make up for the four which are missing. The material for these tables was piad for by the U.C.W. who also did the finishing of them.

The Church's exterior was painted during ihe summer of 1982 by the Professional Painters through the Brandon University at a cost of $24 7 4. The interior was papered in 1983 by Rick Taggert for $1887. The U.C.W. paid$ 1000. towards this. The same year ceiling fans were installed in the church proper.

In the summer of 1984 a special Walk-a-than was held May 5, proceeds amounting to $2323. and going to church improvements. A cement cistern was installed with water being piped into the kitchen area. A double sink, taps, hot water tank and pressure system were set up by Don Skinner · then in 1986 completion of water works with flush toilet and hot and cold running water at a cost of $2237.

During Rev. G.A. Colpitis ministry, his daughter (Patricia) was at the well to pump a pail of water, while standing on the platform the board gave away and she fell into the well. Enough water for her to drown but she hung on to sort of a la nding and was decidedly uncomfortable. It was serious enough for a period of time as she could not make anyone hear her cries fa help. Eventually someone came a nd rallied her parents and the townspeople who removed her from the well. After a few anxious days she recovered.

Another time the minister Rev. Robinson was assisting a volunteer group to shingle part of the roof of the manse. when he fell backwards off the roof. He fell on a fair-sized stone injuring his back very badly. He was in a heavy cast for several months and unable to carry on any duties. During these months of convalescing the church services we;e conducted by Rev. Bill from Griswold, the W.M.S. and the Session.

Through the years to help finances Fowl Suppers were held in the fall. Recently walk-a-thons have taken place. Auction sales on the lawn with All Poole and Gene Parks giving freely of their lime and talents . The results of all ventures have been most gratifying.

Bible studies have been held periodically under the Minister's leadership. Special Events took place with special music and special speakers · Rev. Jack McLaughlan. Mr. Roberl Bend and Judge Rodney Mykle.

During the years the people of the church have had ups and downs, sometimes wondering if the finances will meet the demands, but the records show they have always managed very well a t the end of the yea ·s.

luch;e nol thu friend until thm1 stondt'sl in his (Jiace . -Rohhi Hil/d

Page 5

Ill _i .. , ~· --

,.- .. ~....:. United Church 1982

Methodist Ministers Student-Thomas Lawson Rev. John Peters Student-R. Avison Rev. G.K. Adams Rev. A.W. Ross Rev. W.W. Colpitis Rev. J.C. Walker Rev. J.C. Walker Rev. T. Lawson No Name Rev. Wm. Somerville Rev. Robson Rev. H.A. Ireland Rev. Sing Rev. W.B. Ambrose Rev. W.E. Egan Rev. J.W. Ridd

1881 1883 1883-86 1886-88 1888-92 1892-93 1893 1893 about 1896 1899-1902 1902-05 1905-08 1908-11 1911 1911-14 1914-17 1917-19

Presbyterian Ministers Rev. Hadnott Rev. J.H. Cameron Dr. James Robertson Rev. George Lockhart Rev. C. McDairmid Rev. J ohn Calder Rev. Wm. Fee Rev. George Lockhart Rev. H yslop Dickson

1881 1881 1891 1891-95 1895-98 1898-1902 1902-06 1907-17 1918-2 1

Ministers Since Union 1 919 Rev. Hyslop Dickson 1919-21

Rev. J.F. Ca\dwe\1 1921-25

Rev. H. T. Reynolds 1925-30

Rev. W.A. McKim Young 1930-34

Rev. J. Carlyle Parker 1934-38

Rev. G.A. Dyker 1938-43

Rev. G.A. Colpitts 1943-48

Rev. S. H. Brown 1948-50

Rev. A. R. Robinson 1950-54

Rev. W.R. Donogh 1954-62

Rev. Carol Roberts 1962-67

Student . Jack White \967 -68

Student-Gary Montgomery July-Dec.,

Rev. Murray Lake 1969-70

Rev. Art l.ucy 1970-77

Rev . D. Wilson (Ass'!) 1975-77

Rev. \an Harvey 1977-83

Rf:'v. Rrian Copeland 1983-87

1968

An Honor Roll hangs in the church, bearing the names of those who served our country in World War/1914 to 1918, and World War 11 1939- 1945.

Roll of Honor - W or Id War l Alexander Presbyterian Church

Andrew McBride Arthur Sidda\1 AI an Y eomans Waiter Church Edward F eatherstone Frank E. Fenwick Dr. A.C. Armstrong Byron W. Broatch Henry Speers George Y eomans Cecil Young (Killed in Action)

John Grieve Kellett Corris R. Chapman

(Killed in Action)

John Robinson N.P. Williams Charles Cooper (Killed in Action)

Thomas Humphrey (Prisoner of War)

Oswald McKay William J. Drummond Alien Ogilvie

Troy Blair Ace\ Hennessy Wesley Green (Killed in Action)

Robert Rabe William Chapman Cordon Haig Harry Sibbald Lewis Sibbald Alexander Gerrard Dr. John H. Conklin Donald Fee John Fee Percy Fen wick

Emil Williamson Elmer Williamson B.W. Aitcheson Clive Haig

James Clark Clarence Richardson

Ill " • I

•'

United Church 19R3

Pa!..!('6

For King and Country Members of

Alexander United Church and Community - with

Canadian Fighting Forces World War 11

A.A. Anderson Mike Beil James Bell Ke~th D. Blair Harrv Blair Regi~ald S. Bray • Wm Broadbenl C. Butterfield F red Chiesche • Ernest Curtis Winston Curtis Millar Drummond Allan Dyker • Cordon R. Dyker Hedley R. Dyker Lance Fields Wellington Fields John Frieson Lloyd Camley Arthur Haig Ernest Harkness George Harkness Harold Harkness Lorne Harkness Wm Harkness Jack Hill Leland Humphreys Roberl M. Johnslon James A. Kerr George Kroeker

"' . Died m Acllve Service

Joseph Wright David Y eomans Alfred Wm Camley Colin Lewis Earl White Leslie McKinnon John A. Ryans Alton Williamson Cordon Piper Albert Quadrelli Robert J. Roberts Jack Magee LAC Alien Pomeroy LAC Andrew Pomeroy T. W ebb Oliver Lovegrove

Corneluis Kroeker Harold Locke D.E. Lodwick Roy Logan Clarence Lovegrove Cordon Lowe Frank Lundy Neil McKinnon Charles Madder Frank Madder Cecil Magee Douglas Magee Jack Manson James Manson Alberl Maskell John Mosiuk Frank McManes Kenneth Mosson Jack Parks William Rabe William Roberls David Ross Joseph Schmidt Ceorge Smith Thomas Smith Willard L. V arney Stanley Weallens James Williams Emil Williamson Elmer Williamson

Lilian Blair Alita Cheasley Ceorgella Cheasley Alice Haig Dorothy Custin Margarel Peal Bella Ross Jean Ross Phyllis A. Ayres lsabel Habok Lorrine Gustin lrene Habok Barbara W alsh Marjorie Jackson William W a Ish Myron Magee

1919 - First Session Members: Oliver Dunn (clerk) M.O. McKay Rev. Frederick Letts D.D. A.D. Blair Neil McEwen L. W. Skinner R.C. Bissett M.A. Donogh Mrs. W.A. Camley Mr. Herb MacKay Mrs. Margarel Yeomans 197 4

lssac Skinner C has. Durranl J.C. Lundy Thos. Curlis Alex Rabe Oswald McKay M.J. McManes W.A. Rabe F.C. McManes Lloyd Camley

Secretaries of Alexander Church J.M. Prowse D.A. Yeomans W.A. Walker Alberl Rabe Roy Blair Bill Owens

C.S. T ouchburn John McFadyen L.W. Skinner Rev. F. Letts Alberl Rabe Don Rabe

Melvin McManes Mrs. Karen McKay Jim Klywak

Mrs. Florence Wotton Mrs. lrene Owens

Mrs. Florence Wotton

Rehcwe tou•ard ever_t/ one (JS if receil,ing a greot guest. -Confucius

Thank God for Little Things

Thonh you. (;od. for little things

that often come our U'au­The thinRs U'e tahe fo r !franted

hut don't m ention tchen we (>rau­The unexpected courte!'.tJ,

the thouf!hluf. hindly deed­A hand reached Ot.lf to hef(> us

in the time of sudden need­Oh. mahe us more awmc. dear God.

of fittfe dnifu waccs That come to us tt1ith "sweet surprise"

from netlcr-dreamed-of places.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits

Do it that tl(''!l moment .' Don't fwt if off · don't U'nit There's no use in doin~ (I hindness If uou do it a day ton fate!

Pege 7

Psalms 6R: 19

Rev. B. Cope/and

1 S YounL? People Joined Church /9RS Hod.• Rou ·: D(Jnt 'in ChewdetJ. Ron Rohe. Ron Comll'l/. l?ond!/ Speer~. Re!! Speer~. Sn1// Wolf. Middle Note: Rod McKm1. Cnwleo Cheo~lcr1 . . ~herri Sp"e'"· Front Rou·: f?o/,/Jiclomes./ .. (Jnd / .. Stwcr". \\'aiHic!l::md. De/) Rnhe. Rlwrl(/a Ri,~e/1

Ministers Rev. Hyslop Dickson 1918-21

Rev. Dickson was the Presbyterian minister when the Methodists and Presbyterian churches in Alexander united to form the Union church and remained as minsiter of the Union L'ongrt>gation. During the Flu epidemic Mr Dickson, who did not catch the Flu, was able to give great assistance to others. At harvest time Mr. Dickson could be found out in the fields helping local farmers. The Dicksons went to Portage from Alexander. later moving to Vancouver, B.C.

Rev. J.F. Caldwell 1921-25 Rev. Caldwell's ministry concluded the Union Church

part of our history as the United Church came into being the year he left. Mr Caldwell is remembered for his quiet and ellective ministry. Mrs Caldwell helped organize the first C.G.I.T. group in 1922. While in Alexander, tragedy struck the Caldwelllamily, their infant daughter Anna died. Some of the C.G.I.T. girls acted as pall bearers and Anna is buried in the Yeomans' family plot in Alexander cemetary.

Rev. H.T. Reynolds 1925-30 Rev. Reynolds came to Alexander from Rapid City

becoming our first United Church minister. Mr Reynolds spent many hours visiting in the community and working very hard I or this congregation. The second church orchestra was conducted by Mr Reynolds. Mr Austin Blair has in his possession a book written by Rev Reynolds entitled "The Unquenchable Flax".

Rev. W.A. McKim Young 1930-34 Rev. McKim Young is remembered as a line man and for his love of sports and his imposing height (6'4"). Rev. Young enjoyed curling and could be found in the summer time playing soft ball or acting as umpire for the ball games.

Rev. J. Carlyle Parker 1934-38 Rev and Mrs Parker, having no children of their own,

opened both their hearts and their home to the children and young people of the community. Mrs Parker was a C.G.I.T. leader. Mr Parker had a lively gaup of Trail Rangers which included boys from the Anglican church. At Brandon fair time the Parkers filled their car with children and treated them to a day at the fair. One year Mr Parker taught Grade XII English in his home. At harvest time Mr. Parker enjoyed helping out on local farms. Rev Parker served churches in Lyleton, Cartwright, Alexander, Sperling, Flin Flan, Roblin. Shoal, Rapid City, and Central (Brandon). Rev Parker retired in Brandon where he died.

Rev. G.A. Dyker 1938-43 Rev. Dyker is remem-bered as a very popu­lar minister in Alexander. The 50th anniversary of Alexander United Church was held in 1939 (2 years late. we do not know why) with Mr. Dyker taking the service and Dr. Doyle of Brandon as guest speaker. Mrs. Dyker organ for taught a Sunday School Class and was a C.G.I.T. leader. The Dykers moved to Holland from Alexander, retirin" to Winnipeg in 194S. where one year later Mr. Dyker di~d.

Page 9

Rev. G.A. Colpitis 1943-48 Rev. Colpitis. was very interested in the people of the community. both as the minister of our church and as the Brandon Sun correspondent for the village and district. This interest in people coupled with a good sense of humour · Is a very good visitor. One Anglican family remembers the comfort Mr. Colpitis visits brought following their bereavement. Mrs. Colpitis was a C.G.I.T. lead~r. The C olpitls left Alexander for a congregation in Carberry and here Mr. Colpitis eventually retired. In 1953 he again resumed his writing for the Brandon Sun till ill health forced his retirement from writing. Mr. Colpitis died in I 965 at the age of 85.

Rev. S.H. Brown 1948-50

11 Rev. Brown IS

remembered for his popular Sunday School class of young people. Mrs. Brown was a C.G.I.T. leader. a Messenger leader and played the organ for Sunday School. The Browns enjoyed the social life of the community such as curling, dances and evenings of bridge. Mr. Brown moved to

K~nton from Alexander. retiring to Ham iota where they still reside during the summer with wintes spent in the south.

Rev. A.R. Robinson 1950-54 Mr Robinson was very interested in the community as a

whole, starting the Community Carol services which continue to this day. Rev. Robinson is credited with bringing Roseland back into the pastoral charge with Alexander and Kemnay. Mrs Robinson, continuing the practise of other ministers wives of being involved with midweek groups, was a Messenger leader.

Rev. W.R. Donogh 1954-62 Rev. Donogh

came to us from Hartney. For Mr. Oonogh it must have seemed a bit like coming home as he was born .and raised not many miles away in the Griswold area. Mrs. Donogh rendered faithful service as Church Choir leader, -""'-----' Junior Choir leader and organist in t Sunday r Donogh organized a Cub Pack. Mr Donogh's love of history and sense of humour are well remembered. The Donoghs retired to Brandon in 1962 where Mr. Donogh was assistant minister at St. Pauls. Mr. Donogh died in 1968 and Mrs. Donogh one year later.

Rev. Carol B. Roberts 1962-67

Rev. Carol Roberts was ordained in 1958 and was appointed to the Lauder charge. Since she has served charges at Alexander. Oak Lake. Brookdale (later a part of the Neepawa Area Larger Parish). Pierson. Strathclair and this summer is moving to Miami. The three point charge here kept Mrs. Roberts very busy. Visiting was a priority

and her car put on many miles accomplishing this. Mrs. Roberts also found time to be a Messenger leader and her husband Herb founded a Tyro group for boys.

Mrs. Roberts accomplished a first for Alexander. our minister had a baby. (the Roberts fourth) a sweet little girl named Marcia. Despite the demands of motherhood Mrs. Roberts maintained the very full schedule of all lull time ministers. Mrs. Roberts has written a book about her years in the ministry entitled "Mrs. Minister".

Jack White 1967-68 (student) Jack White is remembered as a good speaker and a

good story teller. After leaving Alexander Jack White became an ordained minister. serving at Neepawa for many yeors and is currently at a church in Thunder Bay. Ontario.

Gary Montgomery. student July - December 1968 Car\''~ sta\' ,,jth us was not long. One item that comes to

m md of .lm lim-e in Alexander 1s thi~: the U.C. W. decided to lwlp out thts badwlor student minsiter by organiLing a huge pdlllt \ shm, t'r. Tlw ladtt>s were thanked fromlhc pul1;11. anci a ran• rcne\\' was given a jcu of carrot marmalade. I he second Sunda1 Gary asked the person who had contributed the c t~rrnt m<~rmali1dt• if they could please give him the receipe as ht· h.:~ cl many requests for it. The receipe was forthcoming and lhl' tlmd Sunday everyone had an opportunity to copy it d(HHl. I still have mine!

Rev. Murray Lake 1969-70

Rev. Murray Lake served at Alexander in the interum betv.·een our student ministers and jommg forces with Trinity. Mr. Lake was hired by the Sundav for the service but mcmagt~d m time after church to giv(' us advice and guidance. A

number of young people joined the church that year, having taken confirmation classes from Mr. Lake in his home in Brandon. Mr. Lake still lives in Brandon.

Rev. D. S. Wilson 1975-78 Rev D.S. Wilson was assistant minister at Trinity. While

we at Alexander did not see a lot of Dave Wilson, his children's stories during the service delighted children and adults alike. He was our guest speaker at our 99th anmversary service.

Rev. I.J. Harvey (1977-83) In June ofl977 Rev. !an Harvey was ca lled to Trinity

Alexander from St Catherines, Ontario. Mr Harvey regularly v1sited the sick and shut-ins and was a great comfort to the bereaved. A profound belief in World Development and Relief prompted Mr Harvey to have a "Mission Moment" as part of each Sunday's service. Mr Harvey's love of theology and discussion made Bible studies with him a real learn ing experience. Sadly, Mr Harvey did not have long to enjoy his retirement in 1983. as following a short illness he died in 1985.

Rev. A. R. Lucy 1970-77

'" j,.., .. ,., ,,'1rJ.. 1970 Rev Art Lu<y. • \~\ 1 ,., who h<~d tome to\.~ Tnmty the prev10us ~

September. began what f!'l :1 has become our long _,."""' and happy association with Trinity United Church. H""'don. Mr. Lucy was keenly interested in the youth of the congregation starting a Young Peopl es Group and under his guidance the "Adopt a Child" program was begun. Mr. Lucy did a lot of counselling with Alcholics Anonymous and was very active in the courts of the church. While Mr. Lucy was with us the Church Board was restructured and working smoothly when he left to go to a church in Nanaimo. B.C. He is returning to Alexander on June 28 to be guest spea!<er for our I OOth Anniversary celebrations. Presently Mr. Lucy is at Collingwood United Church in Vancouver, B.C.

Rev. Brian Copeland 1983-87

Rev. Brian Copeland came to Trinity Alexander from LaRange. Saskatchewan. Brian has been expecia lly good at communicating with all ages and non e better than the children. Children of all ages will long remember his wonderful children stories. Brian has brought much comfort to those suffering from illness or bereavement with his thoughtful and kindly visits. The com;,ittees of the Church Board have found Brian very heipful.

especially the Christian Education committee where his help resulted in a renewed Sunday School. This fall Brian is leaving to return to University for further training. lt has been a tradition in our church that we have a aatherina and a special cake for anyone leaving. Brian has alwa~'S w~ndered if he will gel a cake when he leaves. Well. co me August. 1987 Brian will get his cake! Ji. ... ,4 w ,

-'~'\ ~. ~ <

Pagt· 11

Women's Groups

Standing Left to Right: Mrs. Joe Magee, Mrs. A. Nichol, Mrs. Albert Rabe, Mrs. Oswald McKay, Mrs. Percy fenwick, Mrs. Dick Dunn, Mrs. frank Stanley, Mrs. Carruthers, Mrs. All Magee, Mrs. Tom Curtis, Mrs. Leslie Skinner, Mrs. Will Morris with Little One. Mr. Will Morris, Mrs. Will Jackson. Mrs. Tom Smith. and Mrs. Alan Yeomans with fred. Seated Left to Right: Mrs. H.T. Reynolds with baby, Mrs. Acey McEvoy with Albert and unknown.

It is not known when the women's groups for the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches began. it seems likely they began when each church had a buildling to look after. The earliest record book we have is the Presbyterian Ladies Aid minute book of 1913, although it is evident from the minutes the Ladies Aid had been in existence for some time. Nothing is known of the Methodist Women until Union in 1919. This leaves a possible I 0 to 30 years of the womens early work in our church unaccounted for. from 1919 to the present the records are almost complete.

The Presbyterian minute books (1913-18) are delightful reading, a little short on material for a history (names, dates, annual meetings) but full of warm, wonderfully human stories which made the women come alive on the pages. for example: "August 6, 1913- The vote for Vice-President was a tie between Mrs. W . lackson and Mrs. McLeod (4-4). The President, Mrs. Speers, was ca lled on to cast the vote breaking ballot which she did in favour of Mrs. lackson as Mrs. McLeod would not lend her frying pan."

In 1919 when the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches formed the Union Church the two Womens' Auxiliaries united to become "The Womens Union Auxiliary of the United Church of Alexander". The purpose of theW A as it was commonly called was sta ted in Article I of the Constitution as follows. "The object of this Society shall be to a id the church work by advancing its material, social. spiritual and missionary interests". Article 8 provides the format of the meetings, "The first part of each meeting is to be devotional. the business part next to be followed by a Missionary and

Six years later when church union occurred on a national scale the Womens Missionary Society was established . The W.M.S. gave a focus to the missionary efforts of the W A. While in theory they were two separate organizations the meetings were joint a ffairs with the WMS having the first part with the devotional. the business (W A ) last of a ll. The minutes were all recorded as one meeting. Most women had memberships in both WMS and W A although it was not a requirement. Visiting missionaries came to speak from time to time. When a speaker was not available a local member would often give a paper on some aspect of mission work. The Mid-week youth groups were an important part of the work of WMS. Material for the youth groups came from National Office and the local WMS found the leaders. The groups consisted of. Baby Band- preschool children, Mission Band, children age 6-11 years. The CGIT re-affiliated with the WMS each year and for local purposes was nurtured by the WMS in the same manner as Baby Band and Mission Band. Boxes of used clothing, quilts and Christmas gifts were packed and sent to Mission Churches in the north . A monthlv magazine "The Missionary Monthly" came to all member~. The local WMS was assessed an allocation which if not reached through monthly offerings was made up from the WA funds. The W .M.S. had their own secretary. treasurer who was the contact person for the national W.M.S. and a lso collected membership fees and kept a record of members.

devotional part".

This structure lasted until 1962 when the United Church Women came into being. The United Church Women (U.C.W.) is an amalgamation of the former W.A. and vy.M .S. In 19fi 1 Alexander women met with the women

Page t 2

Le ft to Right Front Row: unlmown. Ev Parks. lsahe lle Bissett. Ceor~ie She/ton. Evo Cheavins. Jean l achson. unlmoum. F.dith Poofe. lola MacKay 2nd Row: Emily Hensley, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Robinson, Reba McManes, Mrs. Pi/ling, Mrs. Robe. Ne/lie Hill. May Grie rson. Bertha Hill, Mrs. Locl?e, unlmown 3rd Row: Mrs. Mc£wen, unknown, unlmown, Grace Goading, unknown, Mrs. Amos, unknown, Mrs. Roy Clarh 4th Row (upper right corner): 5th Row: Mrs McKay, Mrs. A. Yeomans, 2 unknown, Mrs. lacb on

A. W.M.S. Rally at St. Davids (Oah Lahe) 1950's includinR the followin R ladies from Alexander

from Kt~mnay and Roseland to lt•arn about the rPorgani.tation. The transition seems to have gone smoothly enouQh and in Januarv of 1962 the U.C.W. held the first mt~etinQ. This struclur~ remains todav.

Ti1e 25th anniversary of U.C.W~ was celebrated in the spring of 1987 with a service followed by a tea for the local women and women from the surrounding districts.

h First President of the U.C. W. - Mrs (A/an) Frances Yeomans

Pouring tea - Mrs. (W.) Flora Thompson

;\/.t;;o Pourin(f tea

Perhaps the U.C. W. did not emphasize mission as much as the W.M.S. had done but Mission boxes were st ill packed and Mission and Service allocation remained a yearly commitlmenl. The local aspects did not change much. U.C.W. youth group work continued until the restructuring ( 1976) of the Official Board of the Church brought it under the Church Boards wing.

Methodist Ladies Aid Presbyterian Ladies Aid

1919 The Womens Union Auxiliary of the United Church of Alexander

1925 Womens Auxiliary and Womens Missionary Society

1962 United Church Women

F ram the early days to the present the womens group was subdivided into sma ller working units called Circles. The purpose of the Circles was social and money making. Usually the Circles met once a month and all Circle members were encouraged to attend the general meetings as well. In 1926 there were six Circles, today there is one.

Over the years the women have had many ingenious ways of making money. There were and are very few of these projects that did not involve a lot of work but the fun and fellowship helped make up for the hard work. One of the biggest money makers was the Fowl Supper which was for many years an annual event. The minutes do not record the number of people served but judging from this 1949 menu it was hundreds: 140 chichens: 140 pies: 40 pots of potatoes: 56 dozen buns: 40 jellies: 56 salads: 12 lhs. butter: 12 qts. cream; 8 lbs. sugar; Bibs. tea; 16/bs. coffee. Proceeds af this supper were $495.45 .

When Mcllquham's Hall was m ex istence (Mcl lquham's Hall was the second story of a large store which was located where the Municipal Office now stands) the suppers were held there, later in the church basement. Extra stoves had to be brought in along with dishes and of course the food. In 1933 the supper admission price was 50~ for adults, 25~ for 6-12 years with the doorkeeper to use his discretion in regard to large families. Tea and coffee were made in large copper boilers, the water for this and doing dishes was carried in by the pailful from a nearby well. If any food was left over a meal was served the following day at noon.

Serving meals and lunches at the rink during Bonspiels was another way of making money. 1953 price list for the rink was: Dinners and Suppers. 75q: Sandtl'iches. IS<": Tea or Coffee. JOq: Pie. JOq: Pie and Ice Cream .IS<". Serving full course meals in the small space at the rink was no mea~ feat 1

Teas and Socials (Strawberry Socials on the lawn for example) were held quite frequently through the years. In the 1960's a cookbook was produced. Lunch was served at many local auction sales and one vear the U.C.W. had an auction sale of tht.>ir own. Talent ~1onev. birthdav mone\'. travt.>lling teas. travelling aprons. Mite ho~es. doniltions. du~·s and off(·rings c:1ll helped the causP.

Much of the Pastoral Carp of our church has lwPn dmw hv lhP women. Flowers are sent to thost• in hospit ;JI. The

Pt~ct· 11

ddt>rh .md shut-in:-; ilrt' n ·nwml>t'rt'd bv c<Jrd:-; <md \·isits on the1r .hlrthd<~y:o; ami with Chnstma:-; Chee-r. l.ap roht:>:o; and

:-;hpJwr:-; ha\'t' ht>t'n kmt for nursing hnnws in Brandon.

Through tlw !'t'<lrs quilts lwve been madt:• by the ladies of the

church for \ '<trious M1ssion prowcts. Tht' W estman Womens Shelt t>r rt' ct'lvt>d mtm~· household items and cash donations in

recent ! 't'<lrs .

Old Fashioned Social Tea Circa 1928

Front Rmc: Mrs. J.H. Hensley, Mrs. Les/ie Shinner, Mrs . J. Blair with Alhert McF.c>oy. Mrs. Wm. Doufi/as. Mrs. 1. Morden. Mrs. L. Bray. Mrs. Troy Blair, Mrs. 1. lelfrey. 2nd Ro~t•: Mrs. 0. McKay. Mrs . C. Lundy. Mrs. Pahe 3rd Rote: Mrs. loe Magee. Mrs. All Magee. Unlmown Top Rote: Mrs. Hugh Lundy, Mrs. F.hhorn

Same Socicd: Mrs. Connie Bray. Mrs. Oinah Kerr, Mrs. Florrye l ellrey

In the early 'SO's the women organized an I nlerdenominalional Community Carol Service on Christmas Sunday in the Community I-I al l. These have always been well allended. affording the opportunity la exchange Christmas greetin[(S with neighbours and those home for the ho lidays. This unique tradition continues today.

The World Day of Prayer, the first Friday in March, continues to be observed by holding a joint service for women of a ll faiths.

The U.C.W. conducts an a nnual canvass of the community for the Canadian National Institute of the Blind.

The women of the Church have a lways worked hard la maintain the church building a nd the manse before it was sold . Listed below are a few examples of what the women have been able la do. -Paid for a furnace in 1914. -I 915 had the small stained glass windows installed. -For many years paid off the "note" (money borrowed) of the church board. -Manse. paid for maintenance and minor repairs, bought furniture and pa id the telephone bill. -Bought the present Hammond organ -1926 helped put in the basement. The W .A. paid a large part of this at $300.00 per year. the debt being discharged in 1935. -Paid $963.53 toward the renovation of the basement walls and ceiling in 1960. -Hired and paid for the caretaker. organists. lawnmowers. a nd back in the early years the organ pumper. -Bought chairs . tables and all kitchen equipment. A typical example of working with church board appears in the minutes of the W.A. March 30. 1950: The matter of the sliding doors was brought up. The m en had Mr. Fisher looh at the doors and he reported that new trachs and flanges were needed and that he would have to tahe off some plaster to remove old traci?S. The m en had done nothing more as they were broke. but if the ladies would pay the bill they would see the work was done. Mrs. Curt is moved that we get Mr. Fisher to fix the doors and Mrs. Cowan seconded the motion. Carried."

The women of Alexander C hurch have. through all the years. worked mightily for their church a nd for the wider work of the church in the world. W e owe them much.

Make This Your Daily Prayer

Rless m e. heat1enh1 Father. for[!illl' m!J errinf_! u•ays

Grant me strenf!lh to sewe Tl1ee. (mt fmr(mse in mu daus ...

C iPe me understandin!! enou f!h to. m a he me hind

So I may _itu/f!e all peo(>le u•ith my heart and not mu mind ..

And teach me In he (">atient in erJery thin f! I do.

Content to trust Your tcisdom and follntl' after You ..

And he l(> me u•hen I falt er ond hear me tchen I (>ray

And recl'it'l! me in Thy KinJ_!dom to du'e ff u•it/1 TIH.'e ,<;nme day.

Page 15

Back Row Left to Right: Mrs. Sam Spiers, Mrs. Dan Roberts, Mrs. J.F. Walker, Mrs. Geo. How at, Miss Em m a Dunn, Mrs. Joe Haig, Mrs. Alan Yeomans, Mrs. L. Bray, Mrs. Wm. Douglas, Mrs. Hugh Jackson with Caldwell Baby, Mrs. Dave Mcllquham. Mrs. lsaac Skinner, Mrs. V. Shore, Miss E. Birtles, Mrs. Pake, Mrs. Will Jckson, Miss May McKay, Mrs. Fred Dunn (Sr.) 2nd Row: Mrs. Bray's Aunt, Mrs. John Lovegrove, Mrs. J. Blair, Mrs. Fred Smith, Mrs. Addie Speers, Mrs. Tom Morris, Mrs. Tom Smith. Mrs. Jim Speers (Sr.) Mrs. Charlie McEvoy, Mrs. B. Johnston, Mrs. Smith? Front Row: Mrs. Frank Richards, lda Jackson, Unknown, Mrs. Gus Yeomans, Mrs. J.S. Caldwell, Mrs. A. Nichol, Mrs. John Hill. Mrs. Morton McKay. 3 Little Ones: Eleanor, Reggie and Harry Bray

Presidents 1913-14 Mrs Speers 1916-19 Mrs Fred Smith 1919-23 Mrs Hugh Jackson 1924-27 Mrs Fred Smith

Mrs Sam Spiers 1930-32 Mrs H. Jackson 1933-36 Mrs Tray Blair 1937-39 Mrs W.A. Walker 1940-44 Mrs James McManes 1945-4 7 Mrs Albert Rabe 1948 Mrs Edith Blair 1949 Mrs Lorne Kerr 1950-54 Mrs Alan Yeomans 1955-56 Mrs H. Gooding 1957-58 Mrs F. Buchanan 1959 Mrs H. MacKay 1960-61 Mrs F. Buchanan 1962-65 Mrs Alan Yeomans 1966-67 Mrs Marj McManes 1968 Mrs R. Bissett 1969-70 Mrs Joyce MacKay 1971-72 (dual) Madge Gamley, Margaret Yeomans 1973 (dual) Shirley Rodgers, Ethel Speers 197 4 (dual) Mrs Ethel Speers, Mrs Alan Yeomans 1975-76 Mrs Alan Yeomans 1977 Violet James 1978-80 Margaret Speers 1 981 Shirley Rodgers

1982-83 Karen McKay 1984 Bea Goulsbra 1985-87 Doris Rabe

Secretary Treasurers 1913-30 A.M. Hill

1930-31 1932-47 1948 1949 1950 1951-52 1953-56 Secretarys

Kati e Boyes Mrs. Fred Smith Mrs. Morris Miss E. Atchison Mrs Kerr M. Jackson Eva L Spiers Mrs W.A. Walker Mrs Neil McEwen Mrs Edna Lundy Mrs Edith Gamley Mrs Evelyn Parks Mrs Albert Rabe Mrs F.C. McManes

1957-58 Olive Speers 1959-61 Mrs. Edith Blair 1962 Mrs. Edith Blair and Mrs R. Bissett 1963-64 Jean Maslaniec

I 965-66 Doris Rabe 1967-68 Jean Maslaniec

I 969 Marqaret Speers 1970-71 Mrs Alan Yeomans 1972-7:3 Mrs R. Bissett 1974-76 Doris Rabe 1977 Margaret Speers 197BMrs Al;m Yeomans 1979-B7 Georgina McEvov

Treasurers 19S7-S9 Mrs F.C. McManes 1 960-BO Olive Sp<'crs 19H } .f{~ Marl.!art'l Y t'Oilli-lllS

19B4 -B7 SlliTI;·v H1ssl'lt P<~ !..!t' 16

Youth Groups

Tuxis Boy Square The first T uxis Group was formed in 19 24. A

Committee of Victor Morden. Mr. Joliffe and Mr. Peter Drummond were elected to get a "T uxis Boy Square" started. Everett Lundy. Bert MacFarlane, Tom Drummond, Art Jack son and Oliver Dunn were among those who belonged in this [( roup. They met in the Lecture Room of the Church for their meet in gs and Mr. Joliffe was the T uxis Leader. The boys were I 5 years old and up. One member recalls the group makin[( a ri nk on the slough which was enclosed with a 6 foot wall a ll MOund and a shack for putting on your skates. Mr. Harold Locke was the Caretaker and was paid for his duties.

Trail Rangers

Mr. Peter Drummond and Mr. Austin Blair were in charge of the Trail Ran gers. They were the younger group of boys who held their meetings in the littl e room upstairs.

In 1925. Herb McLeod was Chief Ranger with Cordon Mcllquham as Secretary and Ernes! Curtis was Treasurer. I van Gardner, Jim Grierson , Arthur Dunn, Tom Morris and Doug Drummond were some of the members of that group . Tha t same year, the group put on a play to raise money and $ 15.00 was donated to the Vita Mission Hospital , Manitoba through the Sunday School.

The group camped at Kirkhams' Bridge and had 2 visitors from U.S.A. with them the one year. Herb Trout and Maurice Williams who were visiting Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Skinn er, and had a ttended some of the meetings , were invited to go with them.

There are no further records on this group.

The Tyros Mr. Herbert Roberls and Mr. AI Livingston organized

"The Tyros" in the I 960' s. Two outings were reported, one in Mr. Don Rabe's ravine and one in Mr. Fred Yeoman's fi eld. When winter came and hockey season started the attendan ce decreased and finally disbanded. Brian MacKay, Gerald Speers , Greg Rabe, Jeff McManes, Brian Gamely. Bob Rabe, Raymond Bauldic, Rodney Cassan and Bev Humphreys were in the group at the lime.

Boy Scouts Boy Scouts is an organization tha t leaches boys to be

good citizens and to do their duty to God, their country, and to ~ther people. and trains them to become leaders. Their motto "Be Prepared" and lea rnin g by doin g is the method used to teach them.

The Boy Scout movement was founded and started by Sir Robert Baden-Powell in England.

The first group in the community was form ed in the mid forti es and was called "Rovers" · a group without a Scoutleader . their contact person was in Winnipeg. Troop Leader Newton Yeomans was a Lone Seoul and led the group.

J ack Haig, Harold Yeomans, Fra nk Rabe, Dixon More, Murray Blair , Bill Owens , Jack Roberts , David Speers and Herb Mask ell , were some of the boys known to be in this group, having no records the information is all from memory.

Their camping trips look them to Cheasleys farm down by th e Ri ver. The boys can remember pulling their equipment and supplies by little wagons on one trip.

In November 1955 a group was organized wit h a Parent Committee made up of interested parents who superv ised the general needs of the Scouts · their duty was to gel Seoul Leaders, help raise funds, help in preparations for cam pouts and transportation, and other special events. They acted as an intermediary between the group a nd the sponsoring body, who was the Composite Lodge. The Committee was elected and appointed annually.

Mr. Norlhcutt, Boy Seoul Commissioner. was present at the meeting and Mr. John Adamack was elected Scoutmaster with Mr. Murray Blair and Mr. Alien Badgley as assis tant Scout leaders.

Cuh & Seoul Float · Centennial 1970

Page 17

John de J ong. Wilfred McKay. Louis Bauldic. and Bill Dunn were trained to be troop leaders - others in this group were Myron Dunn. Arnold Dunn. Don Williamson, Gerald Buchanan. Peter Bauldic , Gary Parks. F erg Watt. F red Buchanan. Dennis Bauldic and Jim Bissett.

A Boy Scout Jamboree which is held in a different country every four years was held in England in 1957. Through the efforts of the troops raising money (made name Plaques and sold them) , and with finaicial assistance from the sponsoring body and other organizations of the community, John de Jong was sent to the Jamboree- an unforgettable two weeks.

Through the scouting years the boys had tests of ski ll and knowledge in order to earn their badges for the different classes - tenderfoot, 2nd class. I st class, and Eagle. They have a n outdoor activity programme whereby they lea rn nature study. camping. fire building , pitching tents , first a id. handicrafts. swimming. signalling. tyin g different knots , life saving. emergencies. and this is what they are tested on periodically through the years.

Their camping trips included Kirkhams Bridge and Oak

Lake. In 1963 Mr. Ray Madill was elected Scoutmaster and

led the scouts until June 1968. Myron Dunn and Gary Parks were assistant scoutmasters. Ray was installed in May 1963 by Rev Lorne Smith from Brandon. Rev Smith also dedicated

the troop fl ag. During Ray's time with the Scouts weekend trips were

made to Stoney Creek near Minnedosa - learning their fir e

building. pitching tents, etc. Cam pouts were a lso made to the Peace Gardens to the

Scout Jamborees. meeting other Boy Scouts, and taking part in the different events.

Camping trips were made to Cranberry Portage in northern Man itoba and inland 50 miles to Elbow Lake. The trip was made by trucks to Cranberry and by rented boats loaded with guides, leaders, scouts, volunteers and supplies to Elbow Lake. The one expedition lasted 5 days, camping in the bush beside a trapper's cabin. Lots of fishing was done and the boys had to take turns making the meals and doin g other chores. There were 22 people on this trip.

Fat her and Son Banquets were held on occasion which the boys really looked forward to. The Parent Committee suppli ed the food and did the catering. There was usually a special speaker and entertainm ent a t these events.

Money was raised by washing cars. bottle dri ves, hauling ashes. rakin g lawns , painting municipa l signs. One year the boys made and sold bird houses.

Boys who had their scout trainin g in this period were; Ron Chaubaut y, Gene Parks. Doug Roman , Jim McManes, Jim Pomeroy, Harold Humphreys, John McManes, Bill Humphreys, Ed Conley, Barney Maslaniec, Bob James Wayne Murray, Len James, Dennis Bauldic, Glen McMan~s. P~ter Nieuwland, J ack W att , John Arthur, Rod Cassan. Wayne Currie, Brian Gamley. Brian Mac Kay, Bob Rabe. Greg Rabe. Jaye McManes. Reg Bray, Jeff McManes. David Murray. Gerald Speers, Leslie Giles, Ally Anderson, Rick MacKay. Brian Seddon, Bev Humphreys and Neil

Mork. Myron Dunn and then Dave Hughes were Scou tm asters

with more outdoor activities and campi ng at Kirkham' s Bridge. They were leaders of Barry Rabe. Bruce Goulsbra

Brad Mac Kay, Mack Yeomans, Leon, Bernie and Trevo; Williams. Brent Dane, Cecil Conley, Dennis Drummond. Doug Bolton, and Barry Seddon.

Money was raised for this group by selling li ght bulbs. and cans of peanuts and they a lso had Father and Son Teas.

In 1972 Murray Owens a nd Cordon Legge made an a tt empt to reorganize a group but it was soon disbanded and there has not been a Scout Group since.

The last group was Greg Owens, Lawrence Chambers. Blai ne Mulligan. Michael Legge, Tom Williams, Glen and Kenda ll Shields, Grant McManes. Jim Aitkens. Gary MacKay. Terry Conley, Vince and Stephen Drummond. T odd Turner and Lloyd Esau.

The sum of $322.00 was turned over to the Church in I 984 from the Scouts account and at present is in the Rennovation Fund account until it is decided what should be done with it.

Cubs The Cub Group is a preliminary training for Scouts.

Members range in age from 7 to 11 years. Mrs. John Birtles was a Cubleader from 1939 - 1945. and was a very dedicated leader. The group was helped financially through the church and the meetings were held at her home. This was the first Cub Group to be organized. The first meeting was held April 20th · ten recruits turned up and were initiated into the mysteries of Cub Law. Promise and Salute.

At the second meeting 4 recruits brought their money for uniforms. One boy had brought three dozen small si lk flags which his mother had given him and told him to "Get out early and keep the price low". That was how he made his uniform money.

At a later date another lad was awarded with a specia l name "Shada" (meaning Perseverance). because he had made $2.20 by selling red. white and blue emblems. made by himself out of wool. and put this money toward a Cub outfit.

As each new member joined they had an initi ation ceremony for him.

The main part of their meetings were outside activities so the fellows went on many hikes to different places. taking their food with them and hunted for hidden treasures (a buried bone). usually had a campfire where they sat around it and

htld. i\ :o;.mg :o;.ong and ht•ctrd a campfire story. of course this was aftpr tht.>\ played games cmd ball. They also prndict•d tying knots. cmd did sonw high JU111pmg nnd long jumping which

the~· Wt'rt' ie1tcr tt>stt>d for m order to earn thf'ir badges. hats. de. Othl'r thmgs the~' were tested on was swimming. planting gcndl'nS. runnmg and walkmg. They went to Oak Lake to swim and one ~·ear Mrs. Birtles made arrangements for them to go to Brandon to the "Y" to take swim lessons.

Th,, hovs sm·ed labels from Libbv Products in order to !.!PI tht:>ir cui; hats. scarves. ties etc. They raised money by r;.tkmg lawns, collecting scrap iron (through the war years). They put on a concert in aid of the Red Cross raising the sum of $9.25. "lt was a huge success not only financially but also morally - the boys ne~ded uniforms. badges etc. but did not ht>sitate in declaring proceeds to go to the Red Cross". An hour before the concert was to take place one of the boys took Sick - the rest of the pack went right on with the show filling in wherever necessary.

They wrote letters to the boys Overseas. who had gone from the community to fight for our Country.

One of their projects was learning to do "French Knitting" and weaving squares out of yarn which was made

into a blanket. The Group went to Rallies at Souris with Mr. Lightfoot

of the Souris Group in charge. Neighboring towns were in attendance. The cubs enjoyed these very much and after one such meeting Mr. Lightfoot and 2 Souris Cubs visited our boys and had a fine meeting. He talked about Scouting.

( uil' (\.· .'wnc/011 SI' hoof memlwrs tool.- flurl in o Memorial Serl'i(·e lwfd

onnuolfr1 wul '/Jomored hr1 fODF..

The Pack went on several camp ou.ts. their favourite spot was on Mr. Tom Cheasley's farm down by the Assiniboine River . Miss lda Parks accompanied Mrs. Birtles on one of these trips. when they stayed for four or five days. They really enjoyed these trips. they a ll remember the "electrical storms" with the strong winds and if their tents didn't blow down they'd take cover in the Leader's tents. probably from fright as well as being soaked through to the skin.

The boys who remember these good old days are: Bill Birtles. Newton Yeomans. Herb Maskell, Jim Butterfield. Murray Blair. Jack Haig, Melville MacKay, Dixon More, Ted Atcheson. David Speers, Jack Roberts. Bill Owens , Harold Yeomans. Clifton Jones, Douglas Walker. Alien Richardson, Murray Drummond, F red Yeomans. Bob Owens and Frank Williamson joined later.

Mr. Rill Hume was Cubma.sler for a short period of time

after Mrs. Birtles gave it up · unfortunately there are no records of this group. only a few names of boys that went to the meetings. Dennis and Ronnie Drummond, Harold Dunn. Rollie MacKay. Cordon Speers. Calvin Fisher, Clark and

V ern on Dunn. Glen Jewel, Dale, Doug and Frank Butterfield.

Reverend Wallace Donogh was very involved with the boys during his ministry here from 1954-62. He was Cubmaster and Don Cale was his assistant Cubmaster and

Cordon Hodgson helped in this period of time also. Gene Parks. Ferg Watt, Harold and Bill Humphreys,

Jim Pomeroy. John and Jim McManes, Len and Bob James, Jim Harrod. Fred Buchanan, Dennis Bauldic. Brian MacKay. Len and Bob James, Jim Harrod, Fred Buchanan, Brian Gamley, Rod Cassan, Bob Rabe. Reg Bray, bonald McManes, Greg Rabe, Gerald Speers, J eff McManes, were some of the cubs at that time.

In 1963 Don Cale was elected Cubmaster and Errol Currie assistant Cubmaster, and on May 9th , of that year Rev. Lorne Smith and assistants from Brandon installed Don as "Akela" and Errol as "Baloo". Mr. Vaughn Madden and Jack Haig assisted for a short period of time and Mr. Tom Anderson was Cubmaster, followed by Len James and Harold Humphreys in 1968. Mrs. Cheryl Hughes became Cubleader in 1969 and was with the group till the fall of 1970 when it was disbanded.

The last groups of boys who were cubs were; Brent Dane, Jaye McManes, Jeff McManes, David Murray, Brad Harkness, Brian Seddon, Dennis Drummond, Bryan Dyck , Carl McKinnon, Rick MacKay. Trevor Williams, Brad MacKay. Bernard Williams, Bruce Goulsbra. Barry Rabe, Mark Yeomans, Cecil Conley, Lean Williams, Michael Shields, Brad Kirkpatrick, Colin Kirkpatrick, Stephen Drummond. Don Bussey, Vince Drummond, Barry Seddon and Brad Wallace.

Father and Son Banquets were the Special events of the organization. The Parent Committee and mothers were responsible for providing the food.

We sincerely thank our leaders and assistants who took time out of their busy schedule to help the young boys to learn to respect and care for other people and live up to their religious beliefs.

My Church and I

lwn fwrt of the Church. one amonQ mont/. /Jo// om One. . .

I need the Church for the det'elotnnen/ of IIH• buriecl life tcitl1in mt:: the Clwrch in /urn need~ me. The Cluncl, rnnu fw lwnwn in it~ orgoni:otion. hut it;~ dit'ine in it~ {mr(1ose. That fwr(wse i~ to Jwint me to Cod. Portici(>alinQ in the (>riPilef.!e~ of the Church. I ~hall af~o ~hore in it<> resfmnsihilitie~. tol~inQ it ll(l(m m~1self to cnrru m~1 f(lir ~hore of t/1 ~· luad. not f.!nl(/f.!indH llllt ioufullu. Tu the extent tlwt I (nil in mu res(>onsihility. the Church fctil~: to the t'tlenl thnt I succeed. the Ch 11rch succeed.<>. I .•dud/ he /ounl in mu (1 1/t'nc/ann..>. Qenerous in fl1!1 .!lifts. hind in fll l /

cri/ici . .;;m.<>. creoliPe in nl./1 Slt f.!f.!t!Siions. fcH iirlf.! in nl.lf (tt/ifuck~. .

I ~lwlf t!it·e to tlw Church m!J interest.<> . mu enthusiasm. mt1 det'otion --mo~l of olf. Myself.' .

Petge 19 -Harold \V. Rollf>fl

Cradle Roll Mrs. Will Jackson was leader of the Cradle Roll with an

enrollment of 41 in 1928 with no further information than

this. Today names of newborn babes are listed on a scroll

which hangs in our Church. These children have been remembered with a card on their birthdays till the age of three and then at a ceremony at Sunday School on Mothers Day, they go through a little "Gate" and enter into the Beginners Class while the Choir sing "Open The Gate For The Dear Little Feet". There are no cards sent today but the children

still go through the gate. Leaders who have looked after this are: Mrs. W.

Jackson. Mrs. Hugh Jackson. Mrs. McMillan, Mrs. A. Leitch. Mrs. E. Hawley. Mrs. F. Letts. Mrs. lsabelle Bissett, Mrs. Madge Gamley. Mrs. Jean Dane. Mrs. F.H. McManes, Mrs. Carol MacKay. Mrs. Joyce MacKay. Mrs. Gail James

and Mrs. Judy Watt.

1 0 -4

0/ire Srwers hole/in~ {!ale for Crndle Roll children: Jc~,~on MocKo!-J. Kqle

·\fw·Kcll/. onc/ Am/rete McMcme.~.

Baby Band The Baby Band was sponsored by the W.M.S. in 1925. There is no record of this group . Mrs. Donogh and Mrs.

I sa belle Bissett were in charge of the Baby Band in 1958 with a membership of 33. Mrs. Jean Dane took over from them in 1960. They met once a year with the Mothers and their wee ones, for afternoon tea. It was a way of interesting the mothers in the work of the Church.

Prayer

/ d1• no/ os/: /o tl ' t~fl~ smooth fwlhs

'\Jm lwur Wl L'f!S I/ /one/. I fHtiiJ for -./rem.,f/11 oncf fortitucft•

fu dimh the rocl,• s/reu·n roGd.

( ;rr1' nw sll<"h co11rcr~e I can snrle

r/w !Jmc/t>.s/ fWCths n/on('

!\rHI /mn:-.fnrm erNIJ "''"nh/in1! h/nc/,• /nlu n sll'fl(li111! s/ont'.

Sunshine Mission Band The Sunshine Mission Band was a group of chi ldren

from 5 - 11 years of age. This group worked through the Womens Missionary Society (W.M.S.) receiving their study books and materials from them. The earliest report available of a Mission Band Group was in 1918 when Mrs Hislop Dickson organized the Mission Band in September of that year with 30 boys and girls present and the following were

elected Officers for 191 9: President: I st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretary

Miss Lizzie Evans (Speers) Everett Lundy Edith Gauld (Poole) Helena Gauld (McDougall) Lilyan Blair Treasurer

Convenor Sunshine Committee Elsie Mcllquham (Denbow)

Only one meeting was held in 1918 on account of the flu epedemic. Their meetings consisted of mission study and

storytime with crafts and fun. Leaders of the Mission Band from 1939 were: Mrs Bertha Blair Mrs F rances Y eomans Mrs H.S. Brown Mrs. May Grierson Mrs lsabelle Bissett Mrs Ethel Speers Mrs Violet Fisher Mrs Troy Blair Mrs A.R. Robinson Mrs Ethel Cale Mrs Olive Speers Mrs Pat McManes Mrs Jane Roberts Madge Hill (Gamley) Mrs Edith Buchanan Mrs Lizzie Speers

Mrs Flora Thompson

In 1962 when the Womens Missionary Society changed to United Church Women. the Mission Band was changed to The Messengers with the following leaders: Mrs Marj Livingston Mrs Margaret Yeomans Mrs Muriel Anderson Mrs lrene Owens Mrs Linda Mulligan Mrs Lois Cassan Mrs Shirley Bissett Mrs Heather James Mrs Gail Amos Mrs Jean Dane Mrs Joyce MacKay Mrs Vi James Mrs Betty Rabe Mrs Karen McKay Rev Carol Roberts Mrs Margaret Speers Mrs Marlene Appell Mrs Gaii .James Mrs Margaret Holleman Mrs Jean Sutherland Mrs Bea Goulsbra Mrs Carol MacKay Mrs Helen Ruth McKay Mrs Dorothy Wallace Mrs Georgina McEvoy Mrs Judy Crampain Mrs Marion Rourke Mrs Gladys Cheasley Mrs Margaret lzzard Mrs Norma Parks Mrs Sharon Howard Mrs Colleen Chambers

The Messenger Group has members from the age of 6 to 8 years. Their Motto and Prayer must be memorized in order to receive a hutton. The Messenger Hymn is sun~ at every

meeting also. C~afts and games are part of the meeting. They have

made scrapbooks and donated them to the Souris Hospital and Childrens' Ward in the Brandon General Hospital.

They have raised money hy selling Calendar:-;. homebakin!( and give a donation (periodically) to the Sundav :-ichool for the foster child. An!.(el Pert'/ from Bra1il.

Th,., h,\\-~ donat~d 12 lwmn books to the Church ami \nth th,• C.G. I.T. IHIV<' dnnat~d a Baptismal Dish.

The Group 1:' :-;tdl vpry ctctivP today. \\'t> thdnk tlw loyal lt>aders for doing their pnrt in

lt'dchm!..! tlw htth.• orws to love one another.

Mission Band- 1941 First Rotl': Loella Dunn. Maq:taret Amos. A lice Watt 2nd ROle: Morion Aitclu~u·on. Marie Anderson. l ean Shirley Fisher, Dawn Barnes. June Butterfiefd. 'vVilliam:wn. l.ynn Roberts .)re/ Rou•: leon /)yher. Harriet 0U'ens. June Robe l .eaclt>r: Mrs. Rertha B/air

The Explorers

Amos. Frances

The firs t Explorers Group was organized in October. 1963. This Group is for gi rls ages 9 to 11 and is the group between Messengers and C.G.I.T. There were 8 regular members in this group and were real eager to lea rn the Explorers Hymn. Prayer. Motto and Purpose with Mrs. Pat McManes and Mrs. Joyce Speers as Counsellors.

The first Chief Explorer was June Dunn, the Keeper of the Treasure was Joanne McManes and the Keeper of the Log was Cheryl MacKay.

Red stars are given out to the first members who have learned the Purpose. Motto and Prayer and blue stars for different projects (decided upon by the Counsellors).

They have Missionary studies a t their meetings -learning of other countries and they a lso work at cra fts, making placemats. funny faces, magnet creatures, dough art, decorations and bun baskets, table centres, C hristmas wreaths. plaques, basket weaving, liquid embroidery. To raise money these crafts a long with homebaking are sold a t Teas. they have a lso sold Church Calendars in the past.

A donation is made periodically to the Church's foster child. Angel Perez. Mitts have been sent to the underprivileged children of Manitoba.

One of their projects through the years has been to have a Secret Pal - a Senior Lady and through the year they a re enterta ined by the girls at a tea or banquet.

The average enrollment has been 12 and today the present leaders are Mrs. Colleen Chambers and Mrs. Agnes Moir.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Leaders who first organized the Explorer Group a nd the present day Leaders a long with the followi ng Leaders who have given of their time and talents in teaching the children to be "Doers of the word and not hearers only". Mrs Karen McKay Mrs Marion Speers M rs Florence Esau Mrs Margaret Y eoma ns Mrs Sandra Coleman Mrs Ray Turner Mrs Nadie Chessman Mrs Gail J a mes Mrs Shirley Rodgers

Mrs Linda Mulligan Mrs Carol Chambers

Mrs Jea n Berry Mrs Marion Rourke

Mrs Linda Peters Mrs Lois Trotter

Mrs H elen Ruth McKay Mrs Verna Derksen

Mrs Georgina Mc Evoy Mrs Barb Sha rp

C.G.I.T. Leaders from 1922 to the p:esent day: Mrs J.S. Caldwell Mrs D .A . Yeomans Mrs Joliffe Mrs Trov Blair Miss Vicky Speers (Dyer) Miss Helena Gauld (McDougall ) Miss Edith Gauld (Poole) Mrs Anne Parker Miss Jessie Curtis (Green) Mrs G.A. Dyker Mrs A. Anderson Mrs G.A. Colpitis Mrs W.G. Hume Mrs L.W. Skinner Miss Mary Seamer Miss Madge Hill (Gamley) Miss lsabelle Gamley (Heron) Miss May Nevin Miss Dorothy Strath Miss Phyllis Leadbeater (Bell ) Mrs H.S. Brown Miss Evelyn Marlowe Miss Joyce Delbridge (MacKay)Miss Agnes Drummond (H?nsen) Mrs Edith Buchan-an - Mrs S McEvoy Mrs Wm. Cowan Mrs Alan Yeomans Miss Marlene Amy Mrs AI Livingston Mrs Marion Badgley Miss Georgina Pearson (McEvoy) Miss Donna Parks (Young) Miss Merle Dane (Drummond) Mrs Blodwen McManes Mrs Carol MacKay Mrs Doris Rabe Mrs June Seddon Miss Betty Scora (O'Coffee) Miss Marilyn Dunn (Kohut) Mrs Joan Madill Miss Brenda Gamley (Pull) Miss Joan Harrod (Atkins) Mrs Missie Drummond Miss Coleen MacKay (Bryson) Miss Mable Williamson(Humphreys Mrs Jean Dane Mrs Pat McManes Mrs Dorothy Wallace Mrs Vi James Mrs Lois Cassan Mrs Dianne Madden Mrs Carol Aitkens Miss Penny Lowe (M organ) Mrs Gail Amos Miss Barbara Mills Mrs Marion Rourke Miss Rosalie Lisa Miss Loretta James Mrs Marion Speers

Mrs Jo Anne Lisa Miss Ann Jensen Mrs Marg Speers Mrs Norma Parks

C.G. I.T. was organized in 1922 with Mrs Caldwell a nd Mrs D.A. Yeomans ~s leaders.

Each year is spent in three ma in areas - Worship. Mission Study and Crafts. Over the years the Groups have taken different courses such as - babysitting. home nursing. fi rst aid. sewing and cooking along with fun-times. with camping. skating and toboggan parties and sleigh rides.

To begin with leaders planned the worship but as time went on the girls were made responsible for the worship service.

Fnith is /o heliet'e u'lw t l l'l' do not see. Clnd the rett'(lrd of this fnit/1 is lo sec 11'1wt U't' heliet't'.

MANITOBA f_!;GISLATIVE LIBRARY 1-'age :! 1

1cnic at Nelli e lackson. £the/ Curtis, Alma Could. Eva Ainsworth, Miss Edith Could (L.), Evelyn Ebbern, May Mosson Seated: Bertha Mc/lquham. Elsie Hanwell

Uniforms in the first years consisted of middies and bloomers and then came the navy skirts. In recent times, the pattern of the middies changed with the addition of darts for a better fit and the material used is perma press fabric for which it is easier kept. Our present leaders undertook the making of I I middies for girls and leaders for practicality.

In 1925 when the Ladies Group was changed to Womens Missionary Society, the C.G.I.T. was affiliated with them. The W.M.S. helped financially with thef~supp!ies and

r~ ~ - ...:... ,tf;''@4;:)' , .. ~ 1:':\ . . ~r-·:·

..... ~.. .• , , ,,.., !

nquet 1936 Back Row: Laura Curtis, Amy Camley , He/en Hill, losie

Manson. Betty Humphreys 3 rd R ow: Dorothy Hai g, £//en Shinglield. Phyl/is Camley,

Margaret Pea t, Miss Edith Could (L.) 2nd Row: Mrs. Parhe r (L. ) Auonna Nichol. Cladys Aitheson. Cordie and Margare t Russe /1, l sa be l Yeomans Front Row: Dorothy Amos. Reta Rahe. Vi Davies. Madfle Hill .

chev rons. In order to receive a chevron each member had to a ttend Church and Sunday School regularly and each year a t a specia l service with the W.M .S. they received these if they were eli gible. Later on the groups were responsible for buying

their own chevrons.

C.G. I.T. 1947-48 Back Row: Miss Dorothy Strath (L), Frances Williamson. Florence Shingfield. Betty Thompson, June Butterfield. Pat Thompson, Jean Dunn, Jean Amos , Shirley Fisher , Lynn Roberts. Alvina Rabe, Laura Baker, Florence Dunn. Miss Phylli s

Leadbetter (L) Front Row: Pat Baker, Rose Dyer, Margaret Amos , MarRaret Williamson, Eloine Speers, Margaret Pollock. Beth Haig. Ma vis Schmidt. Jean Shinglield, Doreen McKay , Florence Hill

Money raising projects have been slave days. bottl e drives, bake sales and teas. A cookbook was also compil ed and sold one year. As a project for the 1920's group, money was raised to send Cheer Boxes to the needy ones in th e district every Christmas - containing stockings. night clothes. warm underwear, mitts, scarfs , toys , candy , fruit and nuts . For several weeks before Christmas they met to sew and knit once a week for these parcels. All through the year the sick were remembered with flowers and fruit.

In 1925 money was raised to send Edith Mosson (Williamson) , Edith Gauld (Poole), lla Skinner (Harrison) and lda Jackson (Coates) from the group to a Wawa nesa Camp for one week along with members from the Brandon Area. Evelyn Clark (Dunn) and Elsie Humphreys (Carnahan) were two other girls who were there and have since lived here and at Kemnay. Money was raised and donated to the Vita Mission Hospital and today a donation is given periodically to the Sunday School for our adopted

Faster Child in Brazil. During the war the town was canvassed for mor. ey for

postage to send parcels to local boys Overseas. In 1967 , money was raised by the group to pay for half.

the cost of 45 choir gowns. June Seddon. leader at that tim e was responsible for the drive and with ladies from the community helped make the gowns.

Volunteer projects have been , repairing hymn books. housecleaning the Church (one group remembered havi ng to scrub the lecture room floor twice as it hadn't met with leaders approval). Over the years they have had "Secret Pals" remembering them throu gh the year with cards on Special Occassions and confessing their identity at a n event to end the

season. They have a ttended ra llies a nd been invit ed by other

C.G.I.T. Groups for sleep-avers, making new fri ends. In April 1965. the group with their leaders were in vi ted

to a sleep-over a t Westminister United Church in Winnipe~to celebrate th e 50th Anniversary of the C.G. I.T. All went in by bus.

Lanya rds and C.G.I.T. pins are presented to a ll Seniors. Page LL

C.G.I.T. 1967 /lac/; Row: 13rendo Gomley. Mrs. June Seddon (/..). Ellen ./cmh'"· Borh Com/t>H. Lois Conley. Gail Lou'e hnnt f?ou ·: Morilyn Dunn. Pat McMcmes. loan Harrod. Mrs. loon Modi /I(/ .. 1. M a he/ Wil/iamson. Coleen MacKay. Dean Andt>rson

C.G.I.T. 1960 Bach Rott•: Audrey Orr. un/mown. Miss Georgina Pearson (L. ). Oorothy Williamson. Marion Humphreys. unlmown. un/mmrn. Mrs. Y eomans (L.) 2nd RmL': Paula Chiesche. Karen Bissett. Lois Buchanan. Sharon Parb. Oarlene Preston Bottom Rott': Dorothy Buchanen. Cheryl Pomeroy. Sy/via Orr. Marie Delong. Sandra MacKay

Campin!l Trip to Pelican Lake 1940 Mrs. A. Anderson & Miss Margaret Kerr (Leaders)

The Church

Heolifu/ is the lor!fc church. \\ 'itl1 stotef l/ arch and sll>epfe: {\'e if.!hlwrll/ . is the :;moll church. \\ 'i tll £!roup.~ of friend/11 {Jeof>lt!: Hen'renl is the old church. \\ 'i th t ' t'n/urie .~ n( !.!race:

/\ne/ o u·noden church or a stone church Con hold on oltllr {lloce. ;\nd tdH'ther it IH· o rich clwrch Or o flOor clwrch Onl/lt'here.

Tm/11 it;, n (!recti chrm·h If Cud j..; u·orshif>(wcf there .

1981 Vesper and Bach Row: Kim McKay. Shel/y Appe/1. Tammy Green. Roseanne Berry Front Row: Mrs. Ooris Rahe (L). loan ne Peters. Deh Rahe. Cindy Appe/1. Miss Loretta lames (L.) MacKay. Percy Lundy. Mrs. Ebbern. was one who played the organ during this period and possibly Mrs. Mabel Spiers. wear the shorter gowns. Karen MacKay. Pat McManes. Chery/ Chauhauty. Fra~ces

This spring the present group with their leaders Margaret Speers. Marion Speers and Norma Parks were invit ed to Rosedale United Church. Winnipeg. for a Rally and Sleep-over. meeting new friends and faces.

Through the years some of the girls have had the opportunity of going to Camp Brerton. the Manitoba Official C.G.I.T. Camp. This summer these girls - Jean Shingfield (Briggs). Pat Thompson (McManes). Doreen McKay (Pattison) . June Butterfield (Seddon). Mable Roman

(Martin). Georgie Dyer (Roman), Beth MacKay (Cale) and June I::Saker (IV!cl\.mnon) are all mvited to attend the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Camp.

The two Hi.Lites of the group are the Mother a nd Daughter Banquet held each spring - entertaining their mothers and guests with toasts and songs and the Annual Candle Lighting Vesper Service held just before Christmas.

The C.G.I.T. introduced in the late teens has been carried on without a break and through the dedicated and talented leaders have contributed much toward the Spiritua l and Cultural growth of our teenage girls.

._.,il!-("t-' 2:~

Young Peoples Society

During the 20's and 30's this was an enthusiastic group. Socials were the big thing that drew the crowds and at times there would be as many as 50 members.

In 1927, the Group put on a play "Passion Play" and donated the money to the Basement Fund of the Church.

They had lively debates and some great sing songs.

for Anylhin!'(". Three members were chosen al each meeting to be responsible for editing the paper.

In 1936, they had a supper and variety concert but as time went on the numbers decreased and interest was low. Efforts were made through the years lo re~organize but there was never the enthusiasm that there was earlier, and with loo many other activities to take up their lime, there has been no

such group for some years. Toboggan and Skating Parties were popular for entertainment with lunch served afterwards. They decided al one meeting to have a social paper which they called "Ready

Young People's Sunday School Class 1938

Back Row: Don Rabe. Emie Critchley. Melvin McManes 3rd Row: He/en Hill. Maude Camley. Mrs. & Rev. J.C. Parher 2nd Row: Frances Peat. Dorothy Kelly. Mar!J Ciesbrecht. Vema LundtJ. AmtJ Cam/ey. F:dna Carleu Front Row: Loreen Gustin. Marf:!aret Kerr. Erel.lJn Rahe. )essie Cruti.s. Geor.s:;tina Box. F.dna Box

Teach Us to Live

' Cod of lot1e-Fnrf!it1e! Forrzir•e! Teoch us hou' to Truly Live, Ash tJ.S nol our race or creed. }l!sf tahe us in our hour of need. And let us /mou' You love us. too. And tlwt tee ore A Part Of You ... And somedoy mau man realize Thot all the eorth. the seos and shies He/nnf! to Cod. u 11W made us all. The rich. the poor. the great. the smo/1. And in thl' Father's Holy Siaht No mnn is udfou'. hfach or u•hite. And Peace On Earth cnnnol he found Until rcc Meet On Common Ground ;\ nd l'l'l'rL/ mnn lwcomes n Brother Wlw u·o;shi(>s Cod nnd /m1es ench other.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and eVery one that loveth is bor-n of God, and lmoweth God. 1 lolm 1:7

A Prayer

l .ord mnl~e me £1 clwmw/ of Th~J f>eace.

Tlwt tdwre there is hntred I ma11 hrin~ /m'e. Thnt tchcrc tf1crc is u•ronf.! I m£1~/ hrin~ the

s(lirit of for1!it 1erwss. Thnt u·hcre there is discord I mau hrin~ harmon!J­That rdwre then_' is error I mn~t hrin!.! twth. Tlwt rdwre tlwre is dmrht I mn _t/ hrin .f! faith. Tlwl u•lwre tlwre is des(>air I nw_tJ hrin _!! ho(>e. Thnt u ·hcre tht>rl' ore s/wdotcs I llW!J hrin!.! Thu /iJ.!hl.

Tlwt rdwrc there is sw/ness I mnu hrin!.! iou. l.ord f.!rnnl t/wl I mO!t ... ceh rather to comfort them

to /w comforll'cf: To underslnnd tlwn to lw understood: To loPe than to he l01 •ccl: For it is hu J.!ir•ini! tlwt one recciPl'S:

ft is h11 sclf-fnrf.!cltini! tlwt one finds: lt is IHJ forf!ir•inJ.! tlwt one is forf.!it•en: it is IHt cltlitH! tlwt oflt' nr!"nb.'ns In l'lenw/ life .

Tnm Orunm1ond

Ma\ Critchlev

Music In The Church Hu11h Ar t chi~on

C .. orc_it> Lockhart

Arthur H~·rl5 l t'y

Flora Yo·oOlarls Clivt• Hail! Jt">iSie Leitf1 h Aust in Blair

Rt>v. Gf'o. Lockhart Agnel\ Fenwic k

Mrs. Gt"o. Lockhart

Edna Foreman

Alexander Presbyterian Church Sunday School Orchestra 1908-1917

Mrs. Ceo rRe Lockh a rt - Leader

Orchestras An orchestra in 1907 was organized a nd led by Mrs

George Lockhart. the Minister's wife, who at that time was the Presbyterian Minister. From 1907 to 191 7. Mrs Lockhart gave outstanding service in the Sunday School, with the orchestra she trained and conducted. She played both the organ and violin and gave lessons. The orchestra was very popular in their time. After the Lock harts left it was continued under the leadership of Miss J.E. W a lker. Mr Wm. W a lker. Mr. A. D. Blair, Mrs Cochrane, Mrs Wm. Jackson and Miss Aitcheson who endeavored to keep it going.

The members of this orchestra were: Lily Critchley (McManes). Hugh Aitcheson, Maude Boyes, Arthur Hensley, Flora Yeomans (Conklin), Clive H aig, Jessie Leitch (Fenwick). Austin Blair, Jane Boyes (Doig). Tom Drummond (Sr), Georgie Lockhart (Gammie). J ames Blair (Sr), Mrs George Lockhart. Rev. George Lockhart. Agnes (Fenwick) Drummond, Byron Broatch, May Critchley (Ogilvie), Edna Forman, Paul Lockhart, Eva Spiers (Orth), Monica Lockhart (Cowan), Acel H ennesy, Wm. W a lker, Oswald McKay. George Howat. Laura Broatch, Edward

W alker, Albert Rabe. Eva McQueen, Roy Cla rk , J essie Sibbald, Miss Connell, Helen Morris, Alan Yeomans and Mary How at. A Photo of this orchestra ha ngs in our Church today.

From 1925 to 1930, under the leadership of Rev. H.T. Reynolds, a second orchestra was organized. Mr. Reynolds was a piano player, he conducted the orchestra a t Sunday School services · some of the members of this orchestra played for the first time on Easter Sunday in 1926 a t which 236 were in the congregation to hear them and 240 were out on Mothers' Day 1926, breaking the record of a ttendance.

After Rev. and Mrs Reynolds and their fa mily left the community, the orchestra continued until the early thirties.

Members of this orchestra (which has been left to the memory of older ones) were: Mary How at, Ernest Critchley. Philip Wong, George Speers, Cordon Gauld, Frank Lundy. Stan W ealla ns, Austin Bla ir, Albert Shingfield. Herb MacKay, Percy Lundy. Mrs Ebbern, was one who plaved the organ during this period and possibly Mabel Spiers ..

Organs and Organists From the time the first Churches were built in 1886 and

1887 there is no record as to what instrument was used for music until 1908 when a new Aeolian Vocalian Organ was purchased at the cost of $800.00. Through the efforts of Mrs L.G. McLeod, a loyal pioneer of the district · Mr. Andrew Carnegie, Capitalist of New York, made a grant of $400.00 towards the cost of the organ. This organ had to be hand pumped · Paul Lockhart, George McLeod and Bert MacFarlane, were three young boys who have been remembered doing this at that time for a weekly fee paid by the ladies.

Through the years another organ had to be purchased when the Aeolian was becoming worn out. This second organ was a smaller instrument costing only $75.00 but it filled the breach until in 1957 a Hammond Electric Qrgan was purchased and installed which has been a distinct asset because of its versatility. This organ was paid for by the W.A., the cost being $1 ,660.00 which had been started five years previously in an organ fund. One donation for the organ fund came from the Anglican Church in Oak Lake. All of these organs, I may mention , were purchased through the efforts of the Ladies Organizations. The first one was bought by the Ladies Aid, the second one by the W .A. and Mr. Carnagie, and the one tha t is stal -being used today was purchased by the Womens Missionary Society and is maintained by the U.C. W.

When the last organ was bought a letter was found sta ting tha t the organ be bought in Memory of the Pioneers of the District. At the time of the purchase Eatons Store in Brandon donated the plaque which denotes their "In Memoriam".

A piano was purchased in I 983 and with this and the organ we are often favoured with a musical duet by our faithful and untiring organists Mrs Georgina McEvoy a nd Mrs Joyce MacKay.

Other organists and assistants who have given of their time so willingly through the years are: Miss J.E. W a lker,

Miss Vera Morden (Dunn), Mr All Champ, Miss Wilson (Mrs L.T. Blair), Miss Harriet Owens (Honeycutt) , Mrs W.R. Donogh, Mrs Kathleen Durston, Miss Alma Lundy (Hensley), Miss Margaret Williamson {Conley), Miss Viol~t Logan (Fisher), Mrs Mary McLeneghen, Mrs Mabel Spiers, Mr Keith Bla ir, Mrs Edith Blair, Mrs Alan Yeomans, Mrs A.A . Anderson, Miss Lola MacKay (Serebrin), Mrs Ebbern, Mrs J. Gemmill, Mrs Carole Dunn, Miss Phyllis Ayres, Mrs G.A. Dyker, Mrs H.S. Brown, Mrs Marion Campbell.

Choir Leaders were: Miss J.E. Walker, Mrs Neil McEwen, Mr All Champ, Mr R. Heally, Mr F. Richards, Mr Butler, Mrs Mabel Spiers, Mrs L.T. Blair, Mrs J.J. Jeffrey, Mr Harry Sibbald, Mrs E. Cochrane, Mrs W.R. Donogh, Mrs K. Durston, Mrs Carol MacKay, Mrs Joyce MacKay, Mrs Jean Dane.

W e pay tribute to a ll the dedicated organists, leaders of song a nd faithful choir members who have given of their time willingly to add beauty of song to the Church Services.

The ~rcatest need in the u•orld toda11 i~ /m't' .. Mnre lol'e for each other ond more lol't' for God ahm•e.' Crcnf is the Pmcer of Mi!.!hl and Mind fmt Onlt1 / .ol't' Cnn Mf;l,•t• liS Kind .. And On/u l .ol't'

cw1 corn(>ll'lelu fill TlwllenrlsofMen

11'itl1 Pt'tJcc ond Cnodu·il/.1

The Choirs The choir helped make the church in the early days and

our church was very fortunate in having one through the years until the church and Sunday School became one.

Both Junior and Senior Choirs were very active with over 30 members of both male and female.

In the 20's there was no problem getting the fellows out to practice at night as the story goes, it was an excuse to get out and to be able to go walking with the lady friends after. That was where some of the fellows met their mates.

Many Choir Concerts were put on by the Senior Choir with Miss Walker as leader. A concert following the Fowl Supper was an annual affair for some years with dedicated leaders Mr. All Champ, Mrs. Mabel Spiers and Mrs. Mary McLeneghen.

Cantatas were sung under the leadership of Mr. Butler who would come out from Brandon by train on choir practise night. to do his duty as leader. As one member told us each ch.oir member had to bring .15 ~ each practise night to help pay for his train ticket.

Since 1971 after the Church and Sunday School combined their service into one and because of so many other activities on in the community, there has not been a regular choir. junior or senior.

Today under the leadership of Mrs Jean Dane, the Senior Choir provide music on Special Sundays and occasions throughout the year with the men joining in with them periodically.

The Junior Choir has been inactive for a few years but through the efforts of Mrs Carol McManes there is a push on right now trying to encourage the young ones to take it up again. There's nothing like music and singing to add to the serv1ce.

Black and White were the gowns worn for many years till in 1967 Royal Blue and White gowns were made by ladies in the community for the Junior Choir and today the Seniors wear the shorter gowns.

The Carol Service with the Anglican and Mennonite members and the Youth Groups along with the Choir providing music for the program has been a community event for some years.

Mens Choir Bach Row: Gerald Speers. GreR Rabe. Ken lames. John McManes. Gene Parhs. Me/ MacKay. loyce MacKay (Organ ist). Rollie MacKay Front Row: Franh Rabe. Andy Pomeroy. Hugh McManes. Bill Rabe. Don McKay, Don Me Manes

Junior Choir Bac/1 Row: Barb Gam/ey. Wayne Murray. MadRe Gamley. Ellen lames. Rrenda Gamley. Eloine Durston. Gail Lowe. John

McManes. Mable Williamson 4th Row: Kathleen Ours ton (Organist). Bob Rabe. Brian MacKay. • Gerald Speers. Brian Camfey. Unlmou·n. Unlmou'n

3rd Row: Coleen McKay. Dean Anderson. lanice McManes. Kmen MacKay. Pot McManes. Cheryl Chauhauty. Frances

Sounders. Marilyn Dunn 2nd Rote: Ed Conley. Ally Anderson. Bobby Arthur. Jeff McManes. Rich MacKay. Dat~id Murray. Dianna McManes. Heather Seddon. Linda Con/ey Front Rott•: Bev Humphreys. }aye McMancs. Shelly McManes. Bonnie Parhs. Linda Shinner. Dehbie Dane

A u·orlrl u·i tlwot a Sah/,otll I(OIIId he lib· n man 11 ·itlullll n .-:mile. liht• a srunnwr u·itholll flou't•rs. and fib• Cl lwm(•stt.>wl tl'itlwot c1

t!mdt>n. it is the ioyow; dm1 of the !!'hole it'('£'/,•.

-ll<'tlrtl \1\'ord Heedwr .

• w Q

Ladies Choir £aster Sunday 1987

Bach Rote: MarR Speers. Pat McManes. Olive Speers. Front Row: loyce MacKay. Doris Rahe. Bea Goulshra. lean

M~~~m~ ~~ OrRanist: GeorRina Mc£t•otJ Intern Rose Ward Rev. 13rian Cope/and

Sunday School Sundoy School Class

A/ice Lundy, /.i/yon Orummond. He/en Orummond. Evelyn Hill.

Verna l.undy. Elsie Mc//quham

From the time the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches were built in the 1880's, Sunday School played a large part in the Churches. Miss J.E. Walker was the organist at the Presbyterian as well as Leader of the orchestra in the late

teens. Victory Bonds to the value of $100.00 were purchased

as a Memorial to the boys of the Sunday School who made the supreme sacrifice in the war. An Honor Roll was placed in the church honoring those who served in World War I and 11.

On November 19. 1919 a meetinq was held at the Union Church to organize the Methodist and Presbyterian Sunday Schools of Alexander into a Union School. In 1925 Union was changed to United.

Sunday School Class Party 1929

• "- . Amy Camley, Betty Humphreys. Wilma McFadden. MarRaret

Peat. unlmown. Helen Hill. Laura Curtis. £mma Cheasler1.

unlmoum. unlmown. Esther Hudyma. lrene LcweRrotlf! .

/la Shinner (Teacher)

Reverend Hislop Dickson who was Minister of the Presbyterian Church at the time was elected Chairman and Mr. C lifford Lundy the Secretary for the meetinn. Officers elected: ~ Mr Ed Grierson Mr Hugh .lackson Miss Clara Critchley Mr Raymond Dunn Mr Wm. Walker Mr Albert Shingfield Miss Freda Smith Miss .1.1-:. Walker Miss Alma l.undv

Pagl' LR

Superintendent Asst. Superintendent Secretarv Asst. S~cretarv Treasurer . Librarian Asst. Librarian Organist Asst. Org-anist

At tlw !'<tlllf' nu•~:ling Mr. Oltvt~r Dunn Sr. wi th Rev. nlckson Wf'rf' elected to a.rrange the cm.:arding of the Robert Rtukt>s chplomas and se<1ls (Robert Raikes was responsible for begmnmg Sunda)' School in England 111 I 7RO) This tradition carrlt'd on through the years here unti l 1971 when it was cl1sccmllnut'd.

In order to receive a diploma the pupil had to a tt end Suncla,· School 48 Sundays out of 52 in the year and country children ltvin!( more than two miles from town had to a ttend at led;! -1-1 Sundays out of the year. Also the pupils in the Pnmary Class had to he able to repeat the 23rd Psalm. and the Juniors and Seniors the Ten Commandm ents. but this was chan!(ed to a scripture passage and a hymn. selected by the leacher. and eventually this too was dropped.

In 1927. it was dec ided to give a silver pin for the 8 th year perfect attendance. and then ribbons after that. and in 1932 the !(old pin for 12 years perfect attendance was given. In 1928. Miss Annie Aitcheson received a 20th year ribbon and Emily Hensley received one la ter on. Mr. Oliver Dunn presented these awards for 40 years until he retired.

In 1925 on Easter Sunday 3 jewels were presented for good attendance. A gold jewel was given to Emily Hensley for 15 years and a sil ver jewel was presented to Jim Criers on and Arthur Dunn for 9 years.

In 194 7 it was decided that Bibles be given to those receiving their 7th year seal. Murray and Bob Owens were the first to receive these.

In 1973 Bibles were given to members of the Blossom Class (9- 11 year olds) and today with the chan ges in Sunday School they have been given out to the 8 vear olds.

Sunday School Class Party Mrs. Marflaret lzzard. l ac i Parks. Cathy Amos, Mrs. Ooris Rabe. Laurie Speers. Rick Coleman. l odi Bissett. lennifer Mcf.t•oy. Linda Speers

The Sunday School has raised money by the sale of used books and toys, Pizza and Hot Dog Sale, homebaking and cookie sales in order to purchase these Bibles.

Many pieces of scripture were memorized through Sunday School and for sometime a Banner on a stand was placed in the a isle beside the class who had the biggest attendance for that day.

Special Sundays throughout th e yea rs ha ve been memorable ones with the orchestras and choirs , with th eir

special music, and the children with their recitations. pageants and readings, and there was always a guest speaker o~ these occas1ons.

\

Potriotic Pa~eant 1925

Patriotic Sunday was held on the Sunday before Dominion Day - Canadi an Flag pins were ha nded out a nd there was a lways a specia l program.

Easter Sunday Service was remembered for its live canaries in cages hanging from the ceilmg lamp standards. Later years an Easter Mural was hung across the north wall of the church. Little yellow fluffy chicks and white rabbits were given out to the chi ld ren.

On Mothers Day a homemade carnation was given to each Mother attendin g the serv ice.

Rally Day was held in the fall and Christmas Sunday with its Christmas hymns the Sunday before Christmas. At one recent memorable Christmas service a pageant was presented called the Birth of Christ with a real live Donkey ca rrying Mary and led by Joseph and a real live baby as Jesus (1982).

For many yea rs the Christmas Tree Concert was held in Mcllquham's Ha ll with a visit from Santa who amidst shouts of glee and young ones crying, from fright. stayed long enough to distribute bags of candy to the young ones. The admission for this co ncert was .25c- 14 years and over to defray expenses. The Anglicans always helped at these concerts. For a time the concerts were held in the church and then back to the Community Hall until the day school took over, and today a concert is held in the school auditorium.

The Christian Education Committee have a party every year for the kindergarten children and pre-schoolers with their Moms, with Santa paying th em a visit.

In the 20' s money was raised ($60.00) and sent annually to support a cot in a Hospital in Nissic. India. Then it was decided to send the birthday box money to V ita Mission Hospita l in Manitoba. Later it was sent to th e Childrens Aid and in recent years this money along with dona tions from the Youth Groups are sent to our Foster Child. Angel Perez from Brazil is our current fost er child . .

Boys Parliament , which was in conjunction with the T uxis Boy Square, took place every year in Winnipeg and delegates were sent through the Sunday School. Cordon Gauld had the privil ege of going in 1928. other boys who were elected to go were Fred Yeomans. Jack Roberts. Newton Yeomans. Mel Mac Kay and Clark Dunn. There were no other nam es recorded in the Minutes who were sent

as delegates, but one was sent each year for some time. Almost from the tim e the churches were built a library

was kept with an appointed libra rian and assistant in char!..!e. New books were bought periodically a nd there was a lot of

Page 29

reading done with all ages. Katie Jackson was the last appointed librarian and in 1951 it was decided to send our books to other libraries. An ad was put in the Observer and they were finally sent to outlying Mission Centres.

In 1927 Mr. E. Grierson was presented with an easy chair and Mr. 0. Dunn Sr. with a gold watch for their services before and after union as Superintendents. In 1946 these same two gentlemen were both presented with a framed address in appreciation for their long and faithful services. Mr. Grierson had been associated with Sunday School for 53 years with time spent as a teacher as well as superintendent a nd Mr. Dunn was superintendent and assistant for over 50 years. He was 89 and Mr. Grierson 77 at that time. Mr. Dunn had been appointed Honorary Life Superintendent in 1944.

Miss Katie Boyes was presented with a gold watch and a copy of Hurlbuts Story of the Bible when she resigned in 194 7 after being a Sunday School Teacher for nearly 30 years.

Mr. A.D. Blair received a Plaque in recognition of his many years as Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher on November 18, 1962 when he moved to Brandon.

Mrs. A. Leitch Class Party

£1liot Jachson. Doug Magee, Frank McMones, Charlie Smi tlt. ReRgie Bray, Keith Blair, }im Kerr, Norman Reynolds, Winston

Curt is At Back: Kelly Leitch, Miller Drummond

Island. We went by train , bus and truck or cars loaded down with picnickers and food off to enjoy an afternoon of fun and laughter together. There was something to do for everyone· swimming, ball, races, games or just visiting. In recent years the Sunday School Classes have had their own little picnics at the park or school grounds.

At the present time and since 1970 when the Church and Sunday School combined there has been no Superintendent. The Christian Education Committee has heen responsible for getting teachers and youth group leaders. This committee of Mrs Margaret Yeomans, Mrs Vi .l ames, Mrs Gail .lames and Mrs Carol McManes have worked hard trying to revive Sunday School. They visited each home with children in the Community and invited the family to bring their children to a Special Sunday School Session. They have devoted a lot of their time with the help of the teachers during these sessions, to keep the children's interest. At the end of each session they have a closing program and ceremony , at which time the children receive certificates.

A picture of Christ was purchased in 1955 to hang over the organ and a table was specially made by a cabinet maker in Brandon for in front of the altar. This was made in 195 7.

Anyone having a birthday was remembered with the congregation singing "Happy Birthday" while they dropped their money in the "Little Church Bank". The younger ones received "Birthday Pins". Today it is collected downstairs during Sunday School Classes. This money goes toward our support for the Faster Child.

The record attendance for our church reached 264 some years ago and has not changed since then.

Space does not permit the mention of all the teachers. officers and helpers who have worked so faithfully in the Sunday School through the years. The dedication of each one has played an important role in molding the lives of the young

Superintendents of Sunday School were: Methodist · Mr. Jas. McEwen Sr. , Mr. Ed Grierson and Mr. Oliver Dunn Sr. Presbyterian. Mr. A lex T. Speers, Mr. Wm. Dickson and Mr. Hugh Jackson. After Union· Mr. E. Grierson, Mr. Hugh Jackson, Mr. 0. Dunn Sr. , Mr. Austin Blair, Mr. Milton Donogh and the Ministers Rev. Reynolds, Rev. Young, Rev.

Parker and Rev. Dyker. ··• Sunday School although essentially religious in nature Front Row: Doreen Richardson. Frances Amos. Jt>ml Mnn:wn.

had its social side as well· memorable times to the young and I sa be lle Camley old were the annual Sunday School Picnics held at Souris, 2nd Raw: Olit•~ Dunn. Flora Y eomans. l.ola MacK0 ,1. Mortlw Oak Lake, Kirkhams Bridge, Exhibition Grounds. Dunn. l .oreen Rnthu•ell. Beotrice Amos . F.xperimental Farm and down by the Riverside on Dunns' .1rd Rou•: Doroth11 Pcot. lcssie Curtis IT. ! Edith Smitl1

Page :lO

Four of our oldest Senior Citizens who have been very .>dl\' t' tn our Sunday School and Chu rc h through the years .md no'' living in Brandon are still very interested in the life of tlw Church. They do lik e to attend our events whenever oo~~1ble.

Mr. Oswa ld McKay (96). Mr. Austin Blair (94). Mrs . .id lW Roherts (93) are in Fairview Senior C itizens Home. Mr. Hl;ur <1nd Mrs. Roberts are st ill ac tive and lik e to take part in adl\·ities there. Mr. McKay is in Personal Care. Mrs. Frances Y t'omans ( 88) is in a suite and is still able to ca re for herself. Slw <~!tends T rinitv Un ited Church a nd is a member of their l i. C.W. She enjoys reading. Mrs. Roberts still likes to knit <~nd Mr. Blair still rid es his bicycle.

During their years at Sunday School they were a ll Sundm• School Teachers a nd the two Ladies and Mr. Blair wpre i;wolved in you th groups. It is dedi cated people lik e tht'se who have seen our Church prosper.

Christmas Pa geant 1982 Mary . Dehorah Robe Rahy Jes us · Kennedy Baby }oseph w ith Donkey · Scott McKay

S heperds . Ran Rabe, Ken McEvoy Scott l ames and lacquie Cheas ley facing

camera and lool?ing at baby.

Teachers and Officers 194 7 StandinR: Mr A. Blair. Mrs S. Dunn, Mrs Wm. Gam ley. Mr E. Grierson. Mr 0. Dunn (Sr) Rev and Mrs G.A. Co /pitt s. Mrs N. Fisher. Mrs E. Cheasley Knee/in~: Mrs L. K err, Mrs T Speers Mr Don Rabe. Miss Harriet Owens. Mrs Wm . Hum e Sittin~: Mrs 0. Dunn Or). Miss K. E. Boyes

Beginners Class 1950 Bach Row: Sharon Parhs. Luetta Green, O live Dunn (T. ). Gary Parks , Barry Green Knee /in[.!: Darlene Pres ton Sitting in Front: Marion Humphre ys, Freddi e Buchanan. lim Bissett. Karen Bisse tt. Chery/ Pome roy. Lois Buchanan. Dorothy Buchanan

~ ~

Front Row: Haro ld Humphreys . Gene Parks. lim McMan es . Glen M cManes. Wayn e Murray Back Row: Peter Ni euwland. Bill Humphreys. lim Harrod. Len lames. Neil Morh. John McMan es Mrs May Grierson ( T )

"Remember When"

Remember when a basement was being constructed under the Church in 1925 and Sunday School classes were held in Mcllquhams Hall (and also the Church Service).

Remember when Fowl Suppers were held m Mcllquhams Hall - climbing all those stairs - Mrs. Mcllquham. Mrs Andrew McManes, Mrs Hugh Jackson, Mrs Douglas. Mrs Fred Dunn Sur. were some of the ladies who worked in the kitchen while the younger ones . May McKay. Jean Drummond. Elsie Mcllquham. Jessie Mcllquham to name a few, did the serving.

Remember the Red Curtain that hung over the doorway on the north wall of the main part of the Church leading to a little porch and outside, and one of the Gents in the choir used to come through that door late, and sneak into his seat in the choir loft - quite regularly on a Sunday night.

Remember when the Ladies of the Auxiliary had to houseclean the manse before a new Minister moved in.

Remember the night when Mr. Austin Blair had a class party at this house and everyone ran over to the station to watch the "Silk Train" go through.

Remember when a train came out from Brandon to Alexander and picked up picnickers and then backed up to Kemnay and took the spur line to Souris for a Sunday School picnic. Remember when some good picnics were held down a t the River. and a t Kirkhams Bridge when the picnickers went in the back of a truck.

Remember the Choir Concerts put on after the Fowl Suppers in the Church and at other times.

Remember the ainners served in the Church Basement the day after the Fowl Supper for the school kids and whoever else wanted to go for .25~.

Profit and Loss

I counted dollars tchile Cod counted crosses: I counted Qa ins tvhi/e He counted losses.' I counted my worth hy the thin~s ~ained in store. Hut He sized me up hy the scars that I hnre: I n)('eted honors and souf!hl for degrees:

I le tt'efll a." He cmmted the hours on m!J lmees. And I nerer lmeu' till one dou hy a !!rove l-Ime t'ain ore the thinf!s that u_·e spend life to saPe.

1 did not tJel /mow untif lim u•ent ahove That rich~st is ht> who is rich in Cod's hwe!

There's not much ('lractica/ Clnistianii!J in the man tdw liPes on lwtter terms u•ith onf!els and sera('h:->. than 1cith his children. sen•on/s ond nei!!hhors.

-1/enqJ Word Reeclwr

Tlw mo." l im{Jor/anl thml!!llt I t!l'er hod rr ·us tlwl of mu indi,li<lual

rl'sf>onsi/)i/ill/ to Cod. -/Jonid Wehstcr

Remember when Elocution Contests were held in the main part of the Church.

Remember the year the C.G.I.T. girls decided to go into the "Y" to swim for their wind-up party and were disappointed to find out there had to be an adult for each girl in order for them to be allowed to swim.

Remember when Mrs Kathleen Durston had from 37 -<!0 boys _and girls in the Sunday School Choir.

Remember when at C.G.I.T. Camp, rising early in the morning to go out to see the "Sun Rise", and an early morning dip before breakfast.

Remember one evening, an hour before a special banquet was to take place in the basement of the Church, and the old cook stove poured out smoke from every crack and crevice. filling the place full of smoke. What a riot getting the air cleared out before the guests arrived.

Remember when Mrs. Tom Drummond Sr. and Mrs. Will Jackson sang together and a lso Mrs Drummond and her daughter Helen (Mrs Bill McKay).

Remember when 3 gentlemen from the Alexander­Kemnay charge drove to Dauphin andmoved a "student minister" and his family to the manse, and lo and behold. when someone tried to get in touch with him two or three days later, they discovered that they had picked up and left and was never heard from again.

Remember when two Christmas trees were purchased in 1928. a smaller one was bought for the smaller children.

Remember how the big "roll down curtain" which hung from the ceiling in Mac's Hall and extended across the length of the stage fascinated everyone. A boy was responsible for raising and lowering the curtain by a rope during the Christmas Concerts.

If on unhnd u •ord appear:-. File tlw thinR au·ay.

If some nm•eftu it }et>rs. File thL' thinR Oll'O.IJ.

If some cleL'er little hit Of a shorfJ ond pointed tcil. CnrryinJ! a slim! ll'ilh it -

File the thin a cru•a .tJ.

If ."ome /1il of !!ossip c ome .

File tlw thin!! nu'O.IJ.

Scondalousi!J spicu crwnh. Fil(' till' thin!! c/lcay.

If SIISflicion comes to IJOII

That your nei!!hl1or is;1't true Let me tell !JOII tdwt to do--

Fill! the thin!! (III'CIH.

Do this for n little 11 •hife.

On File

TIH'II !.,'o nul ond hum tl1e filt' .

Pcu..rt· 32

Bequests, Memoriums and Gifts - Three <tained gbss windows were installed after the First World War in memory of George Yeomans and Cecil Arthur Young by the O.A. Yeomans and T. Young families. -Bequea ths have been made to the Unit ed Church by:

Mr. Hiram Cheasley Mr. & Mrs. Neil McEwen

Mrs. Fred Cheasley Mr. Raymond Dunn

Mr. & Mrs. Frank C. McManes Mr. W a it Ogilvie

Mrs. Oswald McKay Mr. Donald Rabe

- A plaque was present ed to the church from Mr. & Mrs. Gilholm. England. in memory of their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lundy. who lost their lives in an accident near Alexander shortly after returning from the Second World War. -A Comm union tabl e was presented to the church by Mr. a nd Mrs. Leslie Skinner in m emory of Mr. Skinner's parents , Mr. & Mrs. lsaac Skinner. · Mr. Troy Blair had wooden panelling made for the front of the choir loft in memory of his wife Alison. - The money left by Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. McManes was used to purchase the piano for the sanctuary. - Collection plates were purchased with part of the money from Mr. Wait Ogilvie. - A new pulpit made .of wood matching that of the choir loft panelling was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rabe. - A number of Red Hymn Books were presented to the church by the Messenger Group and also by several individuals in memonum. - Red velvet pulpit drape hanging from the lectern and table runner were presented to the church in memory of Russell Bisseit by the Bisseit family. -A silver Baptismal bowl was presented May 1977 by the C.G.I.T. , Messengers and Explorers Group. -A wooden cross. of matching wood , with indirect lighting was installed by Mr. & Mrs. Frank Rabe and family in memory of Mr. a nd Mrs. Alex Rabe in March 1984.

Several plaques were made to acknowledge these gifts, and dedica tion services were held on various occasions by the ministers. - An Electronic Key Board Piano has been placed in the Auditorium by Mrs. Alan Yeomans and family in memory of her daughter Is abel Kelleit.

it 's dedication will be on the 100th Anniversary, Sunday. June 28, 1987.

-Monetary Gift , May 1987 , by Mrs. Evelyn A. Dunn (Stanley W.) and Family in memory of the Dunn Family and Mr. and Mrs. Neil McEwen. -Along with the above Gift, the Congregation has purchased a Public Address Sound System as an Anniversary Project- to be dedicated in Memory of our Pioneers - June 28. 1987.

We would like to pay tribute to the many faithful ones who through all the years have given of their tim e and talents to the work of the Lord . We plan to move forward under the leadership of the new minister, Gregory Grace, enriched by our heritage d the past with faith in our hearts for the future.

Do we need a church in our town to-day A special spot to fiO and pray? "Oh yea". said one. I chanced to mee t " I'd fiO to church with willing feet. But my life's fast pace is hard to keep And Sunday morning's my chance to sleep I know when I'm old and grey I'll have more time to go and pray. So keep the church as best you can I'll want it when I'm an old man." Another said - "My children go to church school

In the fall you know. They are in the program at special times They always say their lines that rhyme. They don't often go the rest of the year But we are glad a church is near." =­Another man said. "When I go to God Ere you [ay my body beneath the sod My friends will go to the church to see My coffin and to sing a hymn for me, So keep on working - oh faithful few. K ee p it in repair or build anew Though I can't help, I'd like to /mow The church is there-· When I've time to go".

Pege 14 PRINTED BY SANDERSON PRINTING. SOUR I" MM.,