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Connection
170 Years in Kitchener
presbyterian.ca
WINTER 2023
By the Anniversary Committe at Doon Presbyterian Church in Kitchener, Ont., with special thanks to Louisa Stephenson
What a day Sunday, Sept. 17 was for Doon Presbyterian Church in Kitchener, Ont., when we cel- ebrated our 170th Anniversary. Former church members who had moved from the area returned to renew old friendships, remember the good times and share their stories, which made for a huge joyous reunion!
We are a caring church that reaches out to our neighbours in many ways, and we support local charities, such as the three chosen this year—The Working Centre, Ray of Hope and Marillac Place— as well as contributing well over 5,000 meals to the Food Bank. Our yearly outreach programs are also a community favourite, such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Rosebud Tea, Children’s Bible Camp Harvest Luncheon, Memorial Day Service, Christmas Lights with Carol Sing- ing, and we are now looking for- ward to our upcoming Christmas Bazaar and Christmas Eve Service.
People can marvel at the beauty of our historic church, which was built before Canada was born, and in those days you paid to go to church! We still have the origi- nal pews, which cost $2.50 per year for a single pew and $10 for a family. We also have the original chandelier with its 12 burning oil lamps that in 1953 was wired for electricity by the Wilfong family. Our church pump organ that was made in Berlin, Ont., in the 1800s was played at our anniversary service.
Our church was built in 1853 at a cost of $4,912. Sitting high
Photos from the 170th Anniversary service at Doon Presbyterian Church.
up on a hill overlooking the Grand River, it stood well above the treeless rolling hills of Doon. But nowadays, it is more difficult to find! In 1992, a new brick addition was built to support the growing congregation. In the older section you can see parts of the church’s original stone foundation still standing strong and true. Our lo- cal nicknames are “The Friendly Church on the Hill” and “The Church that Loves to Sing,” and both are true!
Building Capacity for Reconciliation in Calgary
PRESBYTERIAN
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By Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church
Meaningful reconciliation begins with listening, learning, hold- ing space for the uncomfortable truths of our collective history and coming to terms with their impact on Indigenous peoples. The con- gregation of Varsity Acres Presby- terian Church (VAPC) in Calgary, Alta., has committed itself to such a reconciliation journey.
On October 21, VAPC hosted a workshop with Cheryle Chagnon- Greyeyes, a member of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, a recognized traditional knowledge keeper, Elder and pipe carrier, and a long-time activist for Indigenous rights in the Calgary area.
Cheryle was a guest speaker at a service at VAPC in Septem- ber. The October workshop was a follow-up to her September talk. The full-day workshop used the
Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes, of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, pre- senting at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church in Calgary, Alta.
framework of the medicine wheel to discuss racism, prejudice and misinformation, and to examine the background of the Calls to Action recommended in the final report of Canada’s Truth and Rec- onciliation Commission.
The event offered participants the opportunity to become more familiar with Indigenous world- views, traditional teachings and
historical perspectives, and to examine the ongoing effects of colonialism and capitalism in the shaping of Canada. The work- shop provided a foundation to build capacity for meaningful reconciliation work. It was open to the community and Presbytery of Calgary-Macleod, and was deeply appreciated by all those attending.