By Myrtle Carruthers
The Avening Church has had a long and interesting history during the past 142 years.
The Avening community was established in 1860. There was no church in the village at that time, so the children met for Sunday School under the Superintendent John Pengelly at the Banda Methodist Church built in 1863.
It was reported by Reverend James Woodsworth in his 1870-71 report that “the Friends of Avening Village have determined to erect a church to cost about $700.”
Avening was first a separate mission in 1872. The Church was opened in February of that year with Reverend V. Wilson as Minister.
The present building is on the same site and is the original Church, except that it was raised and bricked in 1924.
In 1925, the Methodist Church became the United Church of Canada.
In 1937, the Church was wired for electricity. Previously, it had been illuminated by Duncan Carruthers’ power plant at the mill.
Over the years, we have celebrated many happy occasions. A most important one was the installation of our beautiful eight stained glass windows in 1948 and 1948, when Reverend A. G. Eagle was our Minister. It is interesting to note here that the “Young People’s” window will find its new home in the Eagle Chapel at Mt. Zion, which was built in 1978.
Since 1903, Garden Parties (or Strawberry Suppers as we call them today), were the highlight of fundraising and social gatherings each June.
Did you know that on June 28, 1947, a ticket for Supper and Program was only 75 cents? And children were 40 cents?
Avening will hold its last service on Sunday, June 22 at 9 am, with Reverend Tony Rennett officiating and Ben Tupling playing piano. (Reverend Tony has been with us for 10 years.)
We will miss our special place of worship each Sunday, but let us always remember:
“The Church is wherever
God’s people are helping,
Caring for neighbours
in sickness and need.
The Church is wherever
God’s people are sharing
The words of the Bible
in gift and in deed.”
– Carol Rose Ikeler, 1959
We have been truly blessed and give thanks to everyone who shared in our 142-year Faith Journey.