The Carlow United Church was created in 1875 and on July 19th, they will host a drive-in service to celebrate the church’s 145th anniversary.
“It started as a presbyterian church,” Reverend Lynn Watson tells the MyBancroftNow.com newsroom. She believes that the land was donated all those years ago by farmers. “The fields on either side of the church and the graveyard are often cut for hay,” she says. It was in the late 1960s when the church became part of the Bancroft-Carlow Pastoral Charge.
Over the years Watson says the church has – like many others – served as a community centre, which is why she says they are so eager to celebrate its 145th anniversary of being in the community. “It’s about celebrating the people that established that community,” she says.
Throughout its existence of over a century, Watson says there are so many stories to tell. The church’s former Minister the late Reverend Doctor Peter Tink was instrumental, Watson says, in getting the church to open every Sunday for service. Up until the late 70s and early 80s, Watson says they weren’t doing that until Tink encouraged them to do so. “And they’ve been open every Sunday since,” she says.
Watson says Tink was also key in starting the church’s annual walkathon. While every else would walk the 10-kilometre route around Fraser Lake, Watson says Tink – who was an experienced marathoner – would run it. Watson says it was also fun to get together for the annual tradition because it was an opportunity to get together, chat and catch up.
“People can bring their lawn chairs and physical distance and we can celebrate the anniversary,” Watson says about the drive-in service. She adds that masks will need to be worn and physical distancing will be enforced. Guest speaker Erinn Oxford will be at the service. She’s the Executive Director & Pastor of The Dale Ministries in Toronto. Watson says the finishing touches are also being put on a yet to be announced musical guest. “I did announce last week it’s a BYOB,” she adds. “That stands for bring your own bagged lunch.”
While churches are re-opening, Watson says their kitchens have to remain closed for the time being. While a musical guest is scheduled, Watson says there will be no congregational singing.
“We’re trying to figure out ways to do what churches are supposed to be doing, in a time when it’s not business as usual,” she says.
“I’m hoping this is the start of a new tradition,” Watson says. She hopes that every year they have the chance to hold an outdoor service at the church.
The drive-in service is happening on July 19th at 11:30. The church is located at 4252 Boulter Road in Boulter, Ontario.
You can hear Reverend Lynn Watson deliver service every Sunday on Moose FM starting at 11 AM.