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The “Wee” Church that is loved “Come to the church in the wildwood; oh come to the church in the vale.” I am always reminded of this childhood favourite when I pass by the white, clapboard frame of Primrose United Church, just off Highway 10 on the 30th Side Road of Mono. It is, as the congregants fondly call it, a “wee church” – small in stature, but big on love. Anyone who has ever attended, even a service or two, will tell you there is something special about the historic sanctuary, something…almost magical. Perhaps it is the simplicity of its design; the pioneer practicality, a kind of beauty in the bare bones of functionality and faith. Perhaps it is the almost comical hum of the old furnace through the noisy air ducts, or the frugal lavatory facility that holds its charm. Possibly though, it is the people themselves, a tiny community of devotion, intertwined by family and friends. They are a fiercely loyal “wee” group; the fabric of a spiritual history that dates back to 1875. Originally a Methodist Church, Primrose joined with the Presbyterians in 1925 to become the United Church along with hundreds of other Canadian parishes. The amalgamation included Methodists, the Congregational Union of Canada, the General Council of Union Churches (largely in the west) and 70 percent of Presbyterian Churches. The union made the United Church of Canada the largest Protestant denomination in Canada. Coincidently, the current Minister of Primrose Church, newly United, jokingly refers to himself as a “recovering Presbyterian.” David Howes, Minister for the Shelburne Charge, which includes Trinity United Church in town and Primrose United, has ministered both churches for the last three years. “To the general public, Primrose may seem like a couple of hamburger spots and a doughnut shop,” says the Reverend, but “it is so much more!” He speaks of a “vibrant community of neighbours, old and new, who look out for one another and who are eager to lend a hand when it is needed. I would argue that the spiritual heart of the community is Primrose United Church.” Gail Brown and her husband Gord are long time members of Primrose United. Gord was raised in the church and Gail at Trinity, where both families were very active. When they married, Gord asked Gail to come to Primrose and both their children were baptized and confirmed at the little church. Gail says it was like being welcomed into a family. “If anyone in the congregation is ill, or having problems, you know everyone is there in body and prayer to support them.” Members like Ann Kendrew, one of the church's more mature congregants, whose history with Primrose goes back to her husband's grandfather who helped build the church nearly 140 years ago. “There is no hiding in Primrose United,” says Reverend Howes, “everyone pitches in and offers the talents and skills that they have to the various activities that mark the calendar year – A Family Christmas Candlelight Service, Turkey Suppers at the Mel Lloyd Centre, Food Concessions at Auctions, Concerts at the Grace Tipping Hall and our Special Anniversary Service in October.” In June there will be a service that is all music and Sharon Holmes invites “any musical people in the community, who play instruments to come and participate, or if they just like to sing, we could certainly use some more voices.” These days the church is busy gathering blocks for a church quilt being lovingly pieced together at the back of the sanctuary in celebration of next year's 140th Anniversary. “Members and people of the Primrose Community have begun bringing in quilting blocks with wonderful designs of farms and flowers and stain glass windows,” the Reverend said. Each block is made by a family with a story behind it, “either family or church related,” adds Gail Brown. The congregation is looking for sponsors to buy blocks for $10 a piece to help with the cost of quilting it. A booklet will be made with each square photographed and the name of the maker and the story behind the design. The quilt will be unveiled in October 2016. Visitors and new members are always welcomed at Primrose, “I think anyone, older or young families would enjoy the fellowship and worship found at our wee church,” says Gail Brown. The meditative garden and historic site make it a quaint choice for a wedding or baptism. A perfect opportunity to visit the church is coming this weekend, Saturday, May 10th from 8-11am at the Annual Plant and Bake Sale where perennials, herbs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup and garden accessories will be for sale. “Like the community,” said Reverend Howes, Primrose Church “is a collection of people from varying backgrounds, some whose roots are deep in the soil and some who are new residents drawn to its proud lanes and farms and the rolling landscape. If people are wondering what church was like, could be like and should be like, our services are at 9:15 a.m. Sunday school is offered every week. For more information on Primrose Church call 519 925-2233. By Marni Walsh  The Meditative Garden at Primrose Church is a lovely spot for weddings or spiritual thought. Congregants are working on the addition of a walking labyrinth in the area around the garden. |
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Post date: 2014-05-07 16:42:29 Post date GMT: 2014-05-07 20:42:29 Post modified date: 2014-05-14 15:18:24 Post modified date GMT: 2014-05-14 19:18:24 |
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