Richmond Hill Public Library News Index

Tweedsmuir History, Sunnyside Women's Institute, Volume 2, 1955-1990, p. 9

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ANOTHER HISTORIC LANDMARK DISAPPEARS AT ANSONIA A landmark that has stood in this community from the winter of 1918 to the autumn of 1966 is now gone!! The Ansonia Church was sold to Mr. John Wardell and has recently been razed. THe property was purchased by Mr. Don MacKenzie. This church lot had beem part of the farm of Mr. Elsworth Jones. The building was moved from what was then known as Milltown on the Thessalon River, and had been a Presbyterian Church built in 1901 by John Lamonte The moving was in charge of Mr. Howard Whitfield of Livingstone Creek with the help of several men from Ansonia. It was divided into two sections and moved on sleighs. There was also a driving shed which served till it, was no longer needed. The change was made with the understanding that it was to be used by any Protestant denomination. The original trustees were Messrs. David 0wens, Nelson King and Hugh Munholland. The first minister was the Rev. Humphry, a Baptist minister with a large family who lived in Thessalon. He made his trips by horse and cart and was very faithful in his attendance. Other Baptist and Pilgrim Holiness ministers followed. On one memor-able occasion, Mr. Wilcox walked from Thessalon carrying a box of Christmas treats for the Sunday School children. This and other deeds of devotion are a part of our thoughts with the passing of the old grey building. At one time the church was filled with worshippers. In time the summer services were taken by student ministers of the United Church until 1952 when services were discontinued. These young men were stationed at Wharncliffe about twenty miles away and had to travel by bicycle and later by motorcycle and automobile. They gave inspiration and youthful leadership in the community. It was customary to have the school Christmas tree in the church. This happy occasion was preceded by weeks of practice. An evergreen arch was built above the platform, a fitting and festive frame for the children's performance. Carols, recitations and dialogues were enjoyed by the proud parents and visitors, supervised by an anxious teacher. Only in memory now, do we see the moments of triumph and the endearing mistakes, all part of the joy and the growing years. Lanterns had to be supplied for the lighting and a hot fire was needed in the large box-stove. In 1948 hydro was introduced to the community and the church was wired by Sunnyside Women's Institute, a few years later Picture - Mrs. Alma Seabrook. Typing - Mrs. Aubrey Court.

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