St. Andrew’s celebrates 125 years

Times Contributor

 

The faithful filled the historic pews of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Gleichen to mark the parish’s 125th anniversary on June 12. 

Founded by J.W. Tims, who was sent to the area by the Church Missionary Society, the church was built in 1886, and although it has since been named a historic site, it continues to serve the parish housing weekly services. 

Because of the historic designation, no renovations are possible on the church, and so a few feet away, the congregation members built a new parish hall which was dedicated after the anniversary service and the housed a supper for members and guests. At the supper, the contributions of many parish and community members were noted in helping to make the new hall a reality—no small feat given the size of the parish and community.

Fr. Fergus Tyson, who had previously served the parish, preached and presided at the traditional Anglican worship service, giving thanks to God for the ongoing ministry of the parish to Gleichen and area. Tyson noted the new parish hall showed the congregation was looking forward to the future and ways it could continue to minister to the community, even while they treasured their history embodied in the historic church building.

Fr. Eric Haffenden brought greetings from Bishop Derek Hoskin of the Diocese Calgary, congratulating the parish on the occasion, and presented the parish wardens Linda Holt and Brenda Tower with a certificate from the diocese marking the occasion. Other clergy participating in the service were Pr. Brad Everett, Fr. Robert Greene, Fr. Bob Caudle, Rev. Mervin Wolfleg and Rev. Margaret Waterchief.