There is an experiment underway in Canada’s most patriotic village.
Arthur village was designated as the most patriotic village because it sent more young men to war per capita than any other community in Canada. We can scarcely imagine the stress and strain waiting for loved ones to return, or the inevitable anguish when News of a death hit home. No doubt faith got many families through the turmoil and grief.
Decades later, the village faces another crisis. Not entirely unlike the call to serve at the turn of the century, members of the faith community in Arthur are answering the call to serve again.
There is no question that church enrollment continues to decline. Across the county small rural churches have been closed or reorganized to remain a place of worship.
Costs mount, not just operating costs and funds to hire clergy, but like most heritage structures, upkeep and capital budgets are under immense pressure.
Left too long, with options exhausted small rural churches face closure as the only option. Villages and small towns face similar challenges.
Recognizing the trends, we were happy to get a call from Marnie Mainland who is helping spearhead the initiative in Arthur to better understand faith needs in that town. Five of seven churches are participating in the process, seeking advice and feedback from the community.
There are five category questions the group poses:
1. Do you attend Church? If not, why not? What is it about your church you especially enjoy?
2. Do you consider yourself an atheist?
3. How would the ideal church look for you?
4. If you were raised to attend church, but do not do so now, why is that?
5. How would it affect you if there were no churches in your community?
Respondents are asked to send replies to www.arthurunitedchurch.ca. From that collection point, information will be shared with other faith partners in the project.
We see Arthur’s quest for answers as something other communities may want to research as well.
Update on Barrie Hopkins
We still field calls and get emails wondering where Barrie is.
Despite being a very public figure, between his column with us and his many volunteer pursuits, we decided with his family to note his absence in the paper as taking time off – which is entirely true.
Early in the summer we didn’t receive a column from Barrie, which set off alarm bells. He never missed a deadline over the years. As it turns out he was in hospital but promised to send something along when he could.
Suffice to say, Barrie isn’t getting around so well, but he remains hopeful to have one last column published.
In the meantime, some readers and friends have asked to send greetings his way. To make things easier, we will gladly accept those items at our Fergus office and get a parcel to him before Christmas.
