St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church here is celebrating 138 years as a congregation on Oct. 28.
While there were two Presbyterian congregations starting around 1840, these two congregations came together in 1874 to form the current St. Andrew’s congregation.
To celebrate the special occasion the church will be hosting two services, one at 11am and one at 7pm.
At the 11am service, Scott McIntosh, who is in his final semester at Redeemer University College, will address the congregation, and music will be provided by Peggy Lennox and Laura Burnett, members of the congregation in Gordonville. And of course, members will be led in song by the church’s regular organist and choir.
Following the morning service, members are invited to stay for a luncheon put on by the ladies of the session.
At the evening service the church will welcome a group of local musicians, including St. Andrew’s own Karl Watson.
Rev. Dr. John Vissers, moderator of the 138th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC), will speak at the evening service. The General Assembly is the highest court of the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC), where representatives from all the different presbyteries gather to do the business of the wider PCC.
Vissers is also the principal at Presbyterian College in Montreal. Over his career he has pastored congregations in British Columbia and Ontario, even preaching for a time at Mount Forest United Church and guest preaching at St. Andrew’s in Arthur.
He has also served on many committees within the Presbyterian Church, has given lectures and has authored several books and articles.
Vissers is married to Lynn McEwen, a former member and frequent visitor to St. Andrew’s.
Following the evening service officials will serve loaves, cheese and other goodies.
