Drayton United Church has a long history of faithful service in the Mapleton community.
In June, the church will celebrate its 125th anniversary with three days of events planned.
The church’s roots date back to May 5, 1925 when the union of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches resulted in the formation of the United Church of Canada.
A motion made on the books of the Methodist church, at a congregational meeting, read and moved by Bros. B.J. Garbutt and W. Jackson, stated that “on and after June 10, 1925, this church shall be known as The United Church of Canada, Drayton. Its doors shall be open to all in this community who shall decide as a matter of conviction to enter the United Church.”
The former Methodist Church, currently the home of the United Church at the corner of Main and Elm Streets, was built in 1892 at a cost of $5,000. Inclement weather on the official opening day in January did not discourage parishioners from attending the ceremony.
Active church groups included the Women’s Association, Women’s Missionary Society, Mission Circle, Mission Band, Sunday School, Young People’s Union and Choir.
The closure of churches in the immediate area brought new members to the Drayton church.
Improvements to the church in the form of renovations and additions continued over the years and on June 13 and 14, 1992, the church celebrated the 100th anniversary of the building.
The opening of a time capsule, which had been placed in the cornerstone at the time the building was erected, was one highlight of the day. The capsule was replaced to be reopened at a future date.
Twenty five years later, in 2017,the church continues to provide a place of worship on Sunday mornings. A choir, praise band, children and youth ministries, bible study and United Church Women’s group are all active in the church.
The congregation hosts takeout roast beef and turkey dinners, along with catering luncheons and dinners for patrons of the Drayton Festival Theatre. The United Church begins its Christmas season with an annual Christmas House Tour. The church choir invites members of the community to join in performing an Easter Cantata.
On June 9 to 11 the church will be celebrating its 125th anniversary at its current location. On June 9 at 7pm the youth will be hosting a family games night, including cards and board games.
The following night the celebration continues with an anniversary cold plate buffet dinner from 5 to 6:30pm in the church basement. Individuals from the congregation will showcase their talents at 7pm in the sanctuary. Those wishing to participate in the show are asked to contact Reverend Mark Laird by June 1.
Sunday morning at 10:30am, Reverend Fred Hagel will give the anniversary message. A former Drayton United Church minister, Reverend Hagel also spoke at the 100th anniversary of the Drayton church. A special anniversary choir will perform selections of music. Fellowship and cake will follow the service.
Cookbooks featuring favourite recipes from the kitchens of church members will be on sale throughout the weekend and can be purchased at Blooming Dale’s after the anniversary celebration.
In conjunction with the 125th anniversary celebrations, plans are underway for the completion of an updated photo directory.
Information on booking a photo session on June 15 to 17 is available on the church’s website. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to be part of the church family album.
The church’s mission statement is: “The power of God’s Spirit has brought us together as God’s family.
“We are called to proclaim God’s Word and provide a loving, caring Christian community.
“Through Christ we are also called to promote purposeful and gratifying worship for the whole family of God and to continue expanding our ministries to the global community.”
With this statement and the church’s long history of service in the community, Drayton United Church should continue to be a faithful witness to the community for many years to come.
Drayton United Church is located at 34 Main Street East in Drayton. For more information on the anniversary weekend call Reverend Mark Laird at 519-638-2021 or visit www.draytonunited.ca.
