History
The history section is in two parts. The first part reproduces a booklet prepared for the 150th anniversary of the church from 1842-1992 by Jackie Crow. The second part tells the story since then. It was prepared by George and Barbara Rooke.
150th Anniversary Year
1842 – 1992
FOREWARD
Three generations have passed since the founding of Fonthill United
Church, which began as a small, hopeful and faithful band of Methodists
in 1842. They were without a building and a resident pastor, and
in all humility we might wonder if they were better off. People
met wherever they could because they wanted to, and they all exercised
ministry to one another.
One hundred years passed. Fonthill United Church’s congregation
was larger and had a full‑time pastor, Rev. W.A. Monteith. He
wrote at the celebration of that milestone, “No one needs to be reminded
that we are living in a troubled time – near the end of three critical
years of war – when even the church herself is rocking on a stormy sea
that threatens all we hold worthwhile.” For many these words apply
today as our denomination debates issues of sexuality and the
“Interpretation and Authority of Scripture.”
We here in Fonthill believe as we did fifty years ago, “God is not
through with the church¼God made the church to be the organ of His
redemptive purpose in Jesus Christ. It is easy to detect the
weaknesses of the organ, but let us not fail to take hope for the
success of her mission.”
Fifty years later we have built on that hope with expanded facilities
and staff, and a fresh commitment to reach out into our community with
the Good News. We believe, too, that although fewer people are
committed to he institutional church and that Christianity is one of
many religions in the Canadian mosaic, still we share with concerned
Canadians the basic values that are essential to a healthy, balanced
society and country. These values are simply, clearly and lovingly
laid out in the Old and New Testament and are visible in the life of
Jesus Christ.
In the words of my predecessor W.A. Monteith, “We desire to be worthy
successors of those whose faith, courage and vision began the work of
the Lord here, so we want to be sure that by a big faith, a strong
courage and a great love we are going to make the world a better and
happier place for those who will do the building after us.”
Gordon Crossfield, Pastor
Fonthill United Church
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It must be said that no one who compiles a history book can claim
authorship. This history was written by the thousands of people
who have gone before us in this congregation, and was compiled from the
records and fond memories of many individuals. The highest role to
which I can aspire is that of scribe. Special acknowledgement must
be given, however, to three people, without whom this book would never
have been printed.
Long before I arrived on the scene at Fonthill United Church, Betty
Wicks and Barbara Rooke were busy compiling archives, with the view to
publishing a history of this church. The records which they had
gathered, the notes and the pictures, form the bones of this book.
The enthusiasm and zeal for accuracy Betty and Barbara brought to this
project are the spirit of the document.
Certainly no less important in her contribution is Elaine Champagne, who
offered me technical assistance and moral support. Without her
mediation between me and a recalcitrant computer, the writing would have
ceased almost before it was begun.
For all of you who choose to read this book, my hope is that it will
rekindle warm memories of people and times gone by. We are a
composite of all that has gone on before, and with that in mind we must
foresee a bright future for this congregation.
Jackie Crow,
Staff Associate
THE CHURCH ON THE HILL
One hundred years ago this year
As records clearly show,
This Church was founded on this hill
God’s blessings to bestow.
One hundred years, we lightly say,
Nor pause to scan the change
Which passing years have always brought
To man’s domain and range.
What kindly thoughts we now do have
Of the days and years of yore,
What cherished memories we still hold
Of friends now gone before.
‘Twas here we brought our dear betrothed
In the hey-day of our life,
To ask the faithful man of God
To make us man and wife.
‘Twas to this Church we brought our babes
Before they learned of sin,
“Else ye become as one of these
Ye cannot enter in.”
‘Twas here we brought our sainted dead
And watched them laid at rest,
Free from all pain, all grief and death
In the mansions of the blest.
Long may this Church still stand and shine
As a light-house evermore,
To pilot man’s frail feeble barque
On toward the Heavenly Shore.
(Excerpts from a poem by Robert Miller in 1942 for the Church’s 100th anniversary.)
Ministers of the Church
Chapter 1 Fonthill Wesleyan
Methodist Church
Chapter 2 The White Church Era
Chapter 3 And So We Grew
Chapter 4 The Women of the Church
Chapter 5 Music, Music, Music
Chapter 6 Our Young People
Chapter 7 Other Church Groups
Chapter 8 Addenda 1991-2006
MINISTERS OF
FONTHILL UNITED CHURCH
1842 – 1992
|
1842
Rev. John Ryerson
1842
Rev. Reuben Tupper
1842
Rev. George Sanderson
1843
Rev. Charles Lavell
1844
Rev. E.B. Harper
1845
Rev. Thos. Demorest
1845
Rev. Thos. Rattray
1846
Rev. Lewis Warner
1847-48 Rev. John
Law
1847
Rev. Lachlin Taylor
1849-50 Rev. Wm.
Price
1849
Rev. Wm. Ames
1850
Rev. Isaac Barber
1850-51 Rev. John
S. Evans
1851-52 Rev.
Claudius Byrne
1852
Rev. W.S. Griffin
1853
Rev. Geo. Goodwin
1853
Rev. Richard Clark
1854-55 Rev. Thos.
Bevitt
1854
Rev. E.H. Dewart
1855
Rev. R.J. Foreman
1856-58 Rev. John
G. Laird
1856
Rev. Thos. Cobb
1857-58 Rev. James
Goodwin
1859-60 Rev. Samuel
Rose
1858-60 Rev. John
Potts
1861-62 Rev. Alex
Sutherland
1862
Rev. Daniel Perrin
1862-65 Rev. John
Wakefield
1863
Rev. W.F. Campbell
1864-65 Rev. E.R.
Young
1866-68 Rev. J.H.
Starr
1866-67 Rev. R.H.
Waddell
1868
Rev. B.B. Keefer
1869-70 Rev. Lewis
Warner
1869
Rev. R.W. Woodsworth
|
1870
Rev. Thos. Cardus
1871
Rev. John S. Clark
1871
Rev. Walter Rigsby
1875-77 Rev. Walter
Rigsby
Rev. John Ridley
1877-79 Rev. E.A.
Chown
1880-83 Rev. Walter
Rigsby
1883
Rev. W. Walsh
1883-87 Rev.
J.H.Hazelwood
1887-90 Rev. Wray
R. Smith
1890-91 Rev. Samuel
Wilson
1891-94 Rev. D.H.
Taylor
1894-96 Rev. J.H.
Kennedy
1896-99 Rev. J.F.
Crowle
1899-00 Rev. J.S.
Corcoran
1900-04 Rev. W.B.
Smith
1904-08 Rev. H.
Caldwell
1908-09 Rev. R.M.
Teeple
1909-13 Rev. J.G.
Foote
1913-17 Rev. W.E.
Stafford
1917-18 Rev. G.T.
Watts
1918-22 Rev. R.E.
Zimmerman
1922-26 Rev. T.B.
Edmonds
1926-34 Rev. J.A.
Dilts
1934-40 Rev. J.L.
Guinn
1940-47 Rev. W.A.
Monteith
Rev. J.W. Hedley
1947-48 Rev. G.E.
Evans
1948-49 Rev. W.D.
Spence
1949-57 Rev. G. Cox
1957-62 Rev. Harold
Penner
1962-75 Rev.
Douglas Dunlop
1975-81 Rev. Arthur
Steed
1981-87 Rev. Keith
F. Tudor
1988
Rev. Pegi Ridout
1988
Rev. Gordon Crossfield |
ASSOCIATE PASTORS
|
1880-81 Rev. D.W.
Snider
1881-82 Rev. W.H.
Cooper
1891-92 Rev. C.M.
Marshall
1892-93 Rev. C.G.
Swinnerton
1893-94 Rev. J.F.
Kaye
1894-95 Rev. G.W.
Down
1895-96 Rev. J.M.
Haith |
1896-97 Rev. F.E.
Nelson
1897-98 Rev. A.W.
Stepperson
1898-00 Rev. C.P.
Holmes
1900-01 Rev. J.M.
Copeland
1901-02 Rev. W.G.
Buell
1902-03 Rev. G.S.
Cassmore |
FONTHILL WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH
IN THE BEGINNING:
Pelham Township began to be settled about 1790. United Empire
Loyalists, unhappy with the new order in the United States sought the
opportunity to pursue their agrarian lifestyle under British rule.
It was a hard life in this wilderness place, with virgin forests, harsh
winter weather and wild animals to be overcome. The Village of
Fonthill grew in response to the needs of the surrounding farm
community, providing general merchants, blacksmith services and mill
facilities. Records show a settlement as far back as 1829, though
it was not called Fonthill at that time. Various sources give
different information regarding the original name of the village.
The area was apparently designated as the “Short Hills,” following which
the settlement was called “Osborn’s Corners.” Circa 1842, the name
“Temperanceville” was bandied about, but there is no conclusive evidence
that this name was ever agreed upon. Most sources claim that the
name “Fonthill” was assigned because of the area’s resemblance to
Fonthill Abbey in England, but in a letter from Henry Giles to his
brother John, he stated, “There is a large Temperance Hotel at the top
of the hill to which they are about to conduct a stream of water, and
construct a fountain. This being the case, I have proposed the
name of Fonthill”
When the basic issues of food, shelter and protection were resolved, the
early settlers turned their thoughts to worshipping God in their new
community. Many of the Loyalist settlers had their roots in the
Scholharie Valley in New York State, where the Society of Friends
(Quakers) were dominant. The Quakers were the first to organize in
the area. Methodist services were held in the area as early as
1820, led by local preachers, in the homes of the faithful. A
congregation of Baptists organized in 1844, meeting wherever opportunity
afforded. It was said of the faith communities:
From time to time small churches were erected in various parts of the
sparsely settled counties, where was preached those words of truth to
the humble pioneers which showed them the way to eternal life; but
before churches were erected worship was held in the humble log house of
some one of the settlers who professed Christianity. Notice of
these meetings would be given out for weeks prior to the time they were
to be held, in order that the settlers might become informed of the
theme. When the Sunday came on which the meeting was to be held
the people, clad in their home‑spun clothes, gathered to hear those
truths which are at the foundation of all good, and when the service was
over a general hand shaking would take place between the “neighbours”
who generally lived several miles from each other – and then they would
wend their way homewards. Oftentimes the congregation did not
number more than ten or fifteen persons, some of whom had walked many
miles through the forests or over the unbroken roads in order to be at
the meeting.
OUR METHODIST ROOTS
The Methodist Church in Upper Canada had its roots in British
Methodism, and traveled to this area with those fleeing the American
Revolution and settling in this new land. We are told that a
church building was not needed in these early days, since the followers
went to “Class Meetings” of 12 to 15 members, meeting in the homes of
the faithful. These meetings were led by Exhorters and Local
Preachers, whose duties were to hold or assist in simple services as
frequently as possible. The Exhorter’s duty was to earnestly
admonish the Class to commit their lives to Christ. Exhorters were
licensed annually to carry out their duties. After two years’
experience, an Exhorter could be granted a Local Preacher’s licence.
After two further years of experience, he could be granted a Deacon’s
licence, permitting him to baptize and to bury the dead in the absence
of an Ordained Minister. Some Local Preachers went on to become
Ordained Ministers – a training by experience rather than study – but
some continued to serve faithfully as Local Preachers for many years.
A Local Elder (ordained) oversaw the ministrations of the Exhorters and
Local Preachers.
The Classes were supported by visits from a Circuit Preacher, who
traveled on horseback from settlement to settlement, providing the link
between isolated communities. The first Circuit Preacher to visit
Fonthill was the Reverend John Ryerson, brother of the more famous
Egerton Ryerson. We are told:
The pouches of the saddle-bag preacher contained more than his Bible and
Hymn Book. They held also, the books of John and Charles Wesley
that had been printed together with pamphlets to sell to members of the
Methodist Classes to whom the rider was to preach and offer his
spiritual guidance. These bags would also carry the notes for his
sermons. The preacher had much tie to contemplate as he made his
way along crude roads and pathways through the bush.
With the advent of circuit preachers, the Methodist community began to
meet in a local school building, which later became known as Hansler’s
Schoolhouse. In addition to the aforesaid Mr. Ryerson, the
Reverend Messrs. Reuben Tupper and George Sanderson offered leadership
to the congregation in Fonthill.
In 1858, during the time that the Reverend J.G. Laird was preacher, the
congregation purchased property on which was a partially completed
building begun by the Universalists. In a composition written in
1921 by Miss Mary Webster, outlining her reminiscences of Fonthill, it
is stated:
I also recollect the Methodist Church being built, which had been
commenced by the Universalists. My father heard a superannuated
Methodist minister predict that they never would be permitted to finish
the building and teach their erroneous doctrine, which proved true.
It was not clear whether the intervention expected would be divine or
human, or just what events or revelations led to the demise of the
Universalists, but their loss was certainly a gain for the Methodists.
The purchase consisted of two parcels of land. The first parcel
was a triangle of land, one sixth of an acre in size, on the crest of
the hill at the junction of Canboro Road and Church Street. This
was the parcel on which the building was situated. The second
parcel, being one fifth of an acre, abutted the first parcel to the
west. the Trustees for the Wesleyan Methodist Church were Robert
D. Cassleman, James G. Smith, John W. Blagborne, William Blagborne, John
Street, Robert Collins and John Johnson.
The church building was completed, and Fonthill Wesleyan Methodist
Church held its first service there on May 16, 1858.
And so the little congregation began life in its new home. The first official records bear the date, September 17, 1860. The preoccupation of the first few years was with finances: how to pay for and maintain the new church building. Pew rentals were a source of revenue: corner pews cost $5.00 per annum, the five centre pews brought $3.00 each and the side pews cost $2.00 a year. Money was also raised from members of the congregation by subscription.
THE CIRCUIT:
Fonthill Wesleyan Methodist Church did not stand alone; it was part
of a Circuit, the composition of which changed from time to time.
In 1842 the circuit was comprised of Thorold, Beaverdams, Allanburg,
Port Robinson, St. Catharines and Fonthill. It was this large
Circuit to which the Reverend John Ryerson came in 1842. From 1854
to 1872, Thorold was the head of the Circuit.
In 1872, the Circuit changed, and Fonthill was made the head of the
pastoral charge with Port Robinson and St. Johns. In 1880,
Beaverdams and Allanburg were added to the Fonthill Circuit.
The Union of the Wesleyan Methodists and the Episcopal Methodists in
1883 necessitated another change, leaving Fonthill, Allanburg and
St. Johns together. In 1890, Bethel was added. Bethel Church
was closed circa 1900, and soon afterwards St. Johns Church was closed
as well, leaving Fonthill and Allanburg as a two‑point charge.
Churches in a Circuit shared the cost of the minister’s salary, and the
expenses of the parsonage. The negotiation of each church’s fair
share was an ongoing concern and from time to time, one church or the
other would fall in arrears, to the consternation of the other partners.
ADDITIONS AND CHANGES:
On October 27, 1863 the Reverend J. Wakefield and Mr. W.G. Church
were commissioned to purchase a church bell. This purchase was
made from Meneely's of West Troy, New York that same year, for $110.24
in Canadian funds. Cast of bronze (80% copper and 20% pure tin),
it is twenty‑four inches in diameter, weighs 300 pounds and rings in the
key of E (second E above middle C.) This bell has graced our bell
tower through many building changes, a resounding link to our past.
Twenty‑six years after its opening, it was necessary to enlarge the
church. Subscriptions were solicited from the congregation, and
representatives of the Ladies’ Aid were summoned to assist with
fundraising for the building project. Extensive repairs were again
made in 1902.
Electricity came to Fonthill in 1909 and the church hooked up in October
of that year. A motion of the Board of Trustees on
November 1, 1917 approved the installation of gas. When the women
had water services connected in 1924, the church was fully equipped for
the twentieth century.
In May of 1911, a contract in the amount of $1,300.00 was let to Harvey
McCombs, for raising the church and putting a basement underneath.
It was noted on January 23, 1921 that a metallic ceiling would replace
the old ceiling in the church entrance, and the basement floor would be
repaired. The electrical system and the belfry were repaired in
1924, and plans were proposed for a new stairway from the basement to
the sanctuary. This stairway was completed by the summer of that
year.
THE FIRST AND SECOND PARSONAGES:
No record has been preserved of the acquisition of the first
parsonage, on North Pelham Street. It is reasonable to assume that
the purchase was made shortly after Fonthill was made head of the
Circuit, in 1872. The first mention of a parsonage was in the
Trustees’ minutes of January 1, 1875. Many entries deal with the
repair and maintenance of this building. Electricity was connected
in 1909, at the same time as the church, and a telephone was installed
for the convenience of the minister, in 1918.
In 1925, a move was afoot to sell the old parsonage and build a new one.
The Trustees accepted an offer of land on Canboro Road, and the
beautiful new home was built at a cost of $6,700.00 by Fred Klager, and
completed in 1926. This building was paid for in part by the
proceeds from the old parsonage, $3,000.00, which was sold to Mr. Harold
Abell. The debt was retired quickly, and the mortgage burned at
the annual congregational meeting on January 15, 1931.
THE MINISTERS:
The ministers of this era had a tenuous arrangement at best.
Each year, the Circuit Board voted to renew or terminate incumbency for
a total term of four years, at which time the minister and his family
moved on. The Pastor was not always invited to remain for the full
four years. In 1918, the term was increased to eight years, at the
pleasure of the Board.
Salary for the minister in 1908 was $810.00 a year. In 1919 it had
risen to the princely sum of $1,200.00, with $150.00 for horse keep.
By 1925, the salary had risen to only $1,500.00, with $200.00 for
conveyance (a car by this time, we suppose) and by 1930, to $2,000.00.
Hard times hit in the early 1930’s and the pastor’s salary was reduced
three times, to a low of $1,600.00 in 1934.
In 1926, following the death of the incumbent minister, Mr. Edmonds, the
Reverend Mr. Leadley was hired as interim for the balance of Conference
year. He was paid $10.00 per Sunday for worship services, and was
also expected to visit each church family as part of the bargain.
It was noted on November 18, 1921 that the Canadian Methodist Church was
discussing admitting women to the ministry. Fonthill Circuit went
on record as being opposed to this move.
A complete list of the clergy who served the Fonthill Circuit so
faithfully is included at the front of this book.
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA:
The union of Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists in 1925 caused hardly a ripple in this church community. Those who remember that time agree that it was not an issue of great concern here, since the Methodists lost little in the transition. The only note in the official minutes is on September 11, 1925 when it was noted that the sign should be changed from “Methodist” to “United.”
THE BRICK CHURCH:
In 1935, discussions began regarding the expansion or replacement of
the white church. Early in 1936, a committee consisting of J. Mawhinney,
Alden Barron and J.F. Louck was appointed to “¼ look into the matter of
a new church.” This project moved slowly. It was suggested
in October of 1936, by an architect who had been consulted, that the
white church be moved back, and used as part of a new building of frame
and stucco construction. Later that month, the building committee
added Fred Klager, J.A. Morris, Roy Barron, Harry Haist and Chris Crowe,
and this enlarged committee was empowered to get plans and costs of
fixing the old church and building a new one.
The building committee traveled to several churches in the area, to
determine what style and plan would be best for this community.
Mr. Timms, Mr. Beamer and Mr. Klager were asked to submit plans, based
on the information the committee gave them. Mr. Timms submitted
plans for a church without a tower, at a tender price of $12,375.00, and
Mr. Beamer’s plans, with tower, were submitted at a tender price of
$12,434.12. Mr. Klager’s plans were for renovating the existing
church, and the changes carried a price of $4,500.00 for brick veneer or
$3,700.00 for stucco. The architect with whom Mr. Klager consulted
assured that the building was in a very good state and that the
building, as old as it was, constituted a landmark.
After lengthy discussion, the Board decided to recommend to the
congregation, at its annual meeting on the night of January 12, 1937,
that Mr. Beamer’s plans, with some moderation to the entrance, and the
tender price, be accepted. The plans were exhibited to the
congregation at this meeting, and the congregation accepted the
recommendation of the Board. The brick church was on its way from
dream to reality.
It was decided to sell the old white church, including the blocks in the
basement and the furnace, for $500.00. The building was eventually
sold, moved, and divided in two to form the basis for two houses.
Thanks to the generosity of the Church of God congregation, their
facilities were used by the Fonthill United Church congregation during
the time that the new church was being built. The target date for
completion of construction was September 15, 1937, according to
Mr. Beamer.
The Official Board met on May 13, 1937 for the purpose of looking over
designs and arrangements of choir seating and communion table and
pulpit. Ultimately, the Reverend Mr. Guinn canvassed his relatives
in Toronto, and they donated a communion table and pulpit.
On Saturday, June 19, 1937, at 2:30 in the afternoon, a special service
was held for the laying of the corner stone of the new brick church.
On Sunday, November 14, 1937, the new building was dedicated with great
pomp and ceremony.
THE GRAND CENTENNIAL:
A grand Centennial Celebration was planned for the 100th anniversary
of the establishment of this congregation. On Sunday,
October 11th, the guest preacher at the 11:30 a.m. worship service was
the Reverend George A. Little of Toronto. The speaker that evening
was Mr. John Frid of Hamilton.
Sunday, October 18th was “Old Home Week,” with the Reverend W.B. Smith
of Islington and the Reverend W.E. Stafford of Hamilton preaching at the
morning and evening services, respectively. Mr. Smith and
Mr. Stafford were both formerly ministers of this congregation.
The Sunday School and Young People arranged services on Sunday, October
25th. The Reverend James A. Gale of Caledonia preached at the
morning service and the evening service was a “Sacred Musicale,”
directed by Mrs. Wm. H. Kadwill of St. Catharines.
Social events for the anniversary celebrations included a concert by
Ralph Gordon of Toronto, on Wednesday, October 14th; a “birthday party,”
including cake, greetings, an exhibit and a pageant, on Wednesday,
October 21st; and a turkey supper prepared and served by the Women’s
Association on Wednesday, October 27th.
THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BUILDING:
The baby boom of the 1950’s was chiefly responsible for the next step
in the growth of the physical plant of Fonthill United Church. The
congregation grew along with the population and children abounded.
The Sunday School taught classes in every nook and cranny, including the
kitchen. The building was bursting at the seams, and with the need
for more mid‑week activities to nourish congregational life, the
decision was made to construct a Christian Education building.
Fundraising began in 1955 and continued through 1957. The
dedication service for the new Christian Education building was held on
Sunday, October 19, 1958. It was noted in the dedication booklet
that it was expected that the debt would be retired in short time.
With this expansion came other changes. In order to accommodate
the entire congregation at worship services, it was necessary to have
two Sunday morning services. This began on October 19, 1958, the
same date as the dedication and continued for a number of years.
At that time, Fonthill and Allanburg severed their connection and
Fonthill became a one‑point charge.
THE THIRD AND FOURTH MANSES:
The property that was purchased to the west of the church property
for expansion, included a house. The parsonage (manse) which had
been built in 1926 was sold, and the minister and his family moved into
the smaller house, also on Canboro Road.
In 1962, a new manse (our present manse) on Highland Avenue, just a
short block from the church, was purchased. The house west of the
church was rented for several years and in 1985 it was demolished, and a
parking lot established.
THE 1991 CHURCH:
In 1958, when two worship services were established, it was clear
that an expanded sanctuary would be required in the not too distant
future. Discussions arose from time to time over the years, and
several plans of action were considered.
Finally, at the annual meeting of the congregation in 1991, approval was
given for expansion. A ground‑breaking ceremony was held on
June 30th. Worship services were held in the gymnasium (upper
hall) of the Christian Education building for several months, as the
Sanctuary was expanded and turned so that the congregation faces east
instead of west. With this new project came new offices for the
church staff, and a grand narthex (entrance) to welcome one and all.
The first service in the new sanctuary was held on Palm Sunday,
April 12, 1992 and the official dedication service was held on Sunday,
November 1, 1992 with the Reverend Jim Liles, Chair of Niagara
Presbytery presiding, and the Reverend Orville James, Past Chair
preaching.
The contribution of the women of Fonthill United Church deserves special attention in these annals. Whether it was under the name of the Ladies’ Aid, the Women’s Missionary Society, Women’s Federation or United Church Women, the untiring efforts must be lauded.
LADIES’ AID:
The earliest official records of the Ladies’ Aid (later to be called
the Women’s Association) in this congregation begin in June of 1917, but
an entry in the Official Board records of April 2, 1884 show that this
group was in existence earlier. This entry indicated that the
Ladies’ Aid Society was invited to attend a meeting of the Official
Board, to discuss the raising of funds needed for church repairs.
This was a harbinger of things to come, as the focus of this group was
often fundraising to enable repairs to the church building and the
parsonage. In June of 1917 the ladies inspected the parsonage “as
a body.” In July of that year, all ladies who were able were
requested to go to the parsonage to tear off the old wallpaper and put
on new, in the kitchen. In September the ladies authorized payment
for the installation of gas in the parsonage. In December, a new
dining room table was purchased for the Parsonage, and the old table
taken for use in the church basement. It seems that the parsonage
was available to the minister and his family, fully furnished. In
addition to concerns for the parsonage, the L.A. bought new hymn books,
arranged to hire and pay the salary of a caretaker, and purchased light
bulbs for the church, not an inexpensive item at that time. They
purchased a Communion set and baskets for collection and also
contributed to the minister’s salary when the church funds were
deficient. In 1920 there was some difficulty in finding a
caretaker, and the ladies took turns doing the weekly cleaning of the
church. Dwight Hodgkins agreed to do the furnace work for $10.00 a
month, with the ushers responsible for ventilating the church on
Sundays, as Mr. Hodgkins was in the choir, and otherwise occupied.
The ladies continued to sweep and dust the church. In December of
1924, in response to the extreme inconvenience under which they had been
forced to work, the Ladies’ Aid decided to have water put in the church
kitchen, a major undertaking. Approval was sought from the Board
of Trustees and to ensure their assent, the ladies agreed to be
responsible for the cost of installation and all future expenses
incurred in connection therewith. The U.C.W., to this day,
continues to pay the water bill, in keeping with this agreement.
In 1925 a septic tank was installed to receive waste from the new
kitchen sink, and a toilet. (As an aside, one would hope that any
mid‑week activities at the church were of a very short duration, since a
subsequent motion of the Ladies’ Aid directed “¼ that the toilet in the
church be kept locked except on Sunday.”) When the brick church
was built in 1937, the women donated $1000.00, an incredible sum for the
times.
Aside from assisting with the parsonage and church needs, the ladies
were concerned with the needs of the community. Over the years,
many instances were recorded of response to specific needs within the
congregation and beyond: food, clothing, eye glasses and the like.
In 1917 there is record of them paying $1.00 towards Christmas dinner at
the Welland Children’s Shelter, an orphanage. A committee was
formed in 1924 to visit the sick and take flowers to them from the
church. This ministry has continued, uninterrupted, to this day
and the U.C.W. retains its social consciousness in many areas where
there is need.
War‑time records showed that the ladies were concerned for the war
effort, as it was noted that anyone offering any more than bread and
butter and tea as refreshments for their meetings would be fined.
In January of 1918 the issue came to the forefront again, with the
ladies moving to dispense with refreshments at regular monthly meetings.
(However, in February it was noted that the hostess served a light
lunch, in defiance of the edict, it seems.)
The first fundraising event recorded was a Garden Party on
July 24, 1917. Gate receipts (35 cents for adults, 15 cents for
children) were $120.65 and expenditures were $60.88, leaving a profit of
$59.77. This Garden Party became a yearly fundraising event,
though it was not always a fiscal success. In 1922, the profit was
$1.80. In 1929 it was decided that this annual event should be
discontinued, since it showed insufficient returns for the work
required.
In 1921 the Anniversary Supper netted $69.85, but Government bureaucracy
reared its ugly head in September of 1925 and threatened to cancel this
annual event. It seems that laws regarding amusement tax would
have made it necessary for a permit to be obtained for the supper.
After receiving notice of the church’s exemption from these regulations,
the supper was held, and a profit of $86.39 realized.
Quilting has been a tradition of the women of this church for many
years, though it seems that only in more recent memory has a reasonable
value been placed on this time‑intensive craft. In 1928 the price
received for a quilt was recorded as $5.00. That same year, 420
names were collected for an autograph quilt, for which the usual $5.00
was received. This autograph quilt project has been repeated by
our present Quilters’ Group in 1992, our 150th anniversary year.
When planning began for the building of a new church, the women of the
church were in the forefront of fundraising for this ambitious project.
In July 1932, $25.00 was dedicated to start a building fund. It
was suggested at the November meeting of 1936 that “¼ ladies be divided
into groups and make money in what way they like.” (This was the
beginning of the geographically divided Units – Central, Hilltop,
Northern, Eastern and Western – an arrangement which, with modification,
continues to the present.) In 1937 the “Cent‑a‑Day” boxes were
instituted by the Women’s Association as an ongoing fundraising plan.
WOMAN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY:
In the Methodist Church the W.M.S. was established in 1880, at a
meeting in Hamilton, Ontario. The women had their own budget, sent
and supported women missionaries independently, and administered their
funds very responsibly. They also published two magazines, “The
Missionary Monthly,” and the children’s magazine, “World Friends,” up
until the end of 1961. These activities were amalgamated with
general missions under the Mission and Service Fund, upon formation of
the United Church Women, which combined W.M.S. and W.A.
In Fonthill a W.M.S. Auxiliary was organized on May 3, 1905. This
was later named the “Josephine Hodgkins Afternoon Auxiliary” for a local
woman who promoted missions. In 1935 the “Pearl McNeil Evening
Auxiliary” was begun, named for a Fonthill woman serving in China.
This group grew largely out of members of the Sunshine Class of the
Sunday School, under the leadership of Mrs. J.H. Griffin.
The focus of the Woman’s Missionary Society was quite different from
that of the Ladies’ Aid. The W.M.S. took responsibility for
mission education, and sponsored the Baby Band, Mission Band,
Messengers, Explorers and C.G.I.T. by providing leaders, program
materials, parties, mother and daughter banquets and camp sponsorships.
Since all W.M.S. donated funds had to be sent to the general (national)
W.M.S., many fundraising projects were undertaken, from white elephant
auctions to blossom tea parties and bake sales. The W.M.S. also
sent new and used items for bales for overseas use, paying for
transportation.
Late in 1958 preparations were made to join the W.M.S. and the W.A. into
a Women’s Federation, three years ahead of the proposed change across
the whole church to the “unified budget” and formation of the United
Church Women. In Fonthill the move was prompted by difficulty in
finding leaders for two Woman’s Missionary Society auxiliaries, seven
Woman’s Association groups, as well as the general meetings of the
Woman’s Association. Also many women were finding that two or
three monthly meetings were too much.
The new Federation had a third Vice‑President for Missions, whose
responsibility was to ensure the mission programs were available and
used, in keeping with the ministry of the W.M.S. A Youth Work
convenor ensured the continued sponsorship of youth mission education.
WOMEN’S FEDERATION 1959 to 1961:
The transition to a combined group proceeded fairly smoothly, under
Gladys (Mrs. A.R.B.) Fraser as president. The Christian Education
Wing had just been completed, and was used for general meetings and
fundraising banquets and bazaars. Groups still met in members’
homes, and continued to follow the geographic division of the W.A.
groups. In 1955 the Woman’s Association had expanded to seven,
numbered groups, three meeting in the afternoon and four in the evening.
The general meetings alternated between afternoon and evening. Not
until the end of 1963 were the Unites scrambled, so there was no
geographic arrangement.
In 1958 the old church basement was partitioned to make a parlour and
choir room, nursery and kindergarten. The Women’s Federation and
Choir shared costs of the parlour which included choir gown cupboards
and a vanity at one end. The W.F. purchased the draperies and
furniture. The undertaking was completed in 1959 and the parlour
was named the Friendship Room. Small group meetings were, and
continue to be, held in this room.
UNITED CHURCH WOMEN:
In January 1962 the whole United Church changed to a unified Mission
Fund, “Missionary and Maintenance,” later renamed “Mission and Service.”
All women’s groups across the country became “United Church Women.”
The transition was easy for Fonthill, since the groundwork had been
done. Ethel Tabbert was the first president, and the U.C.W.
continued the functions of all the women’s work and the sponsorship of
youth groups. The Baby Band was amalgamated with the Cradle Roll
of the Sunday School. Mission Band discontinued but Messengers,
Explorers and C.G.I.T. had mission studies. The women’s units
followed the Mission Study guides for about half of their programs.
The women’s missionary magazines were replaced by “Mandate.”
After the opening of the new Christian Education Building and the
undertaking of the parlour project, a great deal of catering was done to
help pay for furnishings and equipment. In keeping with their
outreach ministry, the women undertook a program for senior citizens:
an afternoon of games, singing and food, in the church, later with other
churches taking turns and finally moving to the Legion Hall which was
more accessible. This program was discontinued in 1988.
As the roles of women have changed, leaving fewer available to attend
meetings, the number of units has decreased to three. Many women
choose to help on short term projects, when they are unable to make
long‑term commitments. The U.C.W. still studies and supports
missions and local causes such as Women’s Crisis Centres. It forms
the steering committee for the annual Pioneer Market and spring Flea
Market. Also the women arrange one church service each summer
during the minister’s holidays. The tradition of service and
fellowship, study and worship continues.
BAZAARS, TEAS AND PIONEER MARKET:
Before 1958 dinners, teas, cooking schools and bazaars were held
regularly, limited only by the space in the old church basement.
The fall bazaar was a midweek afternoon tea event, with sale of a
variety of goods. It involved only women, and only those free to
come in the daytime. A fishpond game was set up for any
preschoolers attending.
In 1970 and 1971 our church put on a Mission Fair, a weekend of
displays, demonstrations and movies involving every group, young and
old, in the church. The Reverend Douglas and Mrs. Dunlop had
souvenirs of their visit to their missionary daughter in Japan.
The Hi-C researched and presented the history of our own church, Scouts
had campcraft, and so on. These events created a lot of
enthusiasm.
In 1972, on the suggestion of three youth group leaders, the first
Saturday money‑raising event was convened, late in November. Every
group took part, and besides U.C.W. sales items, there were rental
booths for craft people. Cider was pressed outdoors, lunch served
indoors. The annual event had many names including “Candy Cane
Capers” (1972) and “Golden Harvest Market” (1975). The 1973 title,
“Pioneer Market,” has endured the test of time. After two or three
years, the church’s own groups filled the space, and rented booths were
discontinued. Units or individuals were in charge of lunch, bake
sale, crafts, produce, and much more. The U.C.W. remained the
steering committee. By the mid‑1980’s the little white elephant
table had overgrown its stall, and after 1985 a giant Flea Market was
held on a separate date, usually in the spring. Both of these
events involve everyone who wants to volunteer (and some who don’t), and
are an important part of our fellowship.
It has been said, “He who sings, prays twice.” Music plays an important part in our communal worship and the history of music in this church community is one of which we can be justifiably proud.
THE CHOIR:
We are grateful to Harold Saylor for his remembrances of the choir
here early in the twentieth century. Earliest recollections are of
a strong choir of sixteen to twenty members, faithful in their
attendance, with some good soloists and an excellent male quartet.
Two selections were given each Sunday morning: a formal anthem and a
special offertory number (solo, duet or male quartet.) The choir
also provided leadership and an anthem for the evening service.
About 1918 the choir began a tradition of performing an Easter Cantata
on the evening of Good Friday, and at other times for the
community at large. Mrs. Ethel Crowe was the choir leader during
this time, retiring in 1937. Lorne Haist was the organist from
1905 to 1915, followed by Effie Haist in 1915, Alice Brown (McIntosh) in
1925 and Roy Barron in 1931.
For the opening of the new church in
1937, the choir formally robed for the first time. Under the
direction of Ron Damude, accompanied by Mrs. Basel Damude, the choir
continued their fine tradition in the new church era. When Mr. and
Mrs. Damude moved from the area, Zillah Allan (Dean) assumed the duties
of organist in 1939, and records show that Viola Crysler and William
Thornton accepted the position of choir leader at different times during
1940. The next organist of record was Mrs. Sandercock, who began
her incumbency in 1944. Miriam Mathers was employed as church
organist from 1950 to 1976; Harold Saylor accepted an interim position
until Eleanor Jolliffe was hired as organist in 1977, a position she
holds until this writing. Graham Masecar directed the choir from
1977 until 1983, when Mrs. Jolliffe assumed the combined role of
organist and choir director. Mention must also be made of the
contribution of Mrs. Myrtle Stirtzinger, who acted as gown mistress for
the choir for seventeen years, from 1953 to 1970.
With encouragement from the choir, the young people of the church formed
a Junior Choir in the late 1950’s, at about the time that two morning
services were necessary to accommodate the congregation. From
1964, Betty Winmill directed this choir, accompanied by Ruth Furtney or
Barbara Barrett on piano. Mary Ann Brandt assumed the role of
director in 1978, Helen Wismer in 1980 and in 1982, Eleanor Jolliffe
took over duties as both director and accompanist for this young group.
The Junior Choir led the singing at the 9:30 am service, and for special
occasions, including the early service on Christmas Eve. The
junior choir was disbanded in 1990 when it became difficult to recruit
young people to participate.
The choir assumed a leadership role in instigating the maintenance and
improvement of the church organ and took an active part in fundraising
for same. For several years they sponsored concerts by the
Treblaires, in this group’s fledgling years, and also used their own
talents to raise money for the organ projects. The most notable
was a production in 1966 called “Round the World In Music,” a collection
of international songs and dances performed by the Senior and Junior
Choirs. As a community outreach, a shorter version of this
production was performed for residents of Sunset Haven. In the
1950’s and 1960’s a Christmas Cantata and Pageant was an annual event,
using the talents of the Senior Choir, Senior Girls’ Choir, Junior Choir
and soloists.
The choir met for more than just singing. Monthly choir socials
were enjoyed for many years, with the program consisting of a short
business meeting, entertainment and refreshments. Crokinole
tournaments were the choice of entertainment in the 1930’s and ‘40’s.
Later, speakers, musical entertainments and slide presentations became
popular with the group. By 1977 reports indicated that the monthly
socials were becoming difficult, and the present choir meets socially
several times a year for special occasions.
THE ORGAN:
In the minutes of the Board of the Wesleyan Methodist Church,
October 27, 1863, the Reverend John Wakefield and Mr. W.G. Church were
authorized to purchase a suitable musical instrument for the church.
An organ was purchased in Buffalo for the sum of $89.33 in Canadian
funds. This organ served the church until about 1920, and was described
as a Karn reed organ which could be operated either by foot‑pump by the
organist, or by a person operating a bellows pump from the side.
Following the demise of the first organ, piano accompaniment was used
for worship services, pending the purchase of a new organ. This
new organ was purchased from the Methodist Church in Hanover, Ontario in
1937. It was a four‑rank Tracker organ, built by Henry Lye and
Sons, Organ Builders of Woodstock, Ontario in 1871. It had
exceptional tone and versatility, having seventy‑three pipes in each
rank, instead of the customary sixty‑one. In 1950 R.S. Denton and
Son of Hamilton installed a new electric console, and eight years later,
they added three more ranks of pipes, with the stop list increased
accordingly. In 1966 two more ranks were added. In 1978 the
organ was completely refurbished, three more ranks added, along with
twelve new stops, new pistons, and a set of Maas‑Rowe tubular chimes,
all installed by the Keates Organ Company of Acton, Ontario. The
original ranks were now over one hundred years old. With the
latest church renovation in 1991, the organ was again updated, this time
by Dodington & Dodington of Aylmer, Ontario. This renovation
included replacement of the console mechanisms by solid state electronic
equipment. Without a doubt, our church boasts one of the finest
small pipe organs in the Region of Niagara.
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
The Sunday School has always been an important part of Fonthill
United Church. Records, unfortunately, are not complete. We
do know that the Sunday School was run as a financially independent
operation, and that officers were elected to manage it and to report
directly to the Board of Trustees.
Missions and Temperance were given much emphasis in the Sunday School
program and awards given for attendance required perfect attendance,
punctuality and memory work. The annual picnic was one of the
highlights of the year, and the Christmas party was carefully planned
and joyfully anticipated each December.
Classes were offered from primary children to adults and two of the
adult classes, the Sunshine Class and the Keystones, continued for many
years with their tradition of study and service.
Attendance rose from an average of 95 each Sunday in 1935, to a peak in
1960 of an average of 168, when the total number of children registered
was in excess of three hundred. The highest single attendance,
recorded in 1962, was 228. Our present registration is
approximately ninety, with an average attendance of 45. The baby
boom is over!
When the Christian Education building was under construction in 1958,
Sunday School classes were farmed out to homes and borrowed space around
the community. Teachers and young people weathered the
inconvenience, and when the new Christian Education building was
completed, there was no doubt it was worth the wait.
Present Sunday School teachers would understand many entries in the
Sunday School minutes, asking for assistance to keep younger children in
line during opening and closing exercises, and when they went as a group
to worship services. Out Sunday School has been blessed, and
continues to be blessed, with dedicated and faithful teachers who have
given of their time and themselves freely and gladly to the Christian
education of our young people.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S GROUPS:
A Young People’s League is first mentioned in the church records on
November 16, 1922, though no details are given of this group.
In 1934, minutes of the Young People’s Society showed Mac Saylor as
president, replaced by Ted Hart in 1935, Viola Crysler in 1936, and
Eleanor Guinn in 1937. Here the records end. The group
enjoyed music, speakers and social events such as skating parties.
A Young People’s Group of fifteen members met on Sunday evenings in
1954. The group was revived again in 1958 and once more in 1963,
when it was known as Hi‑C. The meetings were divided into three
parts: devotional, business and recreation. This group was
responsible for the Easter Sunrise Services and the following breakfast
for many years. The Klager family later took over the arrangements
for the breakfast, and of late these duties have been undertaken by the
Men’s Club.
The Young People’s Group waxed and waned through the ‘70’s and ‘80’s and
at present we have an active group of more than twenty members, from
Junior High to High School age.
C.G.I.T. and EXPLORERS:
Originally Canadian Girls in Training, the C.G.I.T. was sponsored by
the W.M.S. of the church. Their focus was mission, study and
service and for many years this group was active in the church. In
1972, the name was changed to Canadian Girls Involved Today, and the
program was updated. C.G.I.T. met here until 1991 when reduced
numbers made it difficult to form a group.
Explorers, also sponsored by the W.M.S., was a junior group of girls,
also with mission as their focus. Girls graduated from Explorers
into C.G.I.T. Records indicate the presence of this group in the
church from the 1950’s until 1987.
BABY BAND and MISSION BAND:
Children at Fonthill United Church were encouraged early to take part
in Christian Education in the world.
Infants were place on the Cradle Roll of the church. They were
sent birthday cards, and their parents were telephoned and visited to
encourage the participation of the children in the life of the church.
All children on the Cradle Roll were invited to Baby Band parties and
events. The purpose of Baby Band was to " help parents to teach
world friendship to small children in the home.”
The children graduated from Baby Band to Mission Band, where activities
with a strong mission theme were continued.
Mission Band evolved into a Messengers group for young boys and girls,
also a group with a mission focus. Messengers formed in 1963 and
disbanded in 1970.
Over the years, many church groups have come and gone, serving the needs of the congregation in their time. Some have come and stayed, perhaps in a different form.
THE CHAS. EWING GROUP:
During the ministry of the Reverend Graydon Cox, in the late 1940’s, a Couples’ Club was formed from the Chas. Ewing Sunday School Class. The purpose of this group was educational, cultural, recreational, social, Christian action and worship. Members met on the fourth Friday of the month, when guest speakers were occasionally invited to attend. The name of the group was later changed to the Chas. Ewing Fellowship Group and as such, existed until 1957.
THE COUPLES’ CLUB:
In 1967 a Couples’ Club was reformed, in response to the needs of young couples in the church. Fellowship and social activities have brought the members of this group together. For a time, the group was called the Friendship Group, in order that unattached adults would not feel discouraged from attending. In 1992, a 25th anniversary was celebrated, and many former members returned for a special weekend of activities.
THE KEYSTONES:
Formed from the Keystone Sunday School class of the 1930’s, the Keystones gave many years of service to Fonthill United Church. The group was founded in 1939 with a purpose of study and service. They offered financial assistance to the Choir, the Scouts and the Sunday School. The Reverend James Bright offered spiritual guidance to the group for many years, until 1953. The Keystones stopped meeting in 1989, but many reminders of their dedication and service can be found in the church today.
DRAMA CLUB:
Many members of Fonthill United Church congregations have exhibited latent dramatic talent over the years. Most of it was done informally and spontaneously to meet particular occasions. In 1959, Unit 7 of the Women’s Auxiliary sponsored a Drama Club to develop dramatic talent and to raise funds for the church parlour. It is recorded that this group put on at least three plays for that purpose, two comedies and one mystery.
MELODY AND MIRTH:
In the fine tradition of the Drama Club and the thespian and musical events which pre- and postdated it, a production called Melody and Mirth has graced the stage at Fonthill United annually since 1990. The three annual productions have been spearheaded by Bob Laing, and many groups and individuals have sung and performed outrageous skits for the enjoyment of very receptive audiences.
MOTHERS’ GROUP:
A group of young mothers came together in the mid‑1950’s for support and fellowship. Children were entertained while their mothers shared and socialized. The group met on Wednesday mornings at the homes of members in its early days. The group continues to meet on Wednesdays, in the Friendship Room of the church. Fundraising efforts have provided many toys for our church nursery.
AND MANY MORE:
Because records have not always been kept well, it is likely that groups which should have been mentioned have been overlooked. Many came together in response to need, and faded out when the need no longer existed. To all who have participated over the one hundred and fifty years of our history, in any church group or organization or activity, the church and all of its present congregation owe a debt of gratitude.
ADDENDA 1992 – 2006 to
The FONTHILL UNITED CHURCH HISTORY
(originally published in 1992)
1992 marked the 150th anniversary of Fonthill United Church. In 2006, the 150th anniversary of the village of Fonthill, this supplement brings the book up to date.
MINISTERS OF FONTHILL UNITED CHURCH
Since 1992
|
1988 –
1994 |
Rev. Dr.
Gordon Crossfield |
|
1994 –
1995 |
Rev. Dr.
Philip Cline (interim) |
|
1995 –
2004 |
Rev.
Frank Walker |
|
2004 –
2006 |
Rev. Dr.
Paul Owen (interim) |
|
2006 –
present |
Rev. Dr.
Garry van Bruchem |
“AND SO WE GREW”
The congregation has had 14 years of enjoyment of the renovated building. The accessibility feature has been well used. The most recent improvement has been the installation of handrails for the chancel steps, in 2006, removable for special occasions. An illuminated changeable church sign was installed in 1993. Belfry improvements were made in 1996, and a utility shed was built in 1995. In 1999 the frame house and property west of the church were purchased for more parking space. The paving was completed in 2001. The wide shaded boulevard between the sections is ideal for outdoor events (barbeques and strawberry socials) and Vacation Bible School classes.
“THE WOMEN OF THE CHURCH”
The UCW reflects the situation of working mothers, and consists of
mostly retirement-aged women. They reorganized into one unit in
2004, making guest speaker programmes more worthwhile. The
quilters still meet weekly, and besides custom orders, make quilts for
seniors’ homes and charities for sick children.
After 32 years, “Pioneer Market” was changed in 2005 to “FOOD
FAIR-PLUS.” Cooking bees were held in advance at the church to
prepare foods to be sold frozen. The spring Flea Market has
continued since 1986, and since 1994 has been held in conjunction with a
Friday Spaghetti Supper, prepared by the Men’s Club.
An important function of the UCW has been providing receptions for happy
or sad celebrations, a much appreciated service. Many women, who
cannot attend meetings, donate food to these events.
“MUSIC…MUSIC…MUSIC”
The choir, with 30 voices in 2006, continues to enjoy a good
reputation, attracting new members. Eleanor Jolliffe has been the
organist since 1977, and choir director since 1983. Her talents
are much appreciated by both choir and congregation. The choir
occasionally sponsors guest choir concerts to raise funds. They
have also received memorial gifts. These funds are mostly used for
purchasing cantatas for Christmas and Easter.
A junior choir, from the Sunday School, sings in church on special
Sundays. Our contemporary worship team grew up and moved away, and
we are hoping for another to develop.
“OTHER CHURCH GROUPS”
A newer “Social Group” was formed among the younger parents for relaxation and friendship in 2004. And “Friendship Group” is the new name of the former “Couples Club,” welcoming singles too.
PROJECT COMMITTEES
OUTREACH:
Designated envelope givings support United Church Mission and Service projects, and World Development and Relief.
LOCAL SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS:
Financial and in-kind donations are provided to many charitable facilities in our Region. Our church takes turns in providing meals for the disadvantaged and the “Out of the Cold” projects. Collections are delivered to the food banks, and our “Operation” projects for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas provide hampers for needy families.
FUNDRAISING 1992 – 2005:
A very lively committee has been busy since our 1992 building project, and the 1999-2001 parking lot expansion. Besides strawberry socials and barbeques, there have been the February “Melody and Mirth” concerts since 1990, the “Chili Challenge,” roast beef dinners and sponsored concerts. Also a very popular project is the pre-Christmas “Homes for the Holidays” professionally-decorated homes tour.
MORE “END NOTES”
As this “goes to press” we want to mention that this has always been a welcoming church. With a new minister in 2006 and a rejuvenated membership committee, we are ready to welcome newcomers or anyone looking for a friendly church home.
Barbara Rooke
(member since 1953)
