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PORT PERRY "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2000 - 7 A journey of faith conc| Congregation to mark closure of 134-year- old Manchester United Church Sunday By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star A spiritual journey that has endured 134 years is coming to an end. On Sunday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. Manchester United Church will be closing its doors forever. It's been an ongoing struggle to keep the rural church functioning. But now, with no more than 15 regulars out for Sunday services, there just is not the sup- port to keep the church open. For 60 years Gwen Lamb has been attending services at Manchester United Church. When the decision was made to close the chapel, it saddened her greatly. "I feel very badly. I'm going to miss it," she said. "After all, the church is like home to me." Although Mrs. Lamb and her husband Fred were married in an Anglican Church, the couple chose Manchester United Church as their place of worship. Initially a Primitive Methodist Church, part of a circuit that included Greenbank, Saintfield, Marsh Hill and Marks Comers, it was built in 1866 on land donated by John W. Holtby at the comer of Highway 12 and the Fourth Concession. Constructed for the sum of $1,000, some- time during the winter the structure was moved on horse-drawn skids to its pre- sent site. Records show that in 1893 the circuit was changed to Prince Albert, Prospect, Bethel and Manchester. Another change came about in 1925 during Church Union when Manchester and Prospect United Churches joined with Myrtle and Raglan. Major renovations took place in Manchester United Church in 1953 when the floor was raised, allowing for a base- ment below. With the help of volunteer labour the cost of these renovations came to just over $2,000. In 1956 the Scugog three-point charge (Scugog Island, Prospect and Manchester) was formed, but in 1970 the Prospect Church closed its doors and joined with Manchester. More work was done in 1973-74 when the sanctuary was remodeled and a washroom was added. "We were pretty proud when we put in that washroom," said Mrs. Lamb. In 1984 the congregations of Manchester and Scugog Island took a huge step when they hired a full-time minister, Rev. Brian Robinson. The last minister to serve full time was Elaine Barber, who preached for nine years before following a call to Bruce Mines United Church earlier this year. Since Mrs, Barber's departure theolo- gy student Linda Winton has taken over the pulpit, with the help of Rev. Frank Lockhart. Mrs. Lamb feels it's the hectic pace of life that has caused the decline in atten- dance at church. "People nowadays have two jobs, and the weekend is their time to look after their home. It seems as though there isn't time for church anymore," she said. But she's grateful two of her great grand- children, Kevin Lamb, 6, and his five- year-old sister, Jenna, began their reli- gious upbringing at Sunday School at Manchester United Church. Joined often by Steven and Emily Groves, these four kids have been the only Sunday School students. One reason Kevin and Jenna enjoy Sunday mornings is because their grand- mother has been their faithful Sunday School teacher. "It's fun going to Sunday School, because we make things with Grandma and we learn all about Jesus," Kevin said. At the celebration service Sunday the guest speaker will be Rev. Bill McKay, who will be accompanied by Rev. Janet Millar, chair of Oshawa Presbytery. After the closing service the congrega- tion will continue its journey of faith else- where to other places of worship. Although the building that was once Manchester United Church will be sold, 134 years of memories will be forever har- boured in the souls and minds of its con- gregation. des HEATHER McCRAE/PORT PERRY STAR telephone from making the : ; After serving the Manchester and vicinity for 134 years, Manchester United Church is closing its doors forever on Sunday, May 7. Gwen Lamb, a regular for over 60 years, is saddened the time has come to an era of worship in the tiny rural church. Pictured with her great grandchildren, Kevin Lamb, 6, and his five -year old sister, Jenna, the closing service takes place on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. De se id he ne ¥ ES AT Gill oe gs dp RE a 0 a a