Much work has been done on the church through the years. In 1949 electricity took the place of oil lamps. In 1965 the church was struck by a car, and one side dimolished. It was then moved to its present site and renovated. A furnace was put in to replace the wood stove. The church was painted on the outside.
In 1966 the following work was dontated:
- The spire was shingled
- The church was painted, the seats and furnishings were varnished, the sanctuary was redone
- New floor tiles were laid
- The driveway was paved
- A lawn was created
- Chain and posts were put around the front of the church
A Rural Beautification Award of $25 was given to the church in 1969 for work done on the grounds.
In 1969 a large lighted cross was installed at the front of the church and dedicated in memory of Dr. R. A. MacLellan with a plaque acknowledging his 60 years in medicine. A joint service was held at the church by Rev. D. Myles (Anglican) and Rev. Joseph Burke (United). Dr. Corston, professor of New Testament Studies, Pine Hill Divinity Hall, dedicated the cross and two spotlights.
Other gifts that were donated:
- Cross on the Altar
- Candlesticks
- Hymn Board and Book Rack
- Carpet (1967)
- Outside Door
- Kneelers
- Record Book
- Large Prayer Book (1968)
- Organ Lamp
- Pulpit Lamp
- Bible and Sallmans Head of Christ
- Pulpit Fall, Bible Marker, and Altar Cloth
- Missal for Prayer Book (1969)
- Outside Light
- Hat Stand, Baptismal Font, and Memorial Stand
- Honour Roll of Men who served in War (1946)
- Collection Plate
- Collection Plate (1969)
- Cross on outside of Church
- Carpet (1970)
- Book Case, Hymn Books (1970)
- Brass Flower Vases (1974)
- Stained Glass Windows
In 1969, a memorial fund was established and a Memorial Book was donated. Other stained glass windows were installed in memory of Jacob and Hattie Wellwood, Anthony and Ella Barron, and Oran and Nettie Lattie.
This little, but well-kept, church is a reminder to all that it is possible for the members of different denominations to work together in unity.
In 1994, in an update to the Union Church History, the local historian wrote:
The church was founded in 1908 and this year, 1994, we celebrate 86
years of continuous worship in this place. Situated on the busy corner
beside the Valley Lake and Campground, it has been a landmark in the
community as a place of worship for the eighty households of
approximately three hundred people. It serves as a reminder to the
people who have lived peacefully together in this ecumenical community. |
In July 1979, chimes were installed in the church and dedicated in memory of Thelma Meehan, long-time resident and worker in the church and community.
In 1980, Arch Barron, who had been a trustee for many years, and had served so faithfully, passed to his eternal rest.
In June 1981, two stained glass windows, donated in memory of loved ones, were installed over the door. A plaque with their names was also placed in the church. On June 20, 1982 at a combined service conducted by the Rev. Gary Thorne (Anglican) and Mr. David Melanson (United), these gifts were dedicated. As well, a plaque was dedicated in memory of Arch Barron.
In October 1981, the interior of the church was painted. Furnishings and pews were varnished. A new red carpet was laid in the aisle and church entry in memory of loved ones. A new sign was placed on the exterior of the church and, in November, a new door was installed.
In October 1982, a ceiling fan was installed. A tree was planted on each side of the entrance in 1983.
During 1986-87, four sets of altar hangings were made for the church, the material having been purchased with money from the Memorial Fund. On May 3, 1987 a Communion Chest was donated in memory of Gertie Weatherhead, a friend and neighbour to all, who died in June 1984.
In 1988, Jennie Withrow retired as church organist, after playing the little pump organ for over sixty years. She was a faithful servant in providing music for both Anglican and United services. She was honoured in 1983 by the Anglican Church and in 1988 by the United Church. Elsie MacLellan, who assisted as organist, was also honoured by both congregations.
In 1989, a closet for the altar hangings was built in the vestry. Also that year, Clyde Weatherhead, a valued member of the community and a trustee, died.
At a meeting in Septmber 1992, it was decided to undertake the restoration of the church building, as the condition had deteriorated over the years. The south side of the church was repaired and the roof patched. A new chimney was also installed. That October, George Wellwood, one of the pillars of the community and trustee of the church, died.
In 1993, the roof was shingled, and the steeple and the exterior of the church were repaired and painted. The interior of the church was redecorated in the Spring of 1994.
The A.U.C.W. is a community organization whose members work together for thr benefit of the church and community. The main fund raising activity is a Spring Bazaar which was organized in 1963. It has grown from small beginnings to a major community event.
On June 5, 1994, an Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving was observed. At this service, memorials were dedicated:
- Music Stand in memory of Allan Kent
- Two chairs for the Sanctuary in memory of George Wellwood
- A Communion Tray in memory of Clyde and Gertie Weatherhead
- A Communion Chalice in memory of Ellen Ward
