Results for ‘Churches’
[Welland Tribune, 29 January 1909]
A congregational meeting of the Fonthill Baptist church was held on Tuesday last, when it was decided by an unanimous vote to build a new church, of brick construction with stone foundation, and a building committee composed of F. Kinsman, Andrew Hansler, G.C. Brown, John H.Berg and Isaiah Hansler, was instructed to have the plans completed at once and building operations commenced as soon as possible. J. Francis Brown, one of the best architects in Toronto, is preparing the plans. The Baptist church at Fonthill was organized in 1845, and the present building built about 1848. In 1895 the fiftieth anniversary of the church was celebrated in an appropriate manner. The meeting extended over several days and there was much speaking. At the end of the sixtieth year a similar celebration was held. The present building was remodelled about twenty-five years ago. Jonathan Miller, one of the church deacons, has the honor of having been a member of the church since 1852, and heads the church roll. All of Mr. Miller’s six children have been members of the church, although some of them have moved away and transferred their membership.
By REV. RON HARMER
PUBLICITY CONVENOR
FONTHILL BAPTIST CHURCH
[Welland Tribune, 17 February 1987]
PELHAM-The 140th annual meeting of Fonthill Baptist Church was held recently with Neville Borisenko, chairman of the Deacons’ board, presiding and thus closing out of his three-year year of responsibility.
The meeting began with a delicious pot-luck supper in the church hall, followed at 7 p.m. by the business meeting held in the church sanctuary.
For the year 1986, a new procedure was followed. The Nominating committee began its work in October, seeking to choose carefully and prayerfully the new officers for 1987 over several weeks.
When this work was completed, the new people maned were elected at the Nov. 26 church business meeting. The purpose was to allow them to begin their stewardship as of Jan. 1, 1987.
At this meeting, the church budget for 1987 was presented. The newly-appointed officers for the new year were then able to sit in at the last Deacons’ board meeting in the year, held in December. In this way they could get acquainted with their new roles and provide a smooth tradition into 1987.
Pastor Rob Duncan has now just finished his first full year as pastor. The year has been busy and he has focused on preaching, teaching, visitation and counselling. Two retreats (in April and October) were held with the Deacons’ board. A wise emphasis was placed on ‘Renewal’ and renewal cottage meetings were held throughout the summer months.
Bible study and prayer have been central in our church life. Many local needs were evidenced among our people, and concentration was on these things. Our pastor carried a heavy load locally in the Association, and convention-wise, and needs our prayers.
In the annual meeting on Jan. 25, our purpose was not to centre on written reports so much, but to think of specific happening in some visual presentation. The nursery school presented a small choir and sang beautifully.
Jim Overholt, chairman of the nursery school board, presided. He introduced Elizabeth High, one of the nursery school teachers. She gave winsome words of witness, telling how she came to be involved with our school. It was an excellent presentation.
One of the mothers involved with the school is Karen Poynton. She has started a mothers’ auxiliary to provide moral support, especially for these little ones. Joyce Gunter is the school superintendent and Carolyn Lammers is the other teacher serving along with High. The choir presented a humorous skit, and Janet Robinson Mission Circle yielded insight into the ways our women are helping locally and overseas.
Our church has a very active prayer fellowship. Prayer requests circulate constantly. Many answers to our prayers have come. At least 44 people are involved at the moment as prayer partners.
Bob Rittenhouse has just resigned as Sunday school superintendent after serving most capably for four years, He is succeeded now by Al Topolinsky, who, in 1986 served as chairman of the Christian Education division. We can not overestimate the value of the Sunday School which is the right arm of the church.
Missions both at home and abroad are our concern and our church is a vital part of overseas missions through our Canada-Wide Overseas Mission Board. We share with missionaries as prayer partners, as well as with our gifts.
In 1986 our church budget stood at $94,325, and of that, $25,605 was given to missions at home and overseas. Now in 1987, our church budget stands at $101,050 and the budget at $28,050.
During the early part of the meeting a “fitting-in-memoriam” service was held to remember those who in 1986 moved on into higher service. The presiding chairman, Mr. Borisenko at the end of this helpful meeting, took the chairman’s gavel and turned it over to Malcolm Gibbon, who had been elected in his place for the next three years.
The church’s prayer is that a deepening and widening influence may continue through true Christian worship and outreach under Mr. Gibbon’s leadership.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WAS FOUNDED 106 YEARS AGO
[Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 5 November 1941]
Wellandport, Nov. 5-The anniversary service of the Presbyterian church on Sunday afternoon was largely attended and the music furnished by the choir of First United church, St. Catharines, under the leadership of Arthur Hannahson was beautifully rendered and well received. Rev. James Ferguson spoke in an inspiring and forceful manner, taking as his subject, “I am the Lord, your God.” He was assisted by Rev. Wood of Beamsville and Rev. Kane of Dunnville, who told the congregation that the Wellandport church was celebrating its 106th anniversary and that many years ago it was connected with Dunnville. Each year a great many of the old boys and girls attend this anniversary of their church in memory of other years and it has become an event of interest to many from distant points. Visitors were present from Hamilton, Buffalo, Homer, Welland, St. Catharines, Beamsville, Dunnville and Stevensville.
[Welland Tribune March 13, 1947]
Congregation regrets departure of Rev. L.R. Ballantyne
Rev. L.R. Ballantyne, pastor of Central United church has accepted a call to Wesley United church, Brantford, and will be moving to his new charge at the end of June.
Mr. Ballantyne announced the call at a congregational meeting last night, stating that although he was happy in his present pastorate, yet he was disposed to accept the call. The congregation expressed regret at the prospect of his departure, but felt they would place no obstacle in his path.
At the same meeting the congregation extended a call to Rev. F.R Hendershot of Wesley United church, Brantford, to become the pastor here. This action has been ratified by the Official board and recommended to the congregation for their approval.
Mr. Ballantyne will have completed six years of ministry at Central United church when he leaves in June. He had previously served in Sutton West, Palmerston, Orillia and Paris.
A native of Atwood, Ont. He attended high school at Listowel, the Strtaford Normal School and graduated from Knox Theological College University of Toronto. He gave four years service in the First World War, serving in the artillery and later the Y.M.C.A. He was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian Church in 1923.
Officials of the church told the Tribune today that the invitation came first to Rev, Mr Ballantyne from Wesley United church, Brantford some weeks ago, and that when the Official Board was notified of the invitation it unanimously passed a resolution declining to accept Mr. Ballantyne’s transfer, but that following a request made by him after a conference with officials of Wesley Church it was finally decided to accept the transfer being done with keen regret.
Mr. Ballantyne during his six years with Centtral United church has been active in several fields community service. He has been a member of the Canal Area Ministeria Association and has been its president this year. He has been a valued member of Welland Rotary Club, and officials of the club state that he has been one of the most active and helpful chairman the club’s crippled childrens’ committee ever had. His war experience was with the 43rd Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery in World War 1, and he served in France, specifically at the Battle of Passchendaele in October, 1917 when he was wounded. He later served with the Y.M.C.A. in that war.
During his six years with the pastorate of Central United church Mr. Ballantyne has served as chairman of several committees of the Niagara Presbytery.
There has been a steady growth in membership of the congregation during Mr. Ballantyne’s pastorate, and he leaves the church stronger financially than when he arrived.
Mrs. Ballantyne is a vocalist of note in local musical circles, and has been heard often at musical events in the city and district. Mr and Mrs Ballantyne have two children, Anne, who is studying at the University of Toronto and Robert, a third year student at Welland High and Vocational School.
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