THE LITTLE CHURCH THAT COULD
Glenda Jones, November 4, 2003.
A CHRISTMAS TRADITION RETURNS
Close to the village of Woodlawn, just down the road from Constance Bay, right near the Torbolton Ridge, there is a little stone church that stands proudly at the corner of Woodkilton and Kilmaurs in what was once a busy community. Little remains of that village, except for St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Built of stone from the McTierney pit, it has weathered over a hundred years of regular service to the surrounding area. However, the church is falling victim to time and gravity. The walls are beginning to buckle and the stones are coming loose. Over the years, the congregation has dwindled, till only a few return faithfully every Sunday to keep up the traditions so proudly established there. They mourn to see the condition of their church.
There is a flicker of hope arising within the group, however. The Ottawa Heritage Council has begun to take an interest in preserving the church if they see an effort on the part of the community. To this end, the congregation has decided to bring back a Christmas tradition not seen here for many years.
The Kilmaurs Cornerstone Country Christmas will be the first benefit to repair the church. December 21, 2003 7 p.m., the little church will be decked out in all its Christmas finery: wreaths, candles, and a tree to celebrate the season. The doors will open to an evening of music by Rev. Larry Paul and the Country Sounds, familiar carols and Christmas classics, hot cider and shortbread, and all things seasonal. Please make a suggested donation of $10.00 to help preserve this church. Nothing can substitute for the warmth and sentiment of Christmas that this celebration is sure to foster.
Rev. Larry Paul and the Country Sounds are familiar to the Ottawa Valley, as they have performed in many locales, including the International Plowing Match in September. Beside Rev. Paul on keyboard, the group includes guitar, fiddle, drums and vocals. They promise an evening of Christmas joy like it used to be in days gone by.
For information, call 256-6479, or 832-2633.