Contents

About KUC

Basic

KUC History

Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Membership
Personnel
Council
Music
Christian Education and Development
Sunday School
Christian Contact and Congregational Life
Mission and Outreach
Trustees and Memorial Fund
Budget and Finance
Property and Rentals
United Church Women
Pot Pourri
Craft Group
Men's Group
Youth Groups

Acknowledgments

The congregation of Kingsway United Church wishes to thank Elizabeth Culley for writing these historical notes and Gerry Leger and Don Ramsay for converting these notes to electronic format so that they can be made more readily available.

Arthur Scott and William Eddy collaborated to write a history of the first twenty-five years of Kingsway United Church, that is from 1947 when Presbytery gave the go ahead for the new congregation to be established, until the twenty-fifth anniversary in 1972. This period covers the ministeries of the Rev. Ed Cadigan and the Rev. Frank Harback, end the early years of Rev. Doug Carnegie's term as minister. Included also is a report of the first planning stages, dating back to 1944. This history was published in booklet form and is an excellent source of information, along with the annual reports and minutes of the various church organizations such as Council, the U.C.W., and their committees.

Rev. Douglas Carnegie has been our minister at Kingsway for most of the second twenty-five year period of our history. We have seen his family grow up and leave home, his daughter married, and the arrival of the grandchildren. Known to us in these less formal times simply as Doug, he has been our faithful friend and leader. When Doug celebrated his twenty-fifth year at Kingsway we made a $3000 contribution to Queen's Theological College to establish a book fund in his name. Active also at Presbytery level he served on various boards and was chair of Ottawa Presbytery in 1977.

When Doug retired from the active ministry in 1995 we paid tribute to him and his work at a celebration dinner, and as our special gift to him made arrangements for him to tour Greece.

MEMBERSHIP

Of the two hundred and seven persons who signed the charter roll perhaps ten percent are still with us. Some are still very involved in the life of Kingsway. An additional eighty persons were received into membership the following year.

Over the years members have come and gone - in 1983 there were two hundred and fifty-five active families on the roll - but generally we have a loyal nucleus of people who have made Kingsway their church home. Confirmation classes and transfers from other congregations have kept our numbers fairly secure, taking into account the general overall decline in church membership during the past decade or so.

PERSONNEL

When Rev. Doug Carnegie announced his pending retirement from the ministry a committee was formed to search for a successor. In September, 1995, the Rev. Mead Baldwin commenced his ministry at Kingsway.

Office secretaries during the period were Joan Robertson, Marjorie Graham, Gayle Gard, Corinne Hazell, Dorothy LaSalle, and our present secretary and church administrator, Carolyn Giggey, who has held the post for the past ten years.

Rod Holmes has provided valuable assistance in the church office, along with his choir duties and many other projects.

Our custodians have been Norm Dyer, who retired in 1974, Audrey and Norris Young who gave twenty years of faithful service, followed by Harry and Christine Karsten. When this couple was unable to carry on, Stewart Watson took over.

COUNCIL

At the conclusion of 1970 a proposal was put forth to streamline the management structure of the church and consequently in January 1971 the first Council was inaugurated, replacing the former Session made up of Elders and the Board of Stewards. This has proven to be a workable arrangement and with a few modifications from time to time continues to be the format for our board of management.

Council is made up of a group of committees, each with its own chairman and specific areas of responsibility. The number of council members has varied from a high of forty-three in 1973 to seventeen in 1993, with an average of about thirty.

Early Council meetings were chaired by our minister but this duty, beginning in 1973, was handed over to 1ay members of Council, the first of whom was Gordon Ford, followed by Cecil Connelly, Sandy Sim, Ben Rogers, Rod Holmes, Al Macklin, and Don Ramsay,. The first woman to chair Council was Peggy Gibson in 1986. She was succeeded by Richard Christie, Jack Stagg, Don Jarvis, Doug Patriquin, Doug Waddell, Nancy Brodie, Doug Scorrar and Alayne Current.

Secretaries of Council and annual meetings include Joan Robertson, Faye Podruzny, Connie Ayers, Coby (Van Schie) Fuykschot, Judy Dougherty, Barbara Nunn, Elizabeth Culley, Norah Patriquin, Dorothy Balloch, and Marion Miller. Coby Fuykschot deserves special mention for her excellent minutes and long time service.

MUSIC

The music committee has been chaired at various times by Judy Dougherty, Don, Nan, and Cathy Ramsay, Faye Podruzny, Graham Cameron, Doug Waddell, Doug Patriquin, and Richard Christie. We have been most fortunate over the years to have enjoyed the faithful and professional services of Don Ramsay and Rod Holmes as organists and choir director. Our excellent organ has been maintained and improved regularly, much of the expense paid for from the organ fund established by Don. In 1981 extensive work was carried out on the instrument and its range extended. A special appeal to cover this major expense was well subscribed.

Rod has been enthusiastic in conducting our choir, which although small in numbers has provided good support for the hymn singing and has contributed many excellent musical numbers. A highlight each Christmas has been the candlelight carol service. Rod not only conducted the choir but is also an accomplished organist and pianist.

Junior choirs have flourished from time to time under the direction of Cathy Ramsay, Laura Reynolds, and Susan Wheat. Gowns for the junior choir, designed by Jane Tilley and sewn by members of the Pot Pourri group were ready for Christmas services in 1979.

Jocelyn Spaull has been singing soprano lead since 1984, with a brief time off during which Julie Nesrallah took over. On numerous occasions we have enjoyed music by visiting choirs and soloists, both vocal and instrumental, and hand bell choirs. Dr. Gerhard Herzberg, a Nobel prize winmer in chemistry, sang a solo for us in 1978. In 1973 Carmen Milligan, a prominent Ottawa musician, gave a recital to show off our organ.

In 1989 a digital piano was purchased to add variety to our music. The piano is a memorial to Walter Cameron, "The blacksmith of Fallbrook," who was active in our congregation for a number of years. Walter carved the United Church emblem which adorns the front of the pulpit.

In 1984 the choir was outfitted in new gowns and hoods, the gift of Doug and Elizabeth Dale.

Twenty-five hymn books, "Songs for a Gospel People," were purchased from the memorial fund and used in conjunction with the Hymn Book, soon to be replaced by "Voices United."

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT

This committee has been chaired by Hilda Graham, Tom Pellow, John Hazell, Cecil Connelly, Roy Knight, Glen Brown, Marion Hopkinson, Ian Marshall, Tim Parris, Judy Dougherty, Laureen Duquette, Helen Turcotte, and our Christian education directors.

Our first paid Christian education director, Donna (Williams) McIlveen, was appointed on a part time basis in 1986. Following her in 1987 was Angela Bailey, a candidate for the ministry. Most recently Alice Black filled this position, from 1990 to 1995. These three women contributed greatly to the life of our congregation, especially working with the young people in the Sunday school. Activities for the young people have included a Sunday morning breakfast club with Hilda Graham and Tom Pellow in 1976, Friday evening youth groups, the "secret pal" project of 1994, and various pageants and dramas. A vacation Bible School was convened at least twice, in 1986 and 1996.

Adult Bible study groups have functioned from time to time, led by the minister or Christian education director.

A pastoral care course was organized in 1990 to train lay people in this field.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

We have always had an active Sunday school over the past twenty-five years. From time to time the call has gone out for a Sunday school superintendent, and there is always a need for teachers to augment the core of dedicated people who have given invaluable service over the years. Fortunately the call has always been answered.

Willa Davies retired in 1975 after many years as Sunday school superintendent. She was succeeded in turn by Lloyd Hampson, John Kelly, Gordon MacAuley, Phyllis Menzel, the "committee of five" (Alayne Current, Connie Waddell, Carolyn Leger, Joanne Tweedy and Laurie Bates), Marion Hopkinson, Monica Fuykschot, Sandy Payne, Norah Patriquin, and Mary Laidlaw. In 1994, Janice Burroughs assumed the position.

The number of pupils registered has ranged from forty to eighty-three. The children have become more and more involved in the Sunday worship services. Children's time has been shared by many of our members. "Jesus birthday party" was an early feature for the juniors. The congregational picnic held each year, and an occasional sleigh ride have been enjoyable events.

The cradle roll made up of children three years and under has been looked after by Mike Anderson and Phyllis Menzel. Birthday cards were sent to each child.

A nursery on Sunday morning has been looked after on a rotating schedule and headed by a number of our women.

CHRISTIAN CONTACT AND CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Periodic every person visitations have been conducted in en effort to keep in touch with all our people and maintain an accurate roll. In 1996 it was decided to return to the system whereby elders were responsible for a definite district. Ushering, greeting and arrangements for communion and baptismal services have been handled by various members. Newspaper ads and flyers have been made use of and in 1976 a monthly newsletter was instituted. Over the years the number of newsletters has been reduced and at present they are issued four or five times a year.

From about 1980 on our women have been involved in ushering, greeting, and serving communion. Recently the young people have taken a larger part in worship services.

We have shared Good Friday and summer services with Parkdale in the earlier days, and more recently with Northwestern, on a very amicable basis.

A mission statement was drawn up in 1996 from questionnaires and a report of the pastoral relations committee, this statement to be ratified at the next annual meeting.

MISSION AND OUTREACH

This important part of our work has been headed by Nancy Garrard, Doug Scorrar (two terms), Lloyd Hampson (two terms), Betty Green, and Alayne Current. We have supported the M & S fund, usually meeting our objective, and have assisted several individual missionaries, including Marion Current. The Grenfell Mission was one of our interests in which Doris Harcourt and Isobel Perry were active.

In 1979 we responded to the refugee 4000 appeal. Ben Rogers headed a committee approved at a special congregational meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Tran and their grown up son and daughter were assigned to our congregation. A special appeal was made for funds. The account was closed in 1981 when the family moved to Toronto.

We have supported the Queensway Social Action for Seniors and the Headstart Nursery, Betty Green, Lloyd Hampson, and Helen Turcotte acting as liaison. Our annual mitten tree has provided some warm clothing for the children, and donations of snack food have been collected regularly.

The minister's benevolent fund has made possible emergency assistance for some in need. We have supported Dave Smith in aid of the Union Mission by hosting two breakfast sessions.

The birthday and anniversary church was built in 1980 by Gordon MacAuley and Jane Tilley, the proceeds to be used for local outreach. Various organizations have received support over the years from this source.

The Ventures in Mission campaign, 1984, a project of the national church, was oversubscribed by our congregation.

The distribution of Christmas baskets and gifts for families in the Caldwell area has been a major undertaking to which the congregation responded whole heartedly.

In 1986 a number of neighborhood churches banded together to open the Parkdale Food Centre. Contributions of money and food have been made regularly to the centre. As well, we have provided some volunteer help.

Unsold articles from our rummage sales have been sent to a number of charities and Neighborhood Services.

The French language Preschool was opened in 1971 as an outreach project, coming under the umbrella of Kingsway. In 1987 the school became a separate organization and eventually closed. In 1991 Parsifal School became one of our tenants, using the Sunday school rooms and other accommodation as needed.

TRUSTEES AND MEMORIAL FUND

Our trustee committee in 1973 was composed of E. R. Fisher, chair, John Fraser, H. T. Grundy, J. Perry and A. Scott. Traditionally trustees served as long as they wished. However, in 1985 definite terms of office were set for these positions, namely a maximum of two five-year terms consecutively for trustees and two years each for the offices of chairman and secretary. The number of trustees has varied somewhat, up to eleven. Honorary places were created for Sue Richardson, Doris Harcourt, and Walter Cameron. Beginning in 1981 the trustee committee has been chaired by J. Perry, J. Hazell, C. Connelly, E. Nunn, C. Culley, G. Thomson, D. Dale and D. Graham.

In 1980 a Memorial fund was established, starting with a bequest from the McRories, and this fund has been administered by the trustees, headed by John Hazell until 1991, followed by Arnold Current and Ab Sewell.

Contributions from the fund have been used for many projects. In 1982 an audio loop system was installed in memory of Ralph Dillabough. In 1983, in memory of Lawrence Ritchie, a case was built to contain the memorial book. In 1984 the Perry memorial window was dedicated, and curtains for the stage in memory of Irene and Milton Denison. In 1987 the Menzel and McDowall windows were installed; also the Richardson window, the stained glass panels at the main entrance from the Welch family, and ceiling fans in memory of the Logies. In 1990 the Bill Eddy memorial window was dedicated, and in 1994 the Fred Miller window. John Hazell was largely responsible for dealing with the supplier and families concerned and overseeing the installation of the windows. Brass plaques have been added to identify these gifts.

A bequest in 1988 from the Murdock family provides assistance to young people of the congregation for church related projects and training.

In 1990 the gift of a Hammond organ for the chapel was received from Dr. Frances Oliver in memory of her parents.

In 1992 a pair of candlesticks and a cross for the communion table were presented in memory of Doris Harcourt. Each Sunday the candles are lit by one of our young people.

New windows in the bell tower were installed in 1993 in memory of Evelyn Heatherington.

Money from the fund has been used to buy a dozen large print hymn books, the green hymn books, Bibles for the pews, a VCR for the Sunday school and a PA system for the upper hall. Also from memorial funds a tape recorder was purchased, pictures of our building under construction were mounted and hung in the narthex, a bin was built to hold donations for the Food Centre, and in 1993 new vestments for our minister were bought.

Ruth McQuade and Ed Nunn have been responsible for inscribing the names in our remembrance books.

BUDGET AND FINANCE

The financial situation has always required deft handling. Able and hard working treasurers looking after our finances include W. A. Robertson, Al Shackleton, Arnold Current., Doug Waddell, Archie McDowall, Sandy Sim, Greg Kricorissian, Tim Garrard, Andrew Young, Tim Parris and Doug Scorrar. Envelope secretaries Al Shackleton, Hilda Graham and since 1983 Nancy and John Leblanc, have kept an accurate record of envelope givings and looked after providing official receipts each year.

Special appeals such as those for major re-roofings, new heating plant., help for the Vietnam refugees, and work on the organ have always been well supported. The need for a larger membership to help carry the load has been a theme often repeated.

Detailed financial statements are included in each annual report.

PROPERTY AND RENTALS

This committee with heavy responsibility has been chaired by J. Leblanc, J. Perry, N. F. Moodie, J. Paterson, G. Toner, H. Smith, R. Holmes, R. Williams, G. Kricorissian, and S. MacCrimmon.

Naturally as the building ages and is used more extensively maintenance is an ever present priority. Biggest problems have been caused by the heating plant, the roof, and water leaking around walls and windows. Successful campaigns to pay for major roofing costs and the heating plant were conducted in 1982 and 1991. Paving and maintenance of the parking area has been a major expense also. Landscaping of our property has been largely a volunteer effort and indeed many volunteers have contributed uncounted hours in painting and general work.

Theft and vandalism, common to most public buildings have been the cause of frustration and outlay. In 1979 pages from the pulpit Bibles were torn out and set afire in the chancel. Windows have been broken and various pieces of equipment stolen over the years. Our stained glass windows are now well protected on the outside. In 1995 a security alarm system was put in place. Fire marshall's regulations have made it necessary to provide for auxiliary lighting, installation of panic bars and other items for greater safety.

The building was modified in 1980 to provide access and accommodation for wheel chairs in the sanctuary.

A major part of the anniversary celebration on May 11, 1975, was the burning of the mortgage. Frances Welch and Sue Richardson represented charter members on this happy occasion and lit the flame. Our special guest speaker that day was Joe Smiley, our candidate for the ministry, recently ordained.

1975 also marked the 50th anniversary of church union, the establishment of the United Church of Canada.

Over the past twenty-five years we have become increasingly dependent on rentals to augment our income. In 1995 rentals accounted for $70,000 on the credit side. Main groups renting space include our apartment tenants, French language Preschool, Parsifal School, the Royal Ottawa Hospital, Alcoholics Anonymous, Organic Growers, Savoy Society, and users of the parking lot. Smaller groups have made use of our facilities on occasion. Most recently Brian Wilson has kept track of our rentals and maintained a good working relationship with our tenants.

UNITED CHURCH WOMEN

Gwen Nunn compiled a history of our W. A. and U.C.W. up to 1975, and this was continued by Phyllis Menzel for several more years. Genevieve Thomson has just made a review of the U.C.W. up to the present.

The U.C.W. has been instrumental in raising funds through annual bazaars, rummage sales, card parties, bake sales, and other events, in particular three fashion shows, a display of quilts by Marion Anderson, and the preparation and sale of a very well received cookbook. Free will offerings have brought in a substantial amount of revenue.

In 1978 the two U.C.W. units amalgamated and have carried on for the most part by rotating monthly the duties of chair. U.C.W. is responsible for flowers in the church, kitchen supplies, after church coffee and after church luncheons such as at Christmas and other special occasions. In conjunction with the property committee, refurbishing, purchasing of tables, chairs, stoves and other necessary items has been undertaken.

U.C.W. endeavors to keep in touch with the sick and shut-ins of the congregation, as well as some former members who have moved away. Isobel Perry must be commended for her exceptional efforts in this field.

POT POURRI

Organized in 1975, this group of younger women flourished until 1986 when it was disbanded and most of their members joined U.C.W. While active, they looked after the rummage sale and after church coffee and contributed to the bazaar, among other things.

CRAFT GROUP

In 1988 a craft group was formed to prepare articles for the annual bazaar. This group has been headed by Nancy Garrard and Christine Stedman and has given invaluable support to our increasingly extensive and popular bazaar.

MEN'S GROUP

The men of the congregation, although not formally organized, have sponsored six auction sales, the most recent in 1995, and several. breakfasts. As individuals they have worked in many areas of the church and have contributed many hours of unstinting service.

YOUTH GROUPS

Guides, Brownies, Rangers, Cubs and Scouts which had been active earlier gradually disappeared after the mid seventies. CGIT which had not functioned since 1957, when Gwen Nunn led the group, was revived in 1996 by Grace Glastonbury with interested teenage girls participating in a number of projects in the church and community. Greg Teal has led a Sunday evening group of young people.

To quote from Art Scott's and Bill Eddy's history of the first twenty-five years of Kingsway Church, "History, is the story of man's drive to reach certain goals … In writing a history of our church it is not possible to record the complete and proper story in a small booklet. What we strive to do, then, is touch the highlights, hoping that the parts we leave out will not offend or in any way diminish the story..... Omissions are not lost. All are to be found in the very excellent annual reports, minute books, church documents, and short histories of organizations."