By Ronald Jewell
Muskoka Region will this week be able to display the splendour and magnificence of its natural beauty, its people, its heritage, and the vibrancy of its local churches as the Archbishop of Algoma, Anne Germond, visits the area. She will be presiding over a number of local services and events during her stay.
The instigation for this visit is the annual meeting of the Anglican Church Women (ACW) for the Diocese of Algoma, a large area that stretches from the Severn up to Temiskaming and to Thunder Bay and is hosted this year by the ACW of Muskoka Deanery at All Saints’ Anglican Church in Huntsville.
This year, over 75 delegates from throughout Algoma will be gathering in Huntsville at All Saints’ and a local hotel for meetings and services May 28-30.
Founded in 1968, the ACW is an organization of women of the Anglican church intent on community and international outreach and action, faith building and fellowship. The meetings commenced with a special service of Celebration and Thanksgiving on May 28 at All Saints’, a time of much joy, music and fellowship. Archbishop Anne, as she is known, preached and presided, and the singing of a plethora of traditional hymns was led by the Loft Choir. Wednesday and Thursday will be filled with planning meetings, fellowship, and AGM of the ACW.
On Saturday, June 1, Archbishop Anne will be presiding at a service of Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Gregory, at 4:00 pm. Established in 1891, Christ Church is a beautiful pioneer heritage church on the shores Lake Rosseau, located at 1832 Peninsula Road, Minett (Route 7). Following the service will be a community barbacue to meet the bishop. While all are welcome to attend the service, preregistration is required for the barbecue.
Sunday, June 2nd, sees the Archbishop returning to All Saints’ (30 High Street in Huntsville) to preach and officiate at the service of Confirmation and Holy Communion at 9:30 a.m. Again, the Loft Choir will provide appropriate music to lead the congregation in the liturgy. Following the service, there will be another opportunity to meet Archbishop Anne over refreshments in the Hutcheson Foyer.
Founded in 1871, in the earliest days of the village of Huntsville, the present All Saints’ Anglican Church was erected in 1895 on the hill above the river and the “swing” bridge. This English Neo-Gothic stone church of local fieldstone is now an iconic part of the heritage of Huntsville. Worship and prayer are at the heart of this faith community, seeking to transform individuals and community. An inclusive congregation, All Saints’ includes people of all ages and varied faith backgrounds. It has an active Church School, discipleship groups, and outreach programs. With an enthusiastic and skilled choral program, music remains an integral part of the services. As always, visitors are most welcome to all services.
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