Glen Morris United Church has been selected as one of 18 sites across Brant County and Brantford and Six Nations for public viewing as part of Doors Open Along the Grand on Saturday, May 9, 2026. We are honoured and proud to be 'opening our doors' to share the beautiful building and grounds that we are privileged to be caretakers of as we continue to actively worship in this place.
In preparation for this day, Margaret Fleury is planning a 'cleaning bee' on Tuesday, May 5, 9:00-11:00am to clean windows and some other light cleaning jobs. If you are willing and able to help, please bring any cleaning supplies you think would be helpful. Coffee and tea will be available. Please just show up to help on this day, no need to contact anyone.
We will also require a few people to be hosts and help provide information for those 'touring' the church on the event day between 10:00-4:00pm and if enough volunteer, we can provide shorter shifts. If you would like to volunteer for this position, please contact Karen at kmurray.hopf@gmail.com.
The History of Doors Open Ontario
The first Doors Open Day (La Journée Portes Ouvertes) took place in France in 1984. The idea soon spread to neighbouring countries, including the Netherlands, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Scotland. In 1991, these events were united as European Heritage Days at the initiative of the Council of Europe. In 2003, all 50 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention participated in European Heritage Days.
In 2000, the City of Toronto launched the first Doors Open event in North America. In 2002, the Ontario Heritage Trust launched Doors Open Ontario, the first provincewide event of its kind in Canada, attracting visitors to unique heritage sites and cultural tourism experiences. The Doors Open concept continues to spread across North America with events now being held in Newfoundland, Alberta, Massachusetts, Western New York State, New York City and Denver.
Since the program was launched in 2002, over 9.5 million visits have been made to heritage sites participating in this exciting initiative. Doors Open Ontario, considered a cultural phenomenon, will continue in 2026 with communities participating across the province.