A Wonderful First Year for Doors Open Along the Grand

What a wonderful day at Glen Morris United Church as we participated for the very first time in Doors Open Along the Grand! We were thrilled to welcome 52 visitors who came to tour our beautiful heritage church and grounds. Guests travelled from nearby Paris, Georgetown, Simcoe, and Hamilton — and even as far away as New Delhi, India!

In the Robson Community Room, a recording by the choir played as visitors viewed three of the Glen Morris Tweedsmuir Books — the rich history of this community, lovingly compiled by Hester Walker on behalf of the Women’s Institute. A large screen also featured a slideshow highlighting people, events, and memories from the past 10 years in the life and work of this faith community. Visitors also enjoyed a special handout highlighting the history and heritage of our church which is now available to anyone in our heritage room.

In the sanctuary, guides shared stories of the building, the people, and the significant moments that have shaped more than 176 years of worship and community life. Music Director Lynn McRuer and pianist Margaret Fleury demonstrated the church’s original pump organ, beautifully restored by Stuart Aitkin for the 150th anniversary celebrations in 1999, as well as the magnificent pipe organ, built in Ontario in 1889 and acquired by the church in 2005.

We were honoured to be one of only five County of Brant sites participating this year and loved having the opportunity to open our doors and share this special place with so many visitors.

Much thanks to Margaret Fleury for her amazing organizational skills, allowing so much to get done in one morning by a hard-working group of volunteers - thank you all - during our “cleaning bee.” Thank you as well to our decorating team, who created a wonderful  permanent collage of artwork in the Robson Room featuring paintings of both the church and manse by various artists, as well as hanging some other artwork around the church. A big thanks to Munro Fraser for making two large frames for artwork in our Heritage Room and to Donna Jarvie for the beautiful flowers in the sanctuary. And finally, thank you to our 'hosts/tour guides' on Saturday - Deb Fraser, Lynn McRuer, Margaret McPherson, Margaret Fleury and Karen Murray-Hopf.