Families were invited to drop by Saturday (August 4) and discover St. Thomas’s oldest church. Constructed between 1822 and 1824, the Old St. Thomas Church was the centre of the pioneer community. During the Fun Day, activities inside and out enabled visitors to delve into pioneer activities as well as the history of the church and the surrounding graveyard.
The St. Thomas Church was an active part of the community until its close in 1877. The most recent restoration effort began in 1986 and continues today. Inside the church are the old cubicle style pews and many historical plaques. (Photo at left: From right, Grace, friend Rachelle and Mom Heather checked out the Stained Glass craft inside the old church.)
Above: Katelyn & Kyrsten took part in the seed planting activity (top left); the Kings Company of Re-enactors were on hand with demonstrations.
Jeff Booth as "The Old Storyteller" shared some of his collection of local stories from days gone by. Jadyn and Rachel contrated on one of the stories kids could select from the storyboard.
Above: Summer tour guides Michelle Olivier and Christopher Shackleton organized a whole range of activities for kids and families.
Some of the people interred in the graveyard include Captain Daniel Rapelje, who fought in the war of 1812 and gave the land for the church and graveyard; Judge Hugh Richardson who sentenced Louis Riel to hang for treason and Samuel Eccles, senior partner to John Labatt.
Guided tours are offered Tuesday to Saturday till Labour Day. Find more information at www.oldstthomaschurch.com.
Guided tours are offered Tuesday to Saturday till Labour Day. Find more information at www.oldstthomaschurch.com.
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