Custodians & Supporters – Sandra and Paul Sales, Ottawa, ON

My husband, Paul Sales, had heard of Old Hay Bay Church because of his travels through the Bay of Quinte area for the United Church of Canada. On one of these trips, I went with him and happened to sit beside Kathy Staples at lunch after a church service in Adolphustown. In talking to Kathy, I told her about my family research into an ancestor who had joined the Methodist church in the 1830s and that I would like to know more about the history of Methodism in Upper Canada. She told me about Old Hay Bay Church and the volunteer custodians who welcome visitors every summer. Kathy then offered to drive us to the church so that we could see it. From that point, I was hooked. I had a number of years’ experience working at a historic site in Kitchener and felt that Paul and I could help out, so two summers ago, we spent our first week at Hay Bay.

We enjoyed the visitors we met. Old Hay Bay Church is off the beaten track, so visitors who arrive there often have made a point of finding it because of a family connection, or a love of the United Church, or they like searching out historic sites. They often already have a basic knowledge of Methodism, United Empire Loyalists, and/or the founding families of the Hay Bay Church. Even if visitors are hearing the history for the first time, it’s not unusual for us to find ourselves talking to them for an hour. Because Paul and I think this historic site is a valuable symbol of a social movement that built community in remote settlements, and played a large part in the type of politics and education adopted by Upper Canada, we are not hesitant in sharing our enthusiasm for the church’s long history and making clear that we would value visitors’ financial support. Once they spend time in the building and begin to understand its role in Upper Canada history, they usually oblige. The two of us are convinced that we are making a valuable contribution and are looking forward to our third year on the edge of Hay Bay.

Supporter & Custodians – Jim & Joan Smiley, Lindsay, ON

We have been Custodians since 2011 and are now proud members of the Board of Trustees. Old Hay Bay Church, with its Methodist/UEL history, Meeting House uses in the 1800’s, its unique architecture and its part in the creation of Upper Canada causes us to want to do our part to sustain this important glimpse into our past. In addition, the Church serves as a spiritual retreat while enjoying the sharing of its history with the many visitors we encounter every summer.

Elaine Farley: Athens, ON

When I approach the Old Hay Bay Church I am reminded of and connected with my ancestors. The cemetery is a quiet place to sit with the spirit of a paternal ancestor who helped build the church. As I look out over the bay I am reminded of the tragedy that two more of my Loyalist families endured. This ‘meeting house’ is part of a spiritual legacy that I will work to honour for future generations. It is home.
Custodian, trustee, chair of the Restoration Committee

Custodians – Rosella Donaldson and Kevin Macfarlane, Belleville, ON

Kevin feels it’s important to preserve original old buildings of Ontario, of which there are very few, and to interpret local church history, and genealogy. I became a volunteer because I knew I would be a capable interpreter after years of Farmers’ Markets and now a B&B – I like people!

Custodians – Ed and Judi Rose, North Bay, ON

Judi and I enjoy welcoming tourists who discover a little about Canada’s history, visiting with the people who come from near and far to visit the area to learn a little about their ancestors, Methodist history in Canada or to just see a building that was built in 1792.

Custodians – Jan and Dave Orr, Lansdowne, ON

From the peaceful feeling inside the church, to the wonder of God’s nature all around the property, my husband and I renew our spiritual selves each year when we are caretakers at Old Hay Bay Church.

Custodians – Barb and Gene Refausse, Trenton, ON

I like meeting people from far and wide who come there to learn more about their ancestors or just the history of the church and area. Apparently I (Barb) am related to one of the founders, namely Daniel Dafoe.

Custodian – Marion Egan, Enterprise, ON

I became involved with Old Hay Bay Church because of a love of history of the area that I wanted to know more about, i.e. the United Empire Loyalists and the love of my church.