Archives

Deputy Reeve – Marg Isbestor

One of our “historic gems” in Greater Napanee/Lennox and Addington. I was sorry to miss the kick off….can’t seem to be more than one place at once….support this cause when and where you can…many thanks to those who are working hard to restore such an important building and story.

Supporter – Hastings County Historical Society, Belleville, ON

The Hastings County Historical Society firmly supports the project launched by the trustees of the Old Hay Bay Church National Historic Site to repair and refurbish the church building to ensure its long-term viability.

There is no question, in our minds, that Old Hay Bay Church is a key asset to our region and must be maintained. Equally, being a 225-year-old wooden structure, it naturally requires renovation. The trustees are working very hard to meet these goals and their efforts warrant the full support and financial assistance of our whole community.

Richard M. Hughes, President

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.

Supporters – Addison United Church, Addison, ON

The Addison United Pastoral Charge has been offering its support to the Old Hay Bay Church for many years.

Congregation members have planned day trips to the church when the congregation’s members Ray Bower and Elaine Farley have been there as custodians and I am sure that this is reflective of previous and current custodians. Addison is also pleased to have its member Elaine on the Board of Trustees and its current fundraising campaign.

Several of the pilgrimage services have been attended by members and their families. The one that was most memorable was the 2017’s 225th Anniversary of the church which was preceded by the Bay of Quinte’s UCW Presbyterial 55th Service and Communion. We even organized a bus and members of other United congregations joined us on that day as well.

The charge has also done a Sunday service around the history of Methodism and the church and receives updates on events of the OHBC church.

When the United Church Women put out a call to support the rebuilding of the windows, the UCW and the congregation responded by making financial donations.

The Addison United Pastoral charge supports the historic significance of the Old Hay Bay Church. We need to do all we can to preserve our roots and faith and will continue to attend events and support the efforts of the Hay Bay Board of Trustees.

Robin Hoy, Admin Chair on behalf of the Addison United Church Council and its congregants

Supporter – Wanda Stride

I wish you and the board all the best as you work so hard to preserve a part of Canadian history, and our own spiritual story.
Blessings!

Wanda Stride, Presbytery Chair, Bay of Quinte Conference, United Church of Canada

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.

Supporter – Sally Rhyndress: Napanee, ON

Each year I look for a charity to which I can donate at Christmas to honour some relatives and friends. Most of us of a “certain” age do not need more “stuff” and a donation to a charity seems a worthwhile way of remembrance. When I saw your notice in this month’s Observer, I knew that your “repairs” fund would be perfect for our brother-in-law – one of your Trustees who handles maintenance.