You are invited to join the Almonte, Ont., RPC as we celebrate our 175th anniversary on Oct. 7-9. A weekend of preaching, singing, historical facts, food, and fellowship is being planned. The dates coincide with the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday weekend. What a wonderful way to give thanks to our Lord and King as we join together rejoicing in His faithfulness and blessing upon His servants here in Almonte!

For the past eight years Pastor Matthew Dyck has faithfully shepherded this flock. Kevin Shaw serves as an elder, while Bill Lowry, Sr., and David Harding minister as deacons.

According to a historical research paper compiled by Rev. Robert More, Jr., this congregation was officially organized on Sept. 9, 1830, under the leadership of Rev. James Mulligan from Vermont. On this date, Rev. Mulligan dispensed the sacraments of baptism and communion, making this congregation the oldest recorded Covenanter communion in Canada. The congregation worshiped at various locations, including a small log structure in Ramsay Township, a short distance from Almonte. However, in 1891 a small but elegant stone building, gothic in design, was constructed. This same building has served as a place of public worship for the Almonte congregation ever since.

There have been many prayers offered up from members of this congregation seeking to see Christ’s kingdom advanced in Canada. In more recent years, the congregation has been blessed to see God’s answer to these prayers result in the establishment of the Ottawa, Ont., RPC in 1980 and, shortly after, the emergence of Ottawa Theological Hall (OTH), both under the leadership of Dr. Richard Ganz. This seminary, with international teaching excellence, has been faithfully equipping men for the Canadian ministry with the prayerful hope of reestablishing the Canadian Reformed Presbyterian Church. Since this time, we have been blessed to see men equipped for the ministry, many new works developed and growing throughout Ontario, and mission work spreading into Africa.

The theme for the celebration weekend will be a focus on why Christ has established His church here in Almonte and how He has prepared us for the advancement of His kingdom. What do we need to remember? What do we look forward to?

If you are interested in joining us for this weekend celebration, a list of local accommodations may be obtained from Niki Mains at 613-253-7324 or you may email her at: robandnikimains@ hotmail.com. We are interested in welcoming visiting families into our homes. There are also many beautiful bed-and-breakfasts in the area. If you are thinking of hotel/motel accommodations, this list is also available.

Perhaps you are trying to decide whether this is an event worth attending. This congregation has had 175 years of preaching and hospitality experience; you won’t want to miss it! This will indeed be a blessing to you and an honor for us to share the anniversary celebrations with brothers and sisters in the Lord from far and wide. It will be helpful for the planning committee to have a good idea of numbers, so please be sure to let us know in advance if you are able to attend. Registration inquiries and confirmations can be directed to Wanda Sheil at 613-264-8627 or by email at bsheil@bellnet.ca.

Events are being planned for all ages. Old-fashioned games for the children, appropriate to the 1800s, will be fun for the younger ones. Bonnie and Chris Swallow have volunteered to organize this event, and it will be fun to see them dressed appropriately. The youth coordinators, Bob and Babs van Noppen and Bill and Treena Lowry, are planning events to involve youth groups from far and wide. Please be sure to let your young people know that this will be a great time. There are rumors of a possible car rally (or horse rally), which may require orienteering skills and historical fact-gathering expertise.

The Olde Tyme Fall Social on Saturday evening will begin with a beautiful buffet dinner catered by the amazing chefs in our congregation. Following the dinner, we offer entertainment by the Bowes Brothers. Four brothers who grew up in the Almonte RPC joined their father, Clarence, as young lads, entertaining residents at local nursing homes. They have now become a professional band that is much in demand throughout Ontario and Quebec. Ed, Rod, John, and Andy will be singing a mix of gospel and country music. Anyone interested in square dancing will be in for a fun time later in the evening.

We are excited to have Pastor Andrew Stringer, the associate pastor of the Ottawa RPC, speaking on Friday evening. Pastor Matthew Kingswood, pastor of the Russell, Ont., RPC, will speak on Saturday. Dr. Ganz will bring the message in the morning worship on the Lord’s Day, and Pastor Dyck will conclude the weekend messages in the evening.

Kevin and Carol are members of the Almonte, Ont., RPC. Kevin is a ruling elder.

Family Group to Perform at Almonte Anniversary

Singing in four-part harmony, combined with humor and yodeling, The Bowes Brothers bring a unique style to their music. Along with their father, Clarence, the brothers have been performing country and gospel music for about three years. Hailing from Carleton Place, Ont., singing together is something they have done their entire lives.

Ed, the oldest brother, plays rhythm guitar and sings baritone/harmony. Rod plays bass guitar and sings bass. John plays fiddle and sings lead, and Andy plays acoustic guitar and sings high harmonies. Andy has mastered the art of yodeling and has traveled to Nova Scotia many times to perform at the Wilf Carter Festival. Their father, Clarence, plays lead guitar and has played in shows and at dances his entire life.

The Bowes Brothers were featured on Regional Contact, an Ottawa television show aired on CJOH in fall 2003. After an overwhelming response, they were featured again just before Christmas 2004. They have recently released a CD of gospel music and another of country music.

Raised in the Almonte RPC, the Bowes Brothers will return to perform at the 175th Anniversary Celebration, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

—submitted by their mother, Anne Bowes