Rural church celebrates its third century
Copetown congregation is small, but dedicated
Mike Pearson
Published on
Jul 11, 2008
It's one of the most recognized buildings in the village of Copetown. Its sloping rooftop can be seen hundreds of metres away on Governor's Road. On a quiet Sunday morning, its bells emanate throughout the community.
Copetown United Church celebrates 200 years of ministerial service this year. And now a dedicated anniversary committee wants you to experience what's great in 2008.
Like many rural churches, the congregation isn't as big as it once was. On an average Sunday, about 25 or 30 attend worship service. Though their numbers are small, the congregation is determined to lead the church into its third century and beyond. Excitement is building for later this fall, when the church formally celebrates its 200-year milestone.
Copetown Minister Peg Turner said her congregation is dedicated to the church's success. Rev. Turner is just the second female minister in Copetown's history.
More than 75 guests attended a recent anniversary picnic and reunion. Many on hand were anxious to pick up a copy of a new church Memories book, now available in paper back format.
"It's still the place where people feel at home, even though they may not be here on a weekly basis," Rev. Turner said.
Dorothy Jones, a member of the church anniversary committee, said it's important to honour the pioneering spirit that built Copetown United.
"Out of respect we owe it to them that we hold this church together," she said.
Pick up a copy of Copetown United Church: Memories 1808-2008, and you'll find a brief history of the church, with dates of the most noteworthy milestones.
Read past page 15 and you'll realize Memories isn't a cut and dried church history book.
When Joanna Lawson stepped forward to edit the book, she hoped to focus on the memories that have shaped life in the church community over the last few decades. The congregation responded by submitting more than 80 personal stories.
Some are humourous and light-hearted. Others are more serious.
Linda Jones tells the story of The Year Baby Jesus had a Big Brother.
At the 1992 Christmas pageant, everything had been running smoothly, she recalled.
"A pregnant looking Mary and concerned Joseph had managed to convince the inn keeper to let them stay in the stable for the night. At the right moment, Baby Jesus, Travis, appeared in the manger smiling at the crowd and enjoying the spotlight.... Then a new little character, two-year-old Scott Jones, tentatively came forward, sucking his thumb and holding his blanket. Mary shook her head 'no' and he hesitated.... Then with determination he came up the stairs, stood beside the manger and, as he did often, offered the other end of his blanket to his little brother.... It seemed perfect that Baby Jesus had another gift that year. He had a big brother, one who shared his 'Blankie' with him."
In another submission, Linda's husband, Rick Jones recalls the infamous Van Napping Incident.
It was Jan. 23, 2003, when the Jones were preparing for a family birthday party immediately following worship service. As the children gathered for story time, Linda told Rick she would step out early to take care of the arrangements at home.
"As she slipped past, I smiled and cautioned her to take it easy going out of the parking lot so that others wouldn't know she was skipping out of church," Mr. Jones wrote.
As the sermon began, the congregation was surprised to hear spinning tires and gravel flying through the parking lot. Seconds later, the tires hit solid pavement, and the van tore recklessly down the highway.
"I thought I told her to leave QUIETLY... when all of a sudden she appeared in tatters beside me saying, 'They stole our van,!!!'" Mr. Jones wrote.
As it turned out, when Linda got to the parking lot, the van was in motion, backing up. Two teens were trying to take it for a joy ride. Linda opened the passenger door, jumped in and confronted them. They continued to drive away and she bailed out, fearing for her safety. Just as the van hit the paved surface of Highway 99, she jumped onto the highway, praying there were no other vehicles approaching. She emerged from the ordeal with only a few minor scrapes and the van was eventually recovered three weeks later.
"Apparently one of the popular joy-riding activities was to steal a van at one church, drive to another, steal a different one, etc.," Mr. Jones wrote. "For whatever reason they never hit Copetown Church parking lot again."
The Memories book also lists key dates in chronological order. In 1794, Conrad Cope arrived in the area and worship services were held in local homes. The Copes, descended from Loyalist stock in New York and Pennsylvania, were the first to settle in the area that now bears their family name.
In 1808 Copetown became part of the Ancaster circuit and William Case was named its inaugural minister. A white frame church was built in 1828 near the current site of Queen's Rangers School. The present church was built in 1908 at 2218 Governor's Road.
As a child, Dorothy Jones looked forward to attending church socials, picnics and Christmas pageants.
"That was often the only excitement a lot of the kids had," she said.
Now her grandchildren are part of the church community.
Marie Cowlin, a member of the church anniversary committee, proudly points out that Copetown routinely surpasses fundraising efforts by other larger Hamilton churches at the Case for Kids Walkathon, supporting Wesley Urban Ministries. Copetown participates along with Rockton, the other church in the local charge.
"We're small but mighty," Rev. Turner said.
A 200th anniversary plaque will be unveiled on Oct. 19 with a special service by guest Rev. Lois Wilson. The anniversary committee hopes to invite Jean Hall, who was actually present when the church first opened its doors in 1908. Ms. Hall, who was known as Jean Dyment at the time, was just two years old when she held the ceremonial trowel at the original cornerstone ceremony.
That same trowel will also be used in this fall's celebration.
Other events include a Sept. 19 fundraiser for Sleeping Children Around the World, and a Nov. 16 concert featuring the Johnson Quartet. For more information on upcoming events, visit www.copetownunitedchurch.com