He asks
“Will You Come and Follow Me?
And
follow Him they did!!
by Anne Walling
The journey with Jesus began in 1786 when Rev. James Scovil, Kingston,
began taking occasional services in Norton (Bloomfield).
From that humble beginning, the
followers of Jesus increased and they built a church in the wilderness
in 1811. Now, 200 years
later, Christ Church, Bloomfield, continues to serve the people of God
who say, “Yes, we will follow You”.
In view of this long history, the congregation of Christ Church
plans to celebrate the 200th Anniversary for the entire year
of 2011.
Sunday, January 30, 2011 found us enjoying praise music provided by Will
Gowan on guitar, his son Byrann on bass violin and accompanied by Glenna
Geer on piano. The
congregation enjoyed the sing-along while waiting for the service to
begin.
Our special guest, The Venerable Geoffrey M. Hall joined us, offering an
inspirational message and communion, assisted by Rev Robert Marsh. It is
very appropriate for Rev’d Geoffrey to join us on our first Sunday of
celebration because of his connection with the Raymond family whom has a
long association with Christ Church.
For example, Isaac B.S. Raymond moved the church across the road
in 1838 using thirteen yoke of oxen. Mrs. John Raymond donated the organ
in 1926 in memory of Robert Matthew Raymond.
The electric lights were installed, the gift of Mrs. Helen
Raymond and John Raymond in 1929. The Robert M. Raymond Memorial Hall
(Bloomfield Hall) was built in 1939.
The dedication and devotion of the Raymond family is an important
piece in the history of Christ Church.
The Anniversary Banner was unveiled and dedicated to the glory
of
God by Rev Hall. The symbol of the lamb represents Jesus “the Lamb of
God’, no longer wounded but standing with the banner of victory. The
banner design by Patti Hoyt and made by Betty Kennett.
After services, we enjoyed a delicious potluck lunch in the hall and shared memories and stories about the people and history of the Church and the community.
We plan to celebrate the 225-year history of worship and the 200th
Anniversary of the Church the entire year of 2011.
The last Sunday of every month is for special worship, fellowship
and events. Plans include a
Youth Service, An ACW quilt show, an old fashion tea party, a day with
the Kings Country Historical Society and much more. You are welcome to
come and celebrate with us, we look forward to seeing you.
Following is a list of the past clergy invited to speak:
February 27 The
Rev’d Canon George Akerley
March 27 The Rev'd Robert Marsh
May 29
Archbishop Claude
Miller, Bishop of the Diocese of Fredericton
June 26
Youth Service – The Rev’d Robert Marsh
July 31
The Rev’d Stephen (Wally) Brown
August 28
The Venerable David Barrett (Cemetery Service)
September 25 The Rev’d
William Sheppard
October 30
The Rev’s Marvin McDermott
November 27
The Rev’d Robert LeBlanc