Tea and conversation
Middle River United Church has many dedicated members
The building that houses Middle River United Church was once home to a Methodist congregation located in an entirely different community.
In 1925, the Methodist building was moved from Margaree to its current location just off the Cabot Trail in Middle River.
During the early years, members of the quaint little church worked to build their congregation. Continued growth would ensure the future of the church leaving members proud to see it become one of the most respected gathering places in their small rural community of Middle River, Victoria County.
Middle River United is not unlike many other churches across the country affected by declining membership.
Fortunately, those currently attending regular services are dedicated to ensuring their church remains a viable part of the community. Members say they have many devoted worshipers who work hard to make certain the needs of the church and the wishes of the congregation are being met.
Ann Thompson is a member of Middle River United and she said one of the most popular activities offered at the church is the time of fellowship that takes place after each service.
Thompson said following the 9:15 a.m. service on Sundays, those in attendance are invited to the hall to enjoy tea and refreshments. “It is nice to have the opportunity to stay behind after the service and catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while. The invitation is extended to everyone, especially those who are visiting our church. Staying close to the congregation is important and it helps to keep the community close as well.”
Florence MacCuspic oversees the serving of refreshments after the service. She said the time of fellowship has been taking place for more than seven years and she couldn’t be more pleased with the response from the congregation.
According to MacCuspic, the idea to gather after church came from members who were noticing how people tended to linger after the service to chat with their neighbours.
“My son Keith and the late Wayne Hart thought that since so many members of the congregation were gathering after the service to catch up on things, maybe it would be a good idea to invite people to stay and enjoy a cup of tea and some refreshments as they chatted. The idea was brought up during an annual meeting and the decision was made to give it a try.”
MacCuspic said the afterservice time of fellowship and refreshments turned out to be a huge success.
“Since the very first invitation, members of the congregation have been coming back to the hall to enjoy tea and whatever is being offered for refreshments that morning. For most people it has become something that they look forward to.”
Mary Jo Harrison is the minister at Middle River United and she couldn’t be more pleased to see members of the congregation gather after the service for an extended period of fellowship.
“Inviting people to stay after church is not something you see at every church, but it is a nice way to keep the church community together.”
Harrison said as minister for a multi-point charge it would normally be difficult for her to stay after the service to enjoy additional time with the congregation. However members of Middle River United make it convenient for her to stay and join in the conversation before she heads to her 11 a.m. service in Baddeck.
The women of the congregation like to credit MacCuspic for ensuring the time of fellowship remains an integral part of the service. However, MacCuspic is quick to recognize that she doesn’t do it alone. She said making sure the tea is hot and the freshly baked muffins are on the table is a team effort.
“We have some really nice bakers in our congregation and we all take turns baking things like muffins and loaf cakes. Sometimes we have sandwiches, it just depends on the week,” MacCuspic noted.
It is not uncommon for those taking part in the time of fellowship to sit around the table and enjoy conversation for upwards of an hour. They talk about everything from how much they enjoyed the service to what’s going on in the community.
One might expect that in the interest of convenience, the freshly brewed tea would be served in a disposable cup. Not so, organizers say they like to offer the tea in a glass mug or a china cup much like they would if they were at home.
On Sunday, members of the congregation of Middle River United will celebrate their anniversary service beginning at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Dale Crawford and all are welcome to attend.