Church continues the tradition

Park Royal United still the ‘community centre’

Remember 60 years ago, when the church used to be the community centre?

It was a time that in addition to Sunday morning services, there were activities every day — everything from CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training) and UCW (United Church Women) to basketball and boy scouts.

In recent years attendance has lessened but thanks to music, Park Royal United Church has remained a community of communities. The Singing Strings and the Sirens rehearse at the facility along with the several Park Royal church choirs. Also, there’s the Head Start Day Care program that runs through the week.

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations. Park Royal United is celebrating the various communities within its church family. This community participation will be especially evident when the congregation holds a fundraising concert on April 7 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. (storm date: April 8).

Tony Buena, a soloist at the church, will perform the music of Frank Sinatra.

MLA Brad Trivers will be returning to dazzle the young at heart with his energetic impersonation of the King of Rock and Roll.

Joann Ings, president of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty, will bring her women’s barbershop quartet, the Retakes, to the party. They will perform favourites from the

50’s.

Island performer, Jeanie Campbell, will be celebrating the music of Leslie Gore and Patsy Cline and Park Royal choristers, Bill Courtney and Bill Murley, will sing “Walk the Line”, a song made popular by Johnny Cash.

By popular demand, the legendary Blue Crystals will be returning to belt out rock ‘n’ roll with the help of Dave Altass and special guest Heather McAulay, star of the Soda Shop Gang.

That evening the host will be former Ocean 100 Radio DJ Ron Gillispie.

Tickets are available at the church office, by calling 902894-9656.