All three Huntley churches celebrate their birthdays together

The Parish of Huntley invited the whole community to a joint birthday party for its three churches all celebrating big anniversaries in close proximity.

Christ Church Huntley marked its 185th anniversary last November. St. James the Apostle is celebrating its 135th in 2024 and St. John’s its 140th in 2025. All together, a very good reason for a party on a gloriously summery September day when the party could be held on the lawn of St. James.

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Inviting the neighbours to Welcome Back Sunday: Celebrating our Churches, the Sunday service included a blessing of backpacks and laptops as everyone headed back to work and school for the fall. Birthday loot included name tags for backpacks and Parish of Huntley notebooks as well as t-shirts. The service also celebrated the retirement of long-serving organist Stephen Machum. After the service, the party started with live music, hot dogs, cupcakes and ice cream, lots of fellowship and fun.

The service included a tribute to retiring organist Stephen Machum. Photo: Pam Ross

The Rev. Mary-Cate Garden with the Machum family

Parish administrator Cathy Yocum with the Rev. Canon Stewart Murray, who came to celebrate with his former parish.

Rector’s Warden Colin Puchala at the BBQ

MPP Karen McCrimmon and retired Bishop Peter Coffin

Deborah Coffin

Deputy Warden Pam Ross and the Rev. Mary-Cate Garden