Bolton United Church has reached its 150th anniversary, a milestone it planned to celebrate with neighbouring congregations and an invitation to the wider community.
The church opened on Oct. 1, 1876. Ahead of the anniversary gathering, the Caledon Citizen reported that a special worship service was scheduled for Oct. 4 at 10 a.m., followed by a homecoming lunch.
Plans for the celebration included Knox United Church, Caledon East United Church, Palgrave United Church and the Schomberg Nobleton Church. Ministers from the participating congregations were to share leadership of the service.
The gathering was planned for Worldwide Communion Sunday, connecting the local anniversary observance with a day of communion celebrated by Christian churches around the world, according to the report.
Heritage displays and shared worship
Trustee Stan East, one of the anniversary organizers, told the Caledon Citizen that he was particularly looking forward to displays of historic photographs and documents in the church’s heritage hall.
East said the worship service would focus on Worldwide Communion Sunday, while the displays would give visitors an opportunity to explore the church’s history. The lunch was planned as a chance for attendees to spend time together after the service.
The invitation extended beyond church members to anyone in the community. Organizers offered registration through Bolton United Church’s website but also welcomed people who had not signed up in advance.
Congregations already working together
The anniversary plans built on an existing collaboration among the participating United Church congregations, rather than their first joint gathering.
According to the Caledon Citizen, the churches had decided to work together as a team. The Coldest Night of the Year charity walk was among the first fundraising events that brought the area’s United Churches together.
