The MassieMessenger

A Biannual Newsletter Issue N° 19 Fall 2016

Massie Celebrates 160 Years of Worship

T H E M A S S I E M E S S E N G E R

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Massie United Church was built in 1895 but the community had gath-ered for Sunday services for almost 40 years before they had a formal place to conduct worship. The year 2016 marks the 160th anniversary of wor-ship for Massie – a good reason for a joyous celebration! The dedication of a memory candle for all the Massie folks who have worshipped since 1856 and

a beautiful pump organ complete with pipes donated by David Tupper made the occasion even more special. The festivities began on Satur-day, September 24th with musical entertainment by The Little Bigheads of Strathaven and a slide show featur-ing Massie of old by Ed Neelands. Sunday’s service was performed by Pastor Thom. McDonough of Annan,

with special musical guests Trevor Falk on the piano, vocalists Joyce Downey and Hugh Neelands, and organist Da-vid Tupper on the church’s brand-new organ! Bountiful thanks to the minister and all the musicians, cooks, organizers, cleaning crews, donors and worship-pers who helped make the celebration memorable!

Photograph by Connie Miller

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Hugh Neelands and Mary Jean Hamill.

David Tupper and the exquisite organ that he donated to Massie United Church.

There’s always food!

Doug Smith and Isobel Cramp.

Photographs by Stephen Norton

Glen Martin serves refreshments.

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Sisters Leone Diebel and Beth Boyce.Wyatt Mustard lights the Christ Candle as brother Wade looks on.

Stewart Wallace at the lectern, Pastor Thom McDonough seated.

Bob and Kathleen Morrow.

THANK YOU!Many thanks to Rocky Neelands for refreshing the driveway and parking lot for the church and hall with new gravel. A big thank you to Carl Seeley for looking after the church building and the grounds. And thanks to all the volunteers who do the large and small jobs that make our tiny hamlet so appealing!

GREETINGS FROM OUT WEST

Susan Wallace, a former resident of Massie who now lives on Vancou-ver Island, sent us a message: “I lived on Grey Road 40 (opposite the Vlielanders) for 36 years. Now, my youngest son, Peter Whitten, owns The Farm. I still miss the amazing congregation of Massie United, and have sweet memories of Shepherd Plays and morning worship and just ‘all things bright and beautiful’ that are your community! I bought this statue of St. Francis so that it would stand over my dear dog Jake’s grave, and as I have loved ‘all creatures great and small’ my whole life, I felt it was fitting.”

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Massie’s Super SeniorsTo celebrate her 100th birthday on April 26th of this year, Ruth Hamill welcomed home her entire family, over 30 people, including 9 great- grandchildren. This summer she has enjoyed the views from her kitchen windows, hummingbirds at the feeder and her flower beds. Congratulations and many more happy years, Ruth!

Ted, Mary Jean (Midge), Bruce, Stewart, Doreen, Jim

Photo by Stephen NortonMarilyn Bergman serving Blanche Martin some fabulous des-sert at the 2012 Massie Women’s Institute Christmas gathering.

The Over 90 Club

Dona Norton,97, is living at Lee Manor in Owen Sound.

Photos by Stephen Norton

Ruth Hamill

Marie Silverthorne

Blanche Martin ,94, says about her age: “I can’t believe it. If I had new legs, I wouldn’t be too bad at all!” Blanche is thoroughly enjoying life at Central Place in Owen Sound.

Marie Silverthorn (née Phillips) also turned 100 this year on May 13 th . Born and raised in Massie, she now lives at Central Place. Many happy returns to you too, Marie!

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Malcolm Edward Campbell was born on March 12, 2016 to proud parents Andrea and Sheldon Campbell. He is a happy baby boy that is now getting the hang of crawling and taking toys from his big sister Emma.

OBVIOUSLY NOT A SENIOR SO HE SHOULD GET SOME SPECIAL TREATMENT

As Lois Keeling reminds us:

Age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter!Massie Women’s Institute members Marg Taylor, Lois

Keeling and Iris Hill, with Lori Mascherin smiling over them.

The Over 86 1/2 Club

Lois and Jim Keeling : As Lois puts it, “We’re both seniors!”

Fred Marshall ,93, says about still living in Massie: “As long as my health is good, I like being able to walk around my farm.”

Gilbert Rice ,90, just celebrated his birthday. “I’ve been lucky and stayed well,” he says. “I’m still able to live in my own house and look after myself. It helps to keep busy.” Gilbert goes on to say that Massie is a great community and a great place to grow up “where people cared”.

Marg Taylor : “I think I’m doing pretty well!”

Harold Gilbert, Iris Hill and Elizabeth Crannie

Many Happy Returns to all !If you are a present or former resident of Massie who’s over 86½ (or will be in the next year) and we have neglected to mention you, please email Renee at editor@massiemessenger.ca or call 519-794-0865.

Marie Silverthorn (née Phillips) also turned 100 this year on May 13 th . Born and raised in Massie, she now lives at Central Place. Many happy returns to you too, Marie!

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Photo Album: Massie’s Cats

Pumpkin & Charcoal Fedun-WellsStanley and Katie Garrett-Ward

Skittles VanWyck-Martin

Pebbles McGowan-Evans Wooten Downey

Titchy Wee Gardiner

In My Mind’s Eye by Ralph Bergman

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Spanky Bergman

D.C. Mair Bob with Tucker Elizabeth Downey (the dog)

R.B. and Daisy Falk

Scud and Spike Bergman

Aggie (McPhail) Martin and Nellie (McClung) Martin

Saturday, November 12 Shoreline Chorus – 7:30 p.m. at Massie United Church. “I’ll Be Seeing You” and other war-time favourites performed by our favourite choir! $10 admission. Sunday, December 5 International Folk Dance Party – 3-5 p.m. Come and dance or just watch and enjoy! Free admission, although you are welcome to make a donation to Massie Hall or bring treats. For more information, call Renee at 794-0865. .Saturday, December 10 Christmas Concert at Massie United Church – 7p.m. A great opportunity to enjoy the talent hiding in our picturesque community! Santa Claus will be making an appearance!

Saturday, December 31 New Year’s Eve party at Massie Hall from 9 p.m. ‘til 1 p.m. Musical entertainment by May Contain Nuts. For tickets, contact Marilyn at 794-4109 or Glen at 794-3841.

T H E M A S S I E M E S S E N G E R

Editorial Board Renee Fedun — EditorPeter Turk —Website AdvisorRalph Bergman — Art DirectorPete Miller — Concert Listings Editor

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Massie Fall 2016 Events

Photograph by Connie Miller

Photograph by Ralph Bergman