Fundraiser will help revamp historic church

October 15, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
An upcoming fundraiser will help maintain a piece of King Township’s history.
The Brass, Brats & Beer event will be held at Christ Church Kettleby on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 6-9 p.m.
Come and enjoy beer from Hockley Valley Brewery, authentic bratwurst sausage and more fabulous food.
Entertainment features “The Little Big Band” from Orillia. This 12-piece dance band with a flair for swing. Also on tap will be the “Duffy-Ebata Duo,” including Juno Award nominated keyboardist John Ebata, who’s versatile in all musical styles from jazz to folksongs, to rock and R & B. Siobhan Duffy is a professional vocalist and accomplished playwright who has enjoyed success across Canada for the past 20 years.
The evening includes a silent auction and complimentary photograph by Robert Brown.
Proceeds from this event go towards the restoration of this century old stone church nestled in the rolling hills of Kettleby. Christ Church is located at 292 Kettleby Road.
Christ Church is one of King Township’s best kept secrets. Christ Church was built in 1891 under the leadership of Reverend E. W. Sibbald. The church was built using local field stones in the typical Norman English design with a square bell tower and fine stained glass windows. The central chancel window is the Tyrwhitt Memorial, with memorials to Rev. Sibbald, Rector A.D. 1891, and the Wm. Fox family, all of whom supported the building of the church.
The church continues to be a vibrant part of the community. It’s home to the King Township Food Bank. It also provides a summer camp affordable to all. And it is here that weddings, funerals and baptisms take place for families in the community. As well, the church assists with outreach projects; namely, Christmas in King, raising money for suicide prevention in the north and a clean water initiative to the northern community of Pikangikum.
Funds are being raised for the restoration of this historic stone church that is 123 years old. While not designated as a Heritage Building, it is on King Township’s list of important structures. The restoration project has been divided into five phases for the outside work. Each wall represents one phase and the Bell Tower becomes the fifth. After exterior work is completed, the project moves inside to repair and restore the interior plaster walls. The North Wall is the first phase, as it is the most critical.
Money raised through the Brass, Brats & Beer fundraiser, will support the work on the north wall, beginning this fall. Restoration of this beautiful stone church will allow the building to stand for another century!
Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at the door or by calling 905-939-8801 or 905-726-9651.