There is no question about it. Moose Creek United Church is held near and dear to the hearts of many churchgoers. The church, originally erected by the Methodist congregation in 1916, still stands where is always has, on a back country road surrounded by homesteads and community members.
The labour of love started out in the early days as the Moose Creek Methodist Church. In 1925, the congregation entered the Union and became the United Church and in 1991, the church was designated as a heritage site.
Jack and Irene Doty, dedicated community members of the church, look back with nostalgia when speaking about the church. "We had a very strong church group and regular services every Sunday. The minister from Carlyle Pastoral Church would come out and conduct services. It wasn't until 1986 that regular services stopped. But up until then, it was very active. We had fall suppers, picnics every summer and teas. We had Sunday School, CGIT (Canadian Girls In Training organization), UCW (United Church Women) and choir. For CGIT, we had over 60 young girls that went through the program. I think the church really brought the community together and kept us all in touch."
When the services stopped in 1986, the church attendees knew they wanted to ensure the church was preserved. It was a part of their livelihood and the significance of it was something they felt deserved to be commemorated. The group set to work at ensuring the church wasn't abandoned, as many other churches have been throughout the rural landscape.
Four years of hard work and dedication ensured the church received the commemoration it deserved. More than 100 people gathered to take in the celebration on June 7, 1992. The congregation gathered for a special service of worship and dedication, mainly focusing on the memories of the church and reviewing its history. Former residents travelled from afar to take in the celebration. Following the service, the cairn was unveiled by trustees of the church and the church was officially declared a heritage site.
Being declared a Municipal Heritage Site means the Moose Creek Church is recognized as a part of the heritage of the province, and it ensures that the building will remain and can never be torn down.
Along with this designation came the responsibility of upkeep, which is left to a number of volunteers make up the Board of Trustees. Jack Doty is the chair of the board, with Delores Cutler acting as the secretary and Mark Doty filling the position of treasurer. Board members include Michelle Brady, Joey (Edward) Brown, Edith Hewitt and Ken Humphries. Scott Hewitt is the cemetery custodian.
The intention is to have special services in the spring and in the fall. Jack and Irene stated that "we have had some baptisms during these services. People that were baptized here as children are bringing their children back with them to be baptized. It is very special to see."
In 1969, a memorial fund was established where families and friends could donate to the church in lieu of flowers during the loss of a loved one. This fund has gone to good use as items within the church bear plaques with names of loved ones on them. An outstanding feature has been the addition of six stained glass windows, but the church overall, is an immaculate display of history. The hard work by volunteers in keeping the church in beautiful shape is noticed immediately upon entry.
Recent upkeep has included the installation of zero-maintenance additions such as metal siding and eaves troughs. The memorial fund still exists today. It is the hopes of the trustees that in the years to come, money will be available for the upkeep of the church and its adjoining cemetery.
