THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE HISTORY

Service held: March 20, 1994

The weather looked unfavourably upon the dedication service of March 30, 1969. The high winds lashed at the new St. Andrew's United Church, Vernon Bridge, assembling members, and dignitaries as they scrambled over construction planking laid by volunteers over the red mud. Prior to this day, through the great effort of architect Keith Pickard and builder Edward MacLeod, much work and support had gone into the preparation and construction of this church as the members gathered on Palm Sunday to witness the completion of the building project and to dedicate the labour of the many hands to the glow of God. During the 7:30 evening service on Good Friday 58 members were the first to be received into this church by profession of faith. The 1969

Annual Report records 240 families under pastoral care. This number has grown to

307 today.

When on September 9. 1968, Mr. Frank Lea, the oldest member of the congregation, turned the sod the excrement began to grow and the greatest consideration was given to the Session member: of Orwell Head, On/vell, Vernon River, Millview, Cherry Valley, and Pownal. Theseseesionmemberswere—namedas honourary‘Sessionwnembers to Sta—Andrew'seUnltedCfmreh. Of these 7:0, Session members, many formed the first Session of St. Andrew's United. These Session members were Wilfred Furness,

Frank Lea, Mack MacLean, Fred Mossman, Harold Smith, Lloyd Robbins, Ernest

Martin, Raymond Nicholson, D. J. Gillis, Bruce MacLeod, A. J. Finlayson, Walter