Wqt fflmteb CJmrcJ) of Canaba 1925-1996 Amalgamation was acceptable to the majority of residents apparently and the business of minis¬ tering over the first years of initiation went smoothly. In 1928 refurbishing, with paint, on the inside and out, was completed on July 1 at a cost of $193.93. The records state that "...we acknowledge with gratitude the arduous work done by the members..." The ecstasy of satisfaction was quickly thwarted by a disastrous fire that destroyed most of the buildings "at the corner" including the church. This happened on the evening of July 31, 1929. No modern fire-fighting equipment was available to assist the owners of these buildings. Consequently all had to stand helplessly and watch, as the enemy raced triumphantly on, con¬ suming all in its wake. What a catastrophe! And it was just thirty days after liquidating their debt in depression days! After the shock of losing the only church in the village, the adherents decided to rebuild. While waiting for the new church, services would be held in the hall, which was now owned by the members of the Masonic Lodge. The cost of the new 52' by 28' church, similar in design to the first one, was tendered at $4300.00. The contractor was Mr. Rutherford Cotton, Clifton. His assistants were Daniel MacKay and Frank Ramsay , Clifton, and Leslie Campbell , Irishtown . The plasterer was Henry Ford , and the painter William Cameron of Margate . As all furnishings were saved at the time of the fire, so no expense was incurred for these items. The new church was formally opened on November 9, 1930. In addition to working to pay the church debt, everyone made an effort to pack boxes to ensure that those who were serving during the Second World War were not forgotten. All who could knit or sew helped to make quilts, socks, scarves, toques and other warm clothing that could be The United Church of Canada Stanley Bridge built 1930 149