The hall 25 main floor became a meeting place for parishioners of all ages, for few indeed missed this annual outing which was the parish's main social and fund-raising event of the year. Many from outside the parish came as well, adding to its interest and importance. By 10 p.m. or so an amateur auctioneer would take the stage to sell off the good things that remained after all had eaten. This was a moment of great interest and fun. For successful bidders and their families it was exciting to go home with the remnants of many ladies' good cooking to munch on for the next few days. Following the auction, dancing would begin on the crowded floor, with many being bolstered by a drink or two to celebrate this special night. The following Sunday all ears would be turned to hear the priest's announcing the proceeds of the chicken supper and, like the event itself, the proceeds were never cause for disappointment. For many years weekly dances were held in Iona hall during the warmer months. Lunch was always a part of each dance evening with designated women assigned to bring sandwiches and sweets. As well, a team of men was dutifully announced for such tasks as selling and taking tickets at the door, bringing water and looking after the lamps. Dance music was always lively with a fiddle, piano and guitar the main instruments played by Frank McCabe , Eddie Martin and Peter McGarry respectively, a faithful and long-serving trio of musicians. A mini stage for the players was attached to the building's west wall half way down the hall. As youngsters we were permitted to go to these dances and usually observed them from the long stairway which led to the unfinished and unused attic. The old-time square dancing was a joy to behold as the participants for the most part seemed so well versed in its intricate move¬ ments. Waltzes were particularly beautiful to watch with many of the older people skilled in that style. As well, there was always a stepdancer or two to add zest and variety to an already joyous occasion. Liquor was a fact of life at most Iona hall dances and a fight was not uncommon. However, with few exceptions major injuries were rare and dance night grudges evaporated quickly. Iona hall has one special distinction which few such commu¬ nity buildings can claim and this came about entirely by acci¬ dent. When the first church burned to the ground in 1926 and the second was reduced to ashes in 1959, the hall immediately became the temporary church. On both occasions the building was comfortably large to house the Sunday congregations, with