The History of Maple Lake United Church Traditional Cache
The History of Maple Lake United Church
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This cache is hidden on church property. All are welcome any time. Our weekly worship service begins at 10:00a.m. on Sunday mornings for about an hour so please be discrete during that time or join us! Parking is available just about anywhere but here are some coordinates N 45 ° 06.240 W 078 ° 38.598.
A Little History about This Building and Maple Lake United Church
On December 1, 1900 the amalgamated Methodist congregations of Pine Lake (West Guilford) and Maple Lake met to consider the advisability of building a church at the burying ground at Clarke’s Corners. Meetings were held at each of the schoolhouses, and a sum of $250 in cash and work had been subscribed. The new building was to seat 150 people. A driving shed to accommodate at least five teams was also proposed and Mr. Foley was authorized to borrow money to finance the material purchases “Before the sleighing should go.”
Fifty men, many with teams, hauled lumber from the Stevens Mill at Boshkung and lumber and materials from Haliburton. Labour was directed by Mr. R. Gordon who contracted the work, and received $115 for 12 weeks’ work. December 1901 saw the main building completed and ready to be furnished by a very anxious and appreciative congregation, who raised the necessary finances by pledges, social teas, honey socials and volunteer work. In May 1902 a new organ arrived. Subsequently a pulpit was purchased from a Lindsay Sunday School, and a “honey social” on December 21, 1909 realized $27. At this time there was no basement and the church was heated by a wood stove. Henry Sawyer, who lived nearby would get the fire started prior to the arrival of the congregation. We are so grateful to the many loyal people who dedicated much in the intervening years from 1902 to the present.
The Ladies’ Aid (1901-1925), Women’s Association (1925-1962) and the United Church Women (1962-present), as they have been called at different times, have always been very active in the life of the church. Mrs. Middleton was instrumental in forming the first Ladies’ Aid of Maple Lake United Church. Rev. Zufelt (1932 - 1935) led a service in honour of the local men who went to serve and lost their lives in WW #1. He presented the children of Stanhope School with a flag and picture of a Fighter plane for contributing the most war-saving effort for the whole County. The children sang and almost 100 people gathered at this occasion.
The interior of the church was renovated in the 1950's. Much of the revenue for this came from radio donations due to the interest given by Rev. Smythe of Summerhill Church of Toronto. He presented our plight to the listening public during his devotional spot on radio at that time. The response was most heartening and appreciated. In 1958, a basement was added to the church. Karl Barry trucked the cement blocks from Lindsay. Shortly thereafter, new siding and a new roof were added. A kitchen was completed in the 60's, with cupboards built by M. Cooper and dishes and silverware furnished by the UCW. This decade also saw a furnace installed, and the removal of the old wood stove.
In the 1980 - 90's blue choir gowns were supplied by Bill and Myra Marshall; and Dale and Wanda Anthes were instrumental in acquiring padded seat covers for the pews and generously donated new hymn books for the choir. The Lord’s Prayer, in an exquisite piece of lace handwork, was donated by the Horsley family and now hangs in our sanctuary. The first stained glass window was donated by Robert Lewis in memory of his wife Doreen. A newer, larger organ was acquired for the sanctuary. The biggest recent project has been the enlargement of our kitchen.
In September 2001 the people of Maple Lake United Church celebrated their 100th Anniversary, with many special guests, services and events. One of the events was a special celebration with the three churches in the charge invited, and 100 balloons were set free into the air. Also, a new stained glass window was donated to the church by Karl Barry and family, in memory of Eileen Barry. Two other stained glass windows dedicated at this time are from Merrill and Merrie Barry.
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