Did you know that the Smithfield United Church had a Manse house for their minister and in later years, a subsidized house for a local family?
The Manse house was constructed in 1937, and it has a long history of housing the church’s resident Minister and their families and in the last few years of its life, was a subsidized rental for a local family.
The Manse needs updating, new wiring and plumbing so the Smithfield United Church which merged with Carmen United Church to become the Smithfield – Carmen United Church is running several fundraisers to help fund the repairs.
“In its current condition,” said Linda Swartman – volunteer fundraiser. “We can no longer rent the property and we are looking at uniting with a 3rd church, so that we can have a full time minister and we would like to be able to provide housing again.”
Of course, letters asking for donations have been sent out to current and past members of the church, along with letters to the local business but, the church members have sprung into action with several additional fundraisers.
How does a homemade 9 inch fruit pie for $15.00 sound? Several types of pies are available for purchase and include: cherry, apple, blueberry, mixed berries, strawberry, strawberry rhubarb, rhubarb, raisin, current, and peach.
They are also selling raffle tickets on a painting that is a copy of the artwork of a window in the church.
They are also organizing a Yard Sale to be part of the Smithfield Community Yard Sale on May 27th which will take place on Smith and Drummond Streets in Smithfield, Ontario.
Other plans include a chicken BBQ on June 10th and September 9th, they will be selling donuts at Sobeys and No Frills.
To organize purchase of a pie or raffle tickets call Linda Swartman at 613-475-4484. If you would simply like to make a donation you can mail a cheque to Smithfield – Carmen United Church at 872 Smith Street, Brighton Ontario, K0K 1H0 or you can send an e-transfer to smithfieldunitedchurch@cogeco.net, and list Manse Fund on your cheque or in the note of your transfer.
Take a drive out to Smithfield and see the lovely country church and consider participating in one of these fundraising events.
Written by Alicia Vandine
