The Gould’s at FGUC

THROUGH THE YEARS at FORT GARRY UNITED CHURCH

1964 - 2021

Leaving behind King-Memorial United Church where I grew up, Jim & I moved to Somerset Ave., in Ft Garry in September 1964. We had the good fortune of having Christine and Harold Curry for our next-door neighbours. Christine Curry had already been a long-time member of Ft. Garry United and she often spoke of the early days when Ft. Garry was “that little wooden church at the top of North Drive.” She told of the Sunday mornings, during the cold days of winter when she would arrive early at the church to put wood in the old wood stove in preparation for the Sunday morning service. She also spoke of her friend Chrissie Muir who began the first Mission Band for Children. Both ladies served on the many committees at the church over the decades. 

At the Curry’s invitation, we attended Ft. Garry United, and it quickly became our home. After her husband’s passing Christine Curry moved to the Middle Church Home, where she always enjoyed the visits from Rev. Don Frame and her many friends from Ft. Garry United Church. At the age of 101 years Christine passed away. I always remember how she and I would walk to Ft. Garry every Sunday morning.

The decade of the 1970’s was one pf involvement for me at the church. Teaching Sunday School for 10 years under the leadership of Joan McGregor, Sally Shwetz, and Verna McKay, led to many friendships with both children and leaders.

The Exchange Program between the Children of the Fisher River Reserve and the children of Fort Garry United was a rewarding experience for the leaders and children alike.

Then came the Explorer Group under the leadership of Nancy Crooks. Meetings and preparing activities kept us busy.

Our daughters, Anne-Marie and Linda attended Sunday School through the years and joined the Junior Choir under the leadership of Bev Jacobs. The Junior Choir often shared their music during Sunday Worship Services.

Working with the Messenger Group, under the leadership of Mrs. Asta Asselstine was fun and very busy.

The decade of the 1980’s was great as a member of Unit 6 Ladies Group we spent many hours planning for Christmas Bazaars and “Soups On” lunches, Garage Sales and the collecting of books, became Unit 6’s projects. Many friendships were made during these years.

The decade of the 1990’s began with our daughter Linda’s wedding at Ft. Garry United. Visitors from England who attended the wedding enjoyed visiting a Sunday service at Ft. Garry with Rev. Gordon Taylor as minister.

Our grandchildren, Matthew & Morgyn Isaac were christened at Ft. Garry United where they also attended Sunday School. 

During vacation Summer Bible Camp School, Jim was involved with the Children’s Project of building wooden crosses under the leadership of Kathy Kinsman.

Jim enjoyed his time on the Property Committee and helped out with various projects around the church as a “Mr. Fixit”.

During the latter years, Jim became involved with operating the sound board and spent many hours adding up-grades. Hours were spent running the soundboard for funerals and weddings with a couple also being videotaped.

The years at Ft. Garry have been wonderful years!

Sincerely Carolyn & Jim Gould