Local church welcomes residents to year of celebration events
The 150th anniversary of Knox Presbyterian Church in Selkirk is this year, and the church members aren’t letting this opportunity pass them by without a little celebration.
Knox Presbyterian Church’s 150 year old sanctuary
“We have sought to have one event per month, climaxing this month, with the run on the 23rd and the anniversary service, which is the high point of the celebration on the 24th. We are really stepping things up for this summer, which is the best time to have events,” said Rev. Naggie Sterling.
They have had a few smaller events earlier this year but the first event coming up this month is the Knox Your Sox Off Run, which is either going to be a 2K walk or, for those who want to go the distance, a 5K run.
“The idea came from Naggie as one of our events to celebrate the 150th anniversary, and we ran with it,” said Candyce Aisman, 150th anniversary committee member and part of the run organization team.
The run takes place in Selkirk Park and starts at 11 a.m. with check-in taking place from 8 until 10:30 a.m.
“We wanted to be inclusive with all age groups and abilities. So, the walk is 2k, and you can bring strollers and dogs, walkers and canes, and whatever your aid may be. And then, the run is a 5k run, and they’re two different courses. It’s a shotgun race to start on the 23rd at 11 a.m., and we have wonderful volunteers,” said Aisman.
The run is sponsored by the Manitoba Runner’s Association and Selkirk’s Iron Image.
The cost to participate in the run is $30 for the 5K and $20 for the 2K.
The church is planning to use these funds to further their work to make their space more accessible with some new flooring, which follows work that they’ve done to their bathrooms. Additionally, they are hoping to set up a possible scholarship for students of the Comp with any excess.
As for the next exciting event this month, it will be a special church service on May 24, celebrating the anniversary. All are welcome, even if you are not a member of Knox’s congregation.
“This service is geared towards helping us to look back over the years as far as we can, to reflect on what God has done within us, among us, and within the community, as well as to be looking forward as to what God may have in store for us as a church and as a community. (We also) hope to be a sort of reunion for our members who have moved away and who will be coming back for this very special service,” said Sterling.
The service wouldn’t be complete without a little fellowship afterwards.
“After the church service, we’re having a catered luncheon. And I know that we have people coming from Alberta for the service, and also quite a few from Winnipeg, so we’re looking forward to seeing former members return. There will also be four people highlighting some of their years here at Knox,” said 150th anniversary committee member Jean Oliver.
As for the rest of the year, there will be a few more activities that people in Selkirk might want to attend. There’s going to be a Texas Scramble Golf Tournament on June 27, a float in the Selkirk Biz Annual Parade on rodeo weekend in July, a concert in September and more.
“What we are aiming to do is to make the community know that we are here and we are here for the community. These events that we have been planning (are different kinds of events), not all fundraisers. Many of them are events that we’ve had just to bring people in so people can see what we’re about and know that they’re welcomed,” said Sterling.
He wanted to emphasize that you don’t have to be a member to attend these events and that their doors are open to everyone.
“We’d love to have you celebrate with us. It’s bringing the community together. When we go around, and we’re talking to different people about our different events, everybody seems so supportive. All the businesses and the people they’re so excited. And, it’s just nice to celebrate something positive that brings community and church together, and that’s what church is about, community,” said 10th anniversary committee member Margaret Davidson.
