Joey Payeur
Mildred Lalond and Guthrie United Church spent their first days—and many more after that—within a stone’s throw of each another.
But Lalond, the first person baptized in the Devlin church that was built in 1913 and a longtime member of its congregation, knows better than to cast the first stone.
The current resident of Rainycrest in Fort Frances marked her 100th birthday on Aug. 2. So it was only fitting that, on Sunday, she was on hand for a special service commemorating Guthrie United hitting the century mark.
“My parents and I lived right across the road,” Lalond recalled.
“I officially joined the church in 1932 and got married here later that year. . . .
“I worshipped here until 19 years ago when I moved to Fort Frances, and all of those years I was very active in the church,” she added.
Lalond said it was “very special” for her to be on hand for Sunday’s centennial celebration, which included a potluck lunch at the Devlin Hall after the service.
“When we celebrated the 50th anniversary, I wrote about some of the history for that ceremony,” she remembered.
“I didn’t think I’d be here for the 100th anniversary,” she admitted.
“I’m very thankful I can get around and still have my mind.”
Among those exchanging well-wishes with Lalond on Sunday was Rev. Don White, who manned the pulpit at Guthrie United from 1965-71.
“It was a wonderful, compassionate, supportive congregation,” reminisced White, who came with his wife, Barb, all the way from Sault Ste. Marie for Sunday’s event.
“I can’t put it into words how great it is to be here today,” he enthused.
“I still have all these precious memories.”
Rev. Frances Flook has ministered at Guthrie United for the past 16 years and cherishes her role as the leader of the church’s spiritual community.
Her sermon on Sunday, somewhat by accident, tied in with a Biblical reading which got her thinking about where Guthrie has been and where it’s headed.
“I wanted to have a sermon which celebrated the church’s heritage, but also looked to the present and future,” she explained.
“Churches everywhere are at a crossroads. Times are changing in society,” Rev. Flook added.
“We hope we can continue to be a voice for God’s love and compassion in our community.”
