Mary and Kate Carswell were active and faithful members of Glen Morris United Church for their entire lives, having just grown up down the hill from the church. Mary was the organist and choir director and recognized for serving in that capacity from 1917 to 1965 - 48 years! Kate sang alto in the choir for as many years, and played violin, too! Their family connections are in Laura (Carswell) Kelman and James Murray whose mother was their sister, Annie Carswell. Currently two of our current musicians/vocalists are extended family in Lynn McRuer (Laura's granddaughter) and Karen Murray-Hopf (James' daughter).
Donation by Lynn McRuer and Bill Labron.
Close to 15 years ago, Diana and I drove out to the “little church in the Glen” to check out the wonderful recommendations we had heard. We fell in love with the community and the church and have enjoyed immensely our involvement with the famous GMUC choir (what a choir!), and various responsibilities on church council. We were involved with the Roast Beef Dinner for many of those years and have fond memories of the team that pulled together for every event.
Donation by Diana and Rick Comrie.
Bill and Gail Coppes lived in Glen Morris for 35 years and were actively involved in the community, serving on many church committees. Both Bill and Gail worked in the travel industry and as regular travellers themselves, they happily organized trips home and abroad for church members.
Donation by Gail and Bill Coppes.
Mungo Forbes emigrated from Scotland circa 1825 and settled in Dawson's Bridge (Glen Morris). He married Mary McKenzie in 1832 and they had six children: Catherine, William, Jane-Ann, Donald, Peter, and Margaret. Donald's first wife was Agnes Robson. They had three children: William, Mary, and Agnes. Donald's second wife was Margaret Ann Howell and they had three children: Walter, Donald, and Alfred. Alfred Robert Forbes (1894-1955) married Jennie Elizabeth Macaulay in 1916. They had seven children: Mary, Agnes, Alfred, William, James, Leonard, and Gerald.
Donation by Leonard Forbes.
The Harkness family has been a part of the Glen Morris United Church community for five generations. 25 years ago, as a newcomer to the family and to Canada, Deb Harkness shares that the Glen Morris community was, and still is, very welcoming and supportive and says thank you!
Donation by Don, Deb, Michael, and Taylor Harkness.
Our parents, Marg and Nelson Kelman, were always very active in the church. Dad was in the choir for 55 years, an Elder, and on the Cemetery Board for years. Mom was a dedicated member of the UCW, loved singing alto to the hymns, and early on taught Sunday School. On occasion, she was called on for her nursing skills if an incident arose before or after church. Our parents were quite involved in the Beef BBQ's, selling tickets, ordering food, and helping serve the meals. They were involved in Couples Club for years and were always up for helping and participating in many other church activities.
Donation by Betty Jean (Kelman) Crosbie, Scott Kelman, and Rhonda (Kelman) Vanderweilen.
Heather Snell was the wonderful choir accompanist at Glen Morris United Church from 2001 until 2010, working beside her sister and this church's Music Director, Lynn McRuer. She followed her family in making music in the Glen - Mary and Kate Carswell, Laura Kelman, and children Carolyn, Barbara (Kelman) McRuer (her mother), Nelson, and David. Her motto was, "Save the singers!" and she did that on many occasions with her amazing musicality. Heather gifted us all with her talent.
Donation by Lynn McRuer and Bill Labron.
Don and Marion Sandilands were both very active and well respected in the Glen Morris United Church community. Marion was a longtime member of the Untied Church Women and the Women's Institute. Her contributions to the annual Bazaar were numerous in the form of baking, deli, knitting, and time volunteered. Don was an Elder and Clerk of Session for many years. He used his considerable woodworking talents to create the cross on the wall behind the pulpit, the hymnal boards, and the front door entrance. Don and Marion passed away in 1987 and 2010, respectively.
Donation by Neil and Jackie Sandilands.
Isabel and Bill Taylor were faithful and generous members of the Glen Morris United Church for many years. Bill was an avid and talented musician. His saxophone and clarinet playing were enjoyed many Sundays and at special events by all those in attendance. Bill and Isabel donated a new piano in memory of Gwen Taylor and later contributed generously towards the grand piano.
Donation by Neil and Jackie Sandilands.
Bob and Hester Walker moved to a farm on the East River Road and joined the GMUC in 1937. Hester taught Junior Sunday School for many years, was full time organist and choir leader from 1967-1975, and was an active member of the UCW. She volunteered and baked for the annual Bazaar. Hester joined the Glen Morris Women's Institute in 1937 and went on to hold every major office. She was Tweedsmuir Curator for Glen Morris and compiled five history books, including one for GMUC. Hester was District Curator for seven years and Provincial Curator for 23 years, winning numerous awards both provincially and nationally. Robert Clarence (1906-1999) and Hester Mary (Hammill) (1912-1996) are fondly remembered.
Donation by Leon and Margaret (Walker) Fleury.