42 FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2018 One hundred and fifty years ago the Anglican Church of Saint Agnes opened its doors in Greenbank. The Church was officially closed in 1920 but continues to serve the community as a community hall. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of this historic building, Greenbank area residents, along with members of the Lake Scugog Historical Society, will hold a partial re- enactment of the opening ceremonies of September 1868. This commemoration will take place in the former church on Saturday September 15. Larry Doble who will portray pio- neer John Ianson will welcome guests. Ianson also contributed significantly to the church by donating the land for the building and leading the fundraising for its completion. The celebrations will include a partial re-enactment of the first service held in the church on its opening day September 22, 1868. Lake Scugog Historical Society president Paul Arculus will portray the minister of the church, leading the celebrations and give a talk on the history of the building and its role in the early history of the community. Denise Bell of Greenbank will direct the choir, singing some of the favourite hymns of that era. Various mem- bers of the community, dressed in Victorian costume will be giving the appropriate Bible readings. Three services were held on the day of the official opening September 27, 1868. The first service, held in the morning was so popular that crowds had to be turned away while many stood in the entrance trying to hear the service. The afternoon and evening services each filled the church to capacity. After a few years of large congregations, the attend- ance began to decline and the church had to close its doors in 1887. Several attempts were made to revive the congregation. The last attempt lasted from 1910 to 1917. In 1920 the church was sold to William Phoenix who donated the building to the community to serve as a com- munity hall, a role that continues to this day. The original bell tower was removed and taken to Port Perry where it was placed on the Anglican Church of Ascension, as a symbol of the combination of the two parishes. Other than the bell tower, the building still retains all its original unique architectural features. These include its wooden perpendicular exterior board and batten wood- work and primitive gothic windows. The interior was also all constructed from wood. The celebration of the building’s 150 years will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday September 15. The public is cordially invited to at- tend this celebration. As space is limited, those wishing to attend are asked to pre- register by sending an email to: larrydoble@hotmail.com or phone: 905-985-3723. All are encouraged to dress in pioneer style, however this is not compulsory. The event is free but there will be a col- lection as part of the service using the original collection plate. Men: Knee-length breeches worn over stockings or ankle-length fastened at the ankle with drawstrings, buckles or straps; tail coats or cloaks; shirts with pleated cuffs, high collars and sometimes ruffles down the front; cravats worn at the neck; top hats; walking sticks. Women: Empire waistlines; full skirts; high necklines; leg o’mutton or full sleeves; hats and bonnets decorated with feathers, flowers, bows and ribbons; long aprons; shawls. How to Dress Like an 1820s Pioneer This window was dedicated to St. Agnes, who is the patron Saint of sheep. St. Agnes Church, circa 1900s. St. Agnes Church, Greenbank Celebrating 150 Years