Trinity United Church youth organizations very active as 1950s drew to a close

Youth organizations were very active at Trinity United Church with new members being initiated into Sigma-C and Explorers as the 1950s drew to a close.

In 1959, three new members, James Crichton, Peter Dowsley and Gerry Bowland were initiated into Sigma-C, a group at the United Church for teenage boys.

They had undertaken a six-week study program before being initiated into Sigma-C.

Parents, relatives and friends gathered at the church for the occasion where along with the initiation there was a program of entertainment followed by a social hour.

Under the direction of C.B. Greenlaw and general supervision by Rev. Douglas Stringer, the United Church minister at the time, Sigma-C provided a wide range of activities for boys aged 12 to 14.

Hostesses for the social part of the evening were Mrs. Joseph Crichton and Mrs. Terry Way-White.

Meanwhile, in 1960, a group of "young ladies" aged nine to 11, according to an article in the Sudbury Star "graduated" into the Explorers group at the church. Explorers was under the direction of Mrs. Adam Andrews and Mrs. A.A. Small.

Jim Crichton, Gerry Bowland, Peter Dowsley, Mr Greenlaw

Lyn Pellow was chief explorer in 1960 while Phyllis Bowland and Betty Andrews were secretary and treasurer respectively. Judy Godemair was pianist.

Prior to being graduated into Explorers the girls had been hard at work with preparations learning the Explorer hymn, purpose, prayer and projects.

To mark the occasion Rev. Leonard Warr, the minister at the church, was present to extend congratulations. He also told the girls they were a vital part of the church.

Although I was not a member of Trinity United Church, I have really enjoyed reading about the activities for youth there when I was a teenager in Chapleau during the 1950s as well as its history from the early days of the community. Once again thanks to the late Doug Greig, we have the history of the church on the Chapleau Public Library site

 I have fond memories of activities at St. John's Anglican Church, as well as those that involved friends from the United Church and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. Those were great days my friends, and I am still in touch with many of you from them. My email is mj.morris@live.ca