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Ecumenical Service Caps 150th |
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An ecumenical church service was held on Sunday, August 17th, the last day of Southampton's 150th Anniversary, at the Saugeen Amphitheatre. The amphitheatre and gardens overlook the Saugeen River and are located at the Saugeen First Nation. Built in early Roman or Aztec design with giant stonework ascending seating facing the river, the amphitheatre is known for its excellent acoustical qualities. On Sunday, it was filled with people and clergy of all faiths. Each church in the area was requested to submit a favourite hymn and each part of the service was conducted by a clergy from those churches. Weatherwise, it was a perfect morning as people gathered to mark the end of the 150th celebrations and many choir members from Southampton resident churches took part in the singing of well-known traditional hymns from the past accompanied by two organists, Eleanor Barber and Jane Johnston. Saugeen Chief Randall Kahgee presented greetings from the First Nations people stressing the need for "... unity, strength and courage to bring all peoples together..." Reverend John Lougheed, whose ancestral family has lived in the region since the 1800s, delivered the message titled, 'When the Children Ask'.
Ecumenical service draws many |
Chief Randall Kahgee brings greetings. Seated is (L) Rev. Eleanor Russ (ret'd), Rev. Margaret Greenhow (Anglican Church Southampton) & Rev. Maggie, Saugeen United
A common bond of music for inter-faith choir
Rev. John Lougheed listens with children to Rev. Dr. Creola Simpson
Saugeen Amphitheatre gardens
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