THUNDER BAY – How long does it take to play 769 hymns? Members of the Parish of West Thunder Bay are about to find out as they prepare to host their first-ever “Play-A-Thon Fundraiser” at St. James Anglican Church in Murillo in Saturday, June 11 starting at 9 a.m.
Church organist Karen Benson will play the first verse of every song in the Anglican Common Praise hymnal as part of an event that is being staged to raise funds to build a wheelchair ramp for the church. Parish priest Nancy Ringham anticipates that visitors will be able to enjoy the music for at least five hours.
“When you consider that Karen will be playing close to 800 hymns and will need to take a break every now and then, we think she’ll be busy entertaining us until at least 2PM”, she said. Coffee, tea and muffins will be available throughout the morning with a barbeque planned for the afternoon. There is no charge to attend but free will offerings will be gratefully accepted for the construction of a wheelchair ramp into the church.
One of the event organizers, Alison Hart, said that visitors will be encouraged to sing along. “Music is an important part of worship. We encourage all of our visitors to come out, enjoy our hospitality and help us make a joyful noise in support of a great cause”, stated Hart.
St. James is located on John St. Rd. at Calvert Rd., a neighbour of the Therapeutic Riding Association. This church is the second oldest Anglican Church in the area, founded in 1879. At that time, The Rev. John McMorran walked out to Murillo from St. John the Evangelist in Thunder Bay, to conduct services. Another attraction for history buffs is the beautifully-kept cemetery at the front door of St. James.
For more information on the St. James Anglican Church Play-A-Thon Fundraiser, call Rev. Nancy at 939-1103.