Concert to help fund repairs to local landmark
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- Published on Friday, June 10, 2016
Photo by Kate Jackman-Atkinson. Sidewalk repairs are just one of the projects Knox Presbyterian Church is hoping to undertake.
By Kira Paterson
Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press
A long-standing landmark in Neepawa is in need of some tender, loving care. The Knox Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of First Avenue and Mill Street, has some repairs that need to get done and the church board is looking to the community for support.
They put new shingles on the roof of the church two years ago, but they still need to do some work on parts of the sidewalk, some of the stonework and the basement. The building itself is 124 years old, so it’s no surprise that some of it needs fixing. The first project to be tackled is the sidewalk that leads to the back door of the church.
Not only is the building a place of worship for the Presbyterian denomination in town, but it also is a much used community venue. “We are very blessed to worship and have lots of concerts and many community events through this place,” said Jeanie Lee, minister at the Presbyterian Church for the past seven years.
The church has been said to have the best acoustics in town and has therefore been the site of many concerts and musical events in the community over the years. It has played host to the Neepawa and District Fine Arts Festival, Neepawa Community Choir, Neepawa Choraliers, NACI Chorale and more. On the less musical side of things, the church is also where the local Girl Guides groups meet each week.
This year, the congregation is celebrating its 139th anniversary mid-June. The church board is using the anniversary as an opportunity for a fundraising event. On Saturday, June 18, the Knox Presbyterian Church will be hosting a concert, featuring pianist Jane Son. As well, four members of the NACI Chorale will be performing as special guests. The concert starts at 7:00 pm and there will be a donation collection with all money raised going to repair costs. “[The board has] decided to open this opportunity of good cause to our community of Neepawa and area so that we can carry on this beautiful heritage building together for our next generation,” said Lee.
In addition to the Saturday night concert, the church will be having a special anniversary celebration on Sunday. They have a special worship service set for 11:00 am that day with a barbecue lunch to follow.
Everyone in the community is welcome to attend and donations can be tax deductible. To be able to claim a tax return, donors must put money in an envelope clearly marked “Building Repair Fund”. Donations can be given at the concert or mailed in to 396 First Ave., Box 445, Neepawa, MB, R0J 1H0.
