Merry Christmas Everyone!

"And so this is Christmas and what have you done?
Another year over, another just begun" (John Lennon)

I love this time of year - I admit I'm captivated by all the trimmings and I am out there with every other shopper crossing names off my list. But I also love this passage from the Grinch :

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold on the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?
"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes or bags!
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

In an age of excess and abundance where big is better, it's the quiet moments that have meant the most to me. For me, these revolve around family and a few close friends. Here they are, in no particular order :
making Christmas cookies with my grand niece - they aren't perfect but they are flavoured with love
a moonlight tour of a old village with someone dear to me
holding hands in the winter moonlight
a photo with Santa with my 2 old friends
a late-night fire, a Christmas tree, and Frank Sinatra singing in the background
a trumpet and drums during midnight mass with surprise company
visiting with my Aunt and hearing stories about my dad I never knew
watching White Christmas with my sister and singing "Sisters" along with Rosemary Clooney and Vera Lang
having my grand niece home from the hospital
being invited to a family Christmas dinner in Brantford
a little bear photograph
2 homemade gifts to me - one made of wood, the other on paper

No, Christmas doesn't come from a store but is a little bit more. What makes Christmas special are those moments given and received with love. Sharing, giving, kindness, remembrance, family, friends, hope, peace, friendship. These are the true gifts of Christmas and I have been richly blessed. They are the gift of the Magi. Merry Christmas to all!

Miss M.

A Path Re-Visited - St. Agatha's RC Church, St. Agatha, Ont. Nov. 21, 2010

Today, on a late fall morning, we revisted St. Agatha RC Church. We had missed each other on our previous attempt to visit this church (see earlier entry for Sept. 12th 2010) and wanted to come back for a second look. Sometimes, if you are very lucky or perhaps very blessed, life grants you a second chance. I think the moment was right to attend this church. Unknown to us, we had chosen a special day for our second visit - the occasion when all the grade 8 students declared their desire to be confirmed in the Catholic faith. It was clear that special care and preparation was taken with this mass as leaders helped guide the young congregants. Interestingly, the sermon focused on Christ as a leader and what we can learn about leadership from that model. I'm sometimes struck by how themes sometimes repeat in a week - no less than 2 days ago I talked with my grand niece about leadership by example when she told me the story of befriending a little girl in her class treated unkindly by her peers and my mind couldn't help connecting the two events. The grade 8 students concluded the mass by singing in clear and pure voices about standing up for the weak and persecuted and I thought again about leadership. God grant me the strength of a child. It was a memorable and moving service and we are richer for having attended.
Miss M.

Paris November 2010

Sunset Salute To The Fallen Comrade

Canadians Juno Beach Landing

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

-Robert Stanley Weir

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae








November 11 2010

In honour of the countless men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our well being and freedom, thank you. We have but one day a year that we as a nation collectively pay tribute to the veterans that are still with us and in solemn reverence remember those who have fallen in battle. Our nation is free in whole due to the actions of armed forces who have defended our borders and our way of life. Without their selfless struggle Canada and the present world would be different today.

For those of us that believe that war is cruel and avoidable should save their opinions for the UN bargaining table where peace talks fail on an hourly basis and furthermore tip your hat to the farm boys that were dumped on the beaches of Normandy on a fateful day in June '44.The images of war do not necessarily reflect our nation's present day mindset but begs the question , who will defend our shores if a real threat ever arose again?

Thank you to all the soldiers past and present for bearing arms for the nation you defend and the flag you salute.

Lorne

Sacred Heart, Paris, Ont. Part Deux

Today we made a much promised return visit to Sacred Heart Church in Paris Ontario. We had visited several weeks ago but on a Saturday and were unable to attend mass. We were both charmed by the exterior of the field stone church - the oldest we have visited at a stately 150 years and promised we would try to return for Sunday services. We honoured our promise today - the Sunday before Remembrance Day and the bright red poppies, for remembrance, were displayed in front of the altar and proudly worn by many parishioners - many dressed in black and I wished I had thought to do so too. Being a longtime student of history, I've always had a special regard for Remembrance Day when we remember and honour the men and women who served our country in times of great peril. My friend has family members who carried arms in service of our country dating back to World War I.

I was a little distracted by my thoughts of Remembrance Day but tried to focus on the interior of the church. Sacred Heart is the oldest church we have visited and I think it is perhaps the smallest as well. Both masses, however, were extremely well attended as perhaps this is the only Catholic church in the area and folks come from far and wide. Or perhaps they are simply attracted to the welcoming spirit of this church - we were heartily greeted when we approached by a tall man in a black suit with a poppy proudly pinned to his lapel. We found out later that this was the Parish Priest greeting his congregants. Father continued the entire sermon in this hearty, enthusiastic manner and I had no worry of my companion drifting off during this service (smile - that was a joke!). The pews were made of oak and numbered and well worn by the faithful over the years. The wood of the cross and buttresses was so dark it was almost black and I think dates earlier than the wooden altar and podiums - I suspect these were later additions. The plaster columns were massive and we thought we detected a slight tilt to the building as it has settled over time. But it would take more than a strong northern gale to knock this building off it's foundation. Here it was built, and here it stands.

Before we sang the final hymn, we were asked to stand and sing "O Canada" in honour of Remembrance Day. I was happy and proud to do so. While I have listened to "O Canada" played many times in my life, on TV before events or during the Olympics, I can't remember the last time I was invited to sing our National Anthem with a group of people - perhaps not since my school days now long ago. We are a modest country. Today I sang the national anthem in part to thank those men and women who fought and sacrificed here at home and overseas so we could stand in a church and have the freedom to gather and sing and pray. Such a simple thing, but such a powerful thing too.

After church we headed home and stopped in Ayr to stretch our legs and walk along a wooded path. Bridges, water, trees, blue skies. They are common themes that seem to repeat. We had a most enjoyable walk and partway through I noticed a dime on the ground. Usually it is my friend who spots the dimes - it was an old expression of his mother's that means someone is thinking of you. Or perhaps it is us who are thinking of them. Who are you remembering today?

Miss M.

"Jubliee Joy" - Oct 24, 2010

Like a lot of other parishes, my parish is celebrating a Jubilee. It's pretty young compared to many other parishes which are celebrating their 125th or even 150th anniversaries - as Sacred Heart Parish in Paris Ontario is doing. In visiting different churches it is interesting to see how the masses are unique and the ways in which they are the same. The structure and words are timeless - it's one of the appeals to me - in a world that out-paces me in change, I like the continuity and timelessness of the words and message. But much like Catholic school girls each individualize their school uniforms, each church tends to have something they try to make their own. For some, it has been reaching out to the children, others the ministries within the church and for still others it has been the music. Some play a simple organ, some several instruments, some a single voice, others many voices raised in harmony. The music in my church is a mix of all of the above plus often the piano or flute or guitar thrown in for good measure. If there is an opportunity to sing, we sing. On really joyous occasions, I feel the music vibrate inside me.

All this is by way of saying our choir has made a CD called "Jubilee Joy" that I've been listening to all week. Some songs I like to play over and over again. I get like that sometimes and even my little grand niece will comment on it - at 4 she already has definite opinions about music and will say "what is this music?" or "I like this song" or "I don't like this music!". So the two thoughts have been running through my mind and intertwining together - the words of the songs along with the people who founded the churches we have visited in the last few months.

Why do people build churches? Why do they come together? Perhaps the reasons today aren't so different from 50 years ago, or 125 years ago, or 150 years ago. Maybe we come together for a sense of belonging - in an often harsh world, there is a place where we can feel hopeful and welcomed and uplifted and inspired. I think the pioneers needed that as much as we need it today. There are many ways to feel alone in our world - maybe you are away at school and trying to fit in, or maybe you are starting a life in a new community, or maybe you have lost a beloved spouse and feel adrift or maybe someone you love has turned you away. Sometimes we all can feel like Mary and Joseph who knock at the inn door and are told there is no room for us. But we're never really alone - I've been playing this song from the CD this week that reminds me of that and today we sang it in church...one of those strange co-incidences that I'm not sure are really co-incidences at all. Here are the lyrics - if I was more techno savvy I've find a link to a performance for you but being of limited expertise, I don't know how to do that. It's the words that are the important part in any case, so for anyone who needs to hear this, it is for you :

You are Mine
by David Haas

I will come to you in the silence
I will lift you from all your fear
You will hear My voice
I claim you as My choice
Be still, and know I am near

I am hope for all who are hopeless
I am eyes for all who long to see
In the shadows of the night, I will be your light
Come and rest in Me

Chorus:Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free
And all will know My name

Chorus:Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live

Chorus:Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

Peace to you all,
Miss M.

Sacred Heart Church, Paris, Ontario - Oct. 16, 2010

This weekend we ventured into Brant County with three purposes in mind. To travel country roads and view the spectacular colours of the fall leaves, to discover Sacred Heart Church located in picturesque Paris, Ontario and to dig into family history roots. All this we proposed to undertake by travelling into beautiful Paris and surroundings. We had an early start and travelled in grand style - my friend recently retrieved his much-loved 1995 Suburban truck from the paint shop and "Jane" added extra excitement to the day. Being one of the largest and strongest vehicles on the road, nothing could obscure our view.

We arrived in Paris mid-morning under clear blue skies and drove the historic downtown main street. Paris is located where the Grand River meets the Nith River. The town was named for the nearby deposits of gypsum used to make plaster of paris. We enjoyed a "fresh-air" breakfast of hot coffee and toasted bagels sitting on "Jane's" sturdy tail-gate. Does food ever taste more yummy than when eaten outdoors? Conversation flowed freely and we teased back and forth and we looked forward to the day. Our stomachs appeased, we headed to the Paris look-out - a spot along the top of a hill that overlooks the town centre, the treed and hilled mountainous terrace and the Nith River.



Next we headed off to find Sacred Heart Church. Sacred Heart Church is the oldest Catholic church we have visited on our journey together. In 1834 a vote was taken among church elders to see where to locate a Catholic Church in Brant County - Brantford or Paris? The vote was 13-12 in favour of Paris. By 1838 a wood chapel was erected dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was officially the first Catholic Church in Brant County. In 1857, construction of the present day Sacred Heart Church began and the first mass was celebrated Christmas Day. In 1880, construction was completed. Sacred Heart recently celebrated it's 150th anniversary - by far the oldest standing Catholic church we have visited. It's constructed entirely of field stone and the rock has stood the test of time. It is in remarkably fine condition and looks much as it would have done the day Christmas mass was first celebrated. Being the only Catholic church in the county, people would have travelled for many miles to attend this church. It looks solid but also cosy and welcoming at the same time and I can imagine people feeling warm and secure inside the stone walls after reaching their destination.

Unfortunately we visited on a Saturday so were unable to view the interior or attend mass. But this church is definitely worth a second visit and we hope to return another Sunday. Surely we will be in the area again as my friend has deep ties to Brant county and this was one of the reasons we visited the area today.

We often talk about being on a path or a journey on this blog. Many times we are referring to journey of discovering new churches and exploring our friendship. This weekend we travelled old roads from a families past, visited their resting places, photographed their homes and schools.




Sometimes to understand where we are going, it helps to look at the path that led us here. Maybe the answer lies where the one path joins another. There are many ways to honour a person. By taking time to look at their path it is like saying "your life mattered, we remember you, we see your contribution". By remembering and discovering, we travel their path too. And so the two paths become one.
Miss M

Autumn Leaves

The tracing of a soul as it wanders Mother Earth is as glimpsing as the seasons. My surname and family roots are on the list of things I would like to discover. I started out today as Autumn is set hard in Ontario and waits for Winter to relieve her of her duties. The turning of hardwood lots in the hills and valleys of Southern Ontario is a spectacle which my friend and I set out early to enjoy.

My Suburban has been in captivity for almost 2 years getting a fresh coat of paint. Pushed aside at the shop that collision work logically receives preferential treatment over rust work. My truck is all one colour, so dark green it is black and is absolutely beautiful. Being off the road for so long , the emission test was ignored and the truck's registration lapsed. There is very little future in running 2 year old fuel in any vehicle let alone one you would like to pass an emission test. Since "Jane" had a little over half a tank of fuel , that meant I had to burn over 100 litres of fuel in one weekend and having only a small block chevy to do such a feat we decided to take her on our latest outing. The windshield was cleaned in a Kitchener parking lot and then we were off and the reasons I own an old Suburban came back to me while driving Chevy's biggest wagon.

I stuck to old Ontario highways in order to see the view that the turning foliage offered and the slower pace that the single lane highways afford.We traveled down county roads from Kitchener through Ayr and into Paris. The scenes that were painted by nature's brush were ours to behold and savour being one of the last weeks of the year that these scenes will be playing out. The time of year that fall is in full bloom is one of my favourite and it is like every hardwood tree is vying for your attention and trying to out do his brethren. We stopped in Paris Ontario for a few reasons. To eat, take in the sights and visit a church that lays atop a riverbank on the East end of Paris.

Sacred Heart is a mid 19th century building constructed of fieldstone and is built well. The slate roof with it's scalloped edges and multi colour design that encompasses the steeple is truly the work of artisans. The stone work although simple has surprises of hidden detail. Numerous crosses made from off coloured stone are hidden on her outside walls. The peaked gables are adorned with stone crosses and would not have been easy for the craftsman to make. This building is nestled into a hillside on the banks of the Grand River and is celebrating her 150 th birthday. The stunted stanchions that hold her roof and clerestory up are blended in to the outside walls adding beauty to an already impressive facade. Being Saturday the church was not open we photographed the church's exterior and then headed for Brantford on oldhighway 24 south.

Coming into Mount Pleasant I could see urban sprawl and it's effect on the south of Brantford. We have the same effect in my city but this valley that is being filled up with cookie cutter houses is from my childhood and is where my dad grew up. He adored this valley and knew it's landscape well having walked and rode his bike here as a child and drove it in his car regularly. I think it would sadden him to see what a developer's vision realized looks like. This area of Brantford has been important in my family's roots since the 1800's and the reason for our journey today. Turning south we drove the old side roads, some of which have not been hampered by sprawl and the rolling landscape brought us to our destination.



We stopped and photographed the elementary school that my father and his siblings attended as children and attended the rear yard of the school ground to look at the river valley below. The autumn leaves lent to this scene and feeling good about the world and our place in it we drove across the road to Farringdon Hill Cemetery where quite a few of my ancestors are interned. My surname has quite a story and is unfolding before us . The tireless efforts of my co author of this blog in the researching of my ancestral roots is the main reason for the fantastic pace thus far. Visiting gravesides we either confirmed or corrected our information and made discoveries along the way. Taking in the solitude of our surroundings we quietly wished the departed well and then made our way into West Brantford to more research. Photographing houses and churches and even a Carnegie Library the day rolled away and before we knew it was time to head home.





Along our way we managed to fill our history pages , burn fuel in an old Chevy wagon , enjoy the vista offered up by Mother Earth and best of all spend quality time with a friend. Jane effortlessly brought us home through Galt and Blair and made us feel richer for having made this journey. I have said it before and it still rings true. "At the end of the day, all that matters is friends and family" ...so get out there and drag someone along for the ride, go solo if so inclined but enjoy it . Autumn's Bloom is out waiting for you to discover.

Monday am Jane set a new personal best on the E test dyno scoring near perfect . Time well spent.

Lorne

Thanksgiving Oct 11, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving to who ever might have stumbled on this out of the way path and be reading this quietly travelled road. Returning to my home parish once again, my dear Father Joseph preached another thought-provoking homily yesterday. Even though Thanksgiving isn't a church inspired holiday, it is a time to give thanks for the many gifts we have been given. We have stewardship over the Earth - stewardship is different than ownership - we don't hold the deed and sometimes I despair at the care we've given to this gift.

But my heart can still catch at the beauty of the clear blue sky and the coloured leaves of a fall day. I was reminded of that many times this week. The days were so beautiful - clear, crisp, fresh - and the colours so vivid and glorious - that it sometimes felt like my heart wasn't big enough to contain the feeling - that the beauty was so piercing it caused a physical catch in my chest. Have you ever felt that way? Has someone or something ever made you feel that way?

Love can make us feel that way. Sometimes it doesn't even have to be the grand life changing moments that create those feelings - sometimes it's the tiny moments. Like this week I was driving my nieces home (eight and 4) and they were quiet in the back seat so I glanced back at them and they were silently sitting holding hands - a moment so sweet it pierced my heart with a physical pain...especially since they had been squabbling earlier in the day!

What moments have you been thankful for? Small, quiet, maybe just known to you and no other or perhaps one special person. Moments that you hug close and pull out every once in awhile to look at and turn over in your mind. They are gifts that have nothing to do with money or possesions. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Miss M.

An Old Path - Sept. 26, 2010

I was thinking about the title of our blog the other day. "An Old Path" and "a journey of two friends". As sometimes happens, we couldn't arrange a 19th century church visist this weekend - we had plans of attending "St. Patrick's" in Hamilton as we weren't able to attend mass the day we visited the church and choose to attend "Christ the King" cathedral instead - the home of the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton. We both wanted to return to St. Patrick's, though, because there was such a feeling of peace inside this church we wanted to experience it more fully. We couldn't make it work this weekend, but part of the fun of this expedition is planning and looking forward to the next discovery. So we'll save St. Patrick's for another day and look forward to our return.

Back to "An Old Path". After attending St. Francis church where we are closing out our 50th year Jubilee celebrations, my friend surprised me with a country drive along the old pioneer roads. The leaves are just starting to change and the ebb and flow of our favourite valley was highlighted in the ambers and yellows of fall. My friend said he wanted to drive on dirt roads and a few minutes later we stumbled upon a secluded gravel road with trees creating an umbrella of amber and yellow leaves overhead. I teased him and asked "Do you get everything you ask for?" - and then remembered the passage "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).

We've been given so many things as part of this journey. We've learned about architecture, and buildings but also about faith and community and friendship and fellowship and also about our pioneer roots. I live in a city but when I drive the old roads I feel those roots call me very strongly.

We stopped at an old pioneer cemetery and read the names lovingly inscribed on the stones. Many of the stone were weather-worn and we could hardly make out the names from 150 years ago. Who stood where we stood? Who mourned these lives?

I suppose this all may seem really off topic and not have much to do with 19th century churches. But when I am out in the country with trees and the valley and open sky and glimpses of wildlife, I feel closer to God than at almost any other time. Maybe that is why I like it so much and seek it out. Einsten once said that the more he studies the universe, the more he believes in a higher power. Just like the finest watch is created by a mastercraftsman, the natural world around us seems created by a mind so sophisticated we can hardly comprehend the genius behind it. To believe it all to be random would be to believe those intricate watch parts came together by themselves or when thrown on the floor. No. A greater hand was behind the enterprise.

Maybe a greater hand is behind this enterprise too. Lead and we will follow. An old path.
Miss M.

Five churches , two friends , one path

Gothic Revival Architecture and Joseph Connolly

Someone once said show me what you build and I'll tell you who you are. The early story of our nation - it's values, history, optimism and determination and even it's very climate and topography are written on the walls of our prominent buildings. They are uniquely Canadian and they are ours. 

Timing, they say, is everything. Gothic revival architecture in Canada coincided with a great period of rapid growth and nation building following Confederation in 1867. It was the favoured building style of the times in Canada. The steep roofs and thick stone walls so characteristic of Gothic architecture are uniquely suited to Canada's northern climate and natural resources. Canada had an abundance of natural stone and was rich with the sandstone and limestone used in the construction of Gothic style buildings. The Canadian winter climate dictates how a building is constructed if it is going to last and Gothic architecture hit both notes.

Height and verticality are also key. The central aisle, or nave, is considerably higher than it is wide. The most efficient way to create height over a vast expanse is through the use of vaulted ceilings held aloft by flying buttresses. It is an idea borrowed from centuries earlier. Vertical lines are emphasized through pointed arches, towers, spires, steeples, and long vertical windows. This raises the eyes upward and in the case of churches, heavenward.

Likewise, there is an extensive use of windows to create light. The windows are often filled with stain glass to add colour but also to add narrative art - or "the poor man's bible" in churches. They tell the stories of the bible to a largely illiterate community.

Height. Verticality. Space. Light. Stone. Towers. Steeples. Spires. Stain glass. Pointed arches. These are the key features that make up Gothic Revival Architecture and the style most favoured by architects like Joseph Connolly.

Joseph Connolly was part of the wave of immigrants who set up shop here. Born in Limerick, Ireland he received his training in architecture under J.J. McCarthy, a leading 19th century Catholic Church architect. Connolly brought with him to Canada a keen interest in Gothic Revival Architecture. He designed for people that had money and the best source of money at the time was church and government.

Connolly "happened" at the right time for Canada. The buildings of the day were designed with the future in mind and broadcast the message "we have arrived". During his time in Canada, Connolly designed or refurbished more than 40 churches in Ontario. He applied centuries old designs that share a bloodline to the hilltops of Ireland.

And so we chase Connolly. By highlighting 5 churches designed by Joseph Connolly, we hope to provide a window for others to learn about the churches, the communities which built them and our rich Canadian heritage. We offer a few of our own personal observations along the way. Please join us on the journey and dream the architects' dream.


St. Patrick's Church - Hamilton, Ont. (1875)

                                                            St. Patrick's - Hamilton, ON
                     
St. Patrick's Church is located in Hamilton, Ontario the "steel capital of Canada". Industrial ties run deep in Hamilton, but the city also boasts a natural setting that can rival any city in Canada. The cool blues of Lake Ontario on one side play off the deep greens and grey stone of the escarpment of the other. Steel and concrete. Water and stone.

Joseph Connolly designed this church for the largely Irish parishioners that worked in the iron mills of Lake Ontario. In the East end of 1877 Hamilton, one can drink water from the streams and eat fish from Lake Ontario. The church is new and fresh and most likely surrounded by greenery. Thirty-five miles to the south west a Scottish immigrant to Canada by the name of Bell has just invented something quite unique. He is in Tutela Heights, a small hamlet burg of Brantford and his telephone is going to bring changes they say.

In present day Hamilton, St. Patrick's is now located in the city centre and surrounded by pavement. There is a basketball hoop from the nearby schoolyard within 12 feet of the head. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your viewpoint, the stain glass windows are protected from stray balls, rocks and avian threats by Plexiglas and chicken wiring. The once mighty spire has been removed, most likely for safety reasons as it deteriorated over time and hasn't yet been replaced. Despite this, the church appears to be in incredibly good shape. The day we visited, scaffolding was erected on the back wall of the church and pails from mason's used for parging were upside down on the planking . It's current exterior condition and surroundings only hint at it's once stately past.

St. Patrick's, in fact, was once a Cathedral, home to the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, an honour now given to the much newer and more grand Christ the King Cathedral located on the mountain. St. Patrick's, however, is truly a 13th century Neo-Gothic style church. It has the look of Limerick, Ireland as if Connolly took this building's design from his birthplace and childhood and transformed it here for the day's mostly Irish congregants. Massive pillars hold up flying buttresses in this small church. The front of the church has a beautiful rose window and a multitude of small stained "rosettes" in cinquefoils in the clerestory. Other Gothic features include the central nave, the flanking aisles, the Gothic arches over doorways and windows and the massive double entrance doors with massive rustic iron hinges.

                                                Rose Window and Stained Glass - Note Plexiglass and Wiring


Despite some outward condition issues, St. Patrick's is serene and welcoming inside. The day we visited the people acknowledged us and bade us well. There was a pair of gentlemen that sat in the most rearward bench, both leaning on canes, dressed in grey suit coats and hats. They looked at home here and nodded in agreement on both our arrival and departure. It's clear St. Patrick's is a haven of tranquility and calm. Within these historic and holy walls, peace reigns.

"I leave you peace, my peace I give you." (John 14:27)



Church of the Immaculate Conception - Formosa, Ont. (1875)

                                                                Church of the Immaculate Conception - Formosa, ON

 We have a fascination for a certain valley. This particular valley runs from Kincardine on Lake Huron down to Long Point on Lake Erie and it holds scenic riches all along the path that await discovery. Formosa, Ontario happens to be located in South Bruce County on a picturesque stretch of this valley. Rev. Jasper Matoga, a Jesuit missionary, visited the area in Jan. 1853 on one of many trips to minister to the new settlement of the region. Upon seeing the valley in which the present day hamlet is situated, Matoga described it as "Formosa" the Latin word for beautiful.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is located atop the northeast hill and can be seen for miles thanks to her steeple. The foundation for this Joseph Connolly church was laid in 1875 - several years earlier than "Our Lady" in Guelph or "St Peter's Basilica" in London. Perhaps Connolly landed his commission in those cities based on his work here. One can only speculate. Designed by Connolly, it was built as funds allowed by the largely German immigrant farming population. In the latter half of the 19th century, a larger percentage of men than today were skilled in trades other than working their farms. You built your own house or you went without in rural Ontario and these same skills were used in erecting this church.

The farmers built around and over the original wooden church and used that structure for scaffolding for the new build. Once the shell was completed in 1880 the old wooden church was dismantled and it is this date that appears over the doorway. The interior was completed by 1885 a full five years later and is distinguished by it's intricate Gothic-style altars carved by Nicholas Durrer, a local craftsman and parishioner.

The exterior is made of hand cut stone from local rock quarries and limestone laboriously shipped by train to Mildmay and than carted by horse to the hill top. Approximately 90% is "Formosa reef" a term applied to the rough, porous locally abundant and cheap stone. The smoother limestone was brought in by train from Guelph and than by wagon over to the church site. The smoother and most likely more expensive stone was only used for a portion of the church's construction including the first few rows of the foundation, trim and pointing detail. The Sacristy, chapels and tower appear to be part of the original build and her huge bells were from the old wooden church. The pillars are plaster and masonry and have been painted in a yellow paint and Indian ink mixture or of something similar in an attempt to portray wood grain. The plaster work is an amazing testament to the original builders.

The exterior walls are square blocks of stone and the peaked roof is simply placed atop the walls making it simpler, squatter and stronger than the flying buttress style. This design was largely due to the fact that there was a church inside the church to work around and the construction could be paced by available funds.

                                                                          Exterior of Sanctuary - Formosa, ON


      We learn much from these early settlers whose approach was methodical, focused, measured and sustained. Looking at the landscape, the pioneers would have had a tough life and worked hard for their farms and family. Faith and family were the backbone of any settler's life.

"He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock." (Luke 6:48)




Church of Our Lady Immaculate - Guelph, Ont. (1877)

                                                          Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception - Guelph, ON

"Our Lady" as the locals fondly call this stunning structure, has long been considered Connolly's masterpiece and flagship Church. It holds a commanding hilltop presence silently watching over the city of Guelph. John Galt, founder of Galt, once wrote "On this hill would one day rise a church to rival St. Peter's in Rome". One can't help but be impressed by the grand boldness of the vision.

The towers alone soar 200 feet into God's blue sky and add to that the elevation of the hill and what a view they create. They rise majestically like some great horned beast from a fictional medieval city - completely foreign in Southwestern Ontario. What awe they inspire, even today when we are used to buildings 50, 100 stories high. One can only imagine their effect on the citizenry almost 100 years ago. Perhaps that is one purpose of these grand churches - to inspire awe and faith in their humble congregants. We certainly felt awe and respect. The church has been given privilege by city fathers who have made it law that it has precedence over the view and no one or anything shall obstruct it.

The exterior is an absolute work of art and vision. The massive structure was for the most part made possible by the plenitude of shale and other sandstones found locally in the stone deposits and quarries. Workers took fifty years to complete the construction and it shows. The builder's mind wonders, if this is above the ground, how far down did they dig for the footings? We headed for the basement and noticed the massive support columns which are situated a full 1/4 of the width of the building off the exterior walls. These columns share the weight of the roof and upper stone facades with the exterior walls. This technique is daring and even more so for the time. Little wonder this is Connolly's watermark Church.

The granite pillars stretch 60 feet or more sit on even bigger columns that are buried for an unknown length into the earth. We suspect 50 ft into the earth or drilled and blasted into bedrock which is more likely given the church's location to stone quarries.

The Narthex of the church is huge and has founts located on the walls between three pairs of doors most likely to control traffic in and out of the doors. There has been some modifications performed over the years and at one time the side entrances would have emptied their traffic into this massive Narthex making it even bigger. When the church doors are open, one can see a tunnel vision view of the entire main street of Guelph.

The huge vaulted ceilings are trimmed with 8x12 ft hand sawn oak that was quarter sawn and then steamed or shaped over a fire until perfect. The fine lumber and plaster work encases some of the busiest and most gorgeous tile work that along with the impressive stain glass throughout the church tell the stories of the bible. Near the crossing offers a fine view of the galleries and side entrances/exits. This church is built in a true gothic cruciform shape - and if viewed from the air appears in the shape of a crucifix.

                                                                       Interior of "Our Lady" - Guelph, ON


Much has been written about "Our Lady" and our entry just touches on a few of our observations. Tours are also available for those interested in the history of the church. Scaffolding is currently encasing parts of the exterior as the church and the outbuildings are receiving massive restorations. "Our Lady" is the only Connolly church designated as a National Historic Site and people visit this church by the thousands.

We recommend this building to anyone who has a love for anything of beauty.

"Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent?
  Who may dwell on your holy hill?" (Psalm 15)




St. Patrick's Church - Kinkora, Ont. (1882)

                                                        
                                                                                    St. Patrick's - Kinkora, ON


Today we visited a home to hope and well being. The stop this morning was St. Patrick's Church in Kinkora, a crossroads village located just 19 kilometers NW of Stratford, Ontario. Kinkora in Gaelic means "a place of beauty" and this spot is certainly that. The church is positioned perfectly on a East/West axis.  The country setting is as peaceful and serene today as it must have been 125 years ago.  Stopping at the crossroads, we wondered "have the hands of time stopped in this tiny hamlet"?

Construction for the church began in 1882 by 105 families for a cost of $30,000. Built by a community of mostly Irish immigrants, it is today a place of worship for many Dutch immigrants who arrived in the 1950s. Modelled after the great medieval Gothic cathedrals of Europe, the main framing consists of flying buttresses and oak rib vaulting.

The exterior is yellow line brick and the soldiering over the windows is European in style. Local lore tells of a possible German influence in the brick work and it is true this style of bricking is common in parts of Bruce County which was largely settled by German immigrants. Interestingly, Connolly was in Bruce County a mere 7 years earlier to design Immaculate Conception Church in Formosa, Ontario and perhaps noticed the distinctive brick work.

The single tower has been retained and repaired but the spire, once an astounding 200 ft in height, has been removed due to deterioration. Such a majestic spire would have been visible for miles and it's height would have rivalled the mighty towers of "Our Lady" in Guelph. A replica of the tower and spire appears on the miniaturized model located inside the church.

Beautiful stained glass appears throughout this church and especially a stunning rose window located at the rear of the church. Circular patterns repeat in varying combinations throughout the church - three, four, five six and the unending circle symbolizes eternity.

"The Winter Chapel" resides on the NE side of the church and may have been the place of worship while the original church was being constructed. Certainly it would have been used for services in the winter when the larger church was too difficult to heat. Like any Southern Ontario lot, the bush around Kinkora would have been cleared and burned for heat and winters would have been cold. Big old growth maples currently protect the property from the harsh winters on this rural crossroads. The winter chapel is still used today by the parish Priest to house his vestments and prepare for the days sermon.

                                                    
                                                                           Winter Chapel and Rectory - St. Patrick's

 There is also a well constructed and beautifully maintained rectory on the property built from red clay brick with a slate roof. Father Paul, the current Parish Priest, wondered if Connolly designed this structure as well, but so far hasn't been able to verify this. Connolly also designed residences and other public buildings in his architectural  practice.

There has recently been massive renovations to this church through the efforts of Restoration and Fundraising Committees and their work so far has included removal of the deteriorating spire and extensive restoration of the interior. The day we visited the entire property and grounds were immaculate and there was a man who set to the task of sweeping and readying the church for the morning mass.

The village itself is tiny but one gets the sense of true community that retains the friendliness of an era gone by. After mass there was a table set up with coffee and the entire attending congregation was out back, standing around, talking and exchanging pleasantries. There would be chores to do before and after church (cows don't milk themselves!) but for now it was church.

A home to hope and well being.  There is a little treasure yet in the Emerald isle and St. Patrick's at Kinkora, this "place of beauty" captivates all who congregate here.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."(Matthew 6:21)



St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica - London, Ont. (1880)

                                                                   St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica - London, ON

The more one begins to think and write about 19th century churches, the more tempting it is to compare one to the other. It's a somewhat dangerous past-time - much like comparing the qualities of beloved children because each has her own unique features and what might be first perceived as weakness sometimes becomes the strong point. St. Peter's Basilica in London, home to the Bishop of the Diocese, presents such a case.

Driving into the heart of downtown London, it is difficult not to long for the pastoral setting presented by Kinkora or the Gothic giant of Our Lady towering over the city of Guelph. St. Peter's, by contrast, stands squarely in the urban mix of downtown London. We even had difficulty locating the church as surprisingly the towers were dwarfed by concrete condominiums and office buildings. The open fields of Kinkora have been replaced by busy downtown sidewalks, passing pedestrians, and impatient car horns that make up city life.

At first we were disappointed by this, but soon realized that St. Peter's provides the centre calm and sturdy steadfastness so often necessary in city life. City dwellers often seek out places of tranquility and calm amidst the urban chaos. This church is not silent and makes it's presence known in this busy downtown.  The cathedrals house 12 bells, each named after one of the 12 apostles and were added in 1926 in celebration of the city's 100th jubilee.  They ring each quarter hour.  The great organ, purchased in 1926 for $23,000 and which has 59 stops and 3,869 pipes, drowned out the sounds of passing traffic and diesel buses.
This church really paid tribute to Connolly's design acoustics and when the introductory hymn was finished we turned to each other and said "that alone was worth the drive to London".

The Basilica values it's history. They have a wonderful website that provides a wealth of information and have produced a DVD  "St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica - The Journey" as well as a booklet "Celebrating 125 Years of the St. Peter's Basilica" which are available at the Basilica.  While all this information is readily available, we'd like to take a moment to note our personal observations.

This Cathedral Basilica was named after the first Pope, St. Peter the gate keeper, and it has a very warm and inviting feel. The outside grounds are well kept and simple in design.  We entered the back of the church via the main doors and into the massive Narthex. It has been changed over the years to accommodate the needs of the church but this is definitely a Joseph Connolly building. The outer doors were closed and the side entrances are intact on this church and their traffic empties itself through arches into the Narthex. There is a massive pool for a fount filled with holy water just inside the main doors and the word grandeur comes to mind. This very narrow room in between the outside doors and the main body of the church was used for baptism. The philosophy behind this was Baptisms should take place outside and you enter the church through Baptism.

This church is trimmed in Oak and it was the wood that caught our gaze immediately upon walking up the three steps that separate the Narthex and the main body of the church. The nave or center hallway is wide and the space rolls ahead waiting in anticipation of discovery. Oak Rib Vaulting encases the entire ceiling with a spectacular "web" over the Apse. The pillars are a very beautiful “Dusty Rose” and are colossal in diameter and height. The roof, spires, stone chimneys and stone exterior walls that are up on the clerestory are held up by the flying buttress framing and these pillars. An engineering marvel indeed. This same pillar and buttress design has been employed since the 13th century with great success for longevity.

The sun was in the west and the fact that it was shining in the side wall at 6 pm was a little odd. We tried to get our bearings and thought that this church isn’t sitting correctly. This is true and the reason is that the old church, the church of St. Lawrence, was sitting out back while this one was being constructed and it ran East/West. The Cathedral was built in such close proximity that the builders simply couldn’t place it differently. That explains the stain glass window on the right hand side (east) of the main entrance depicting Baptism. The sanctuary floor, altar and podium are made from marble.

The front wall has 7 arches that are filled in with plaster.  There is a small doorway from the front wall into the sacristy.  The materials for St. Peters were imported from all over the world - New York, Kentucky and Michigan but as far away as Austria. The pieces that make up the round window over the main doors were made in Austria, shipped to London Ontario, reassembled and installed. The windows located at the transepts are magnificent and the sun that was playing tag behind the clouds outside broke loose and shone its light through a saint in that window.  We later learned that this window depicts the Apostles Creed. There is a light gold coloured scroll intertwining throughout the image which was made even more spectacular by the sun.

There are many interesting stories about the actual building of this church.  One includes the mason strike where the apse was in danger of incompletion only to be rescued by pulling a mason from retirement, and another the use of recycled brick from a demolished post office to complete the twin towers nearly 75 years after the church received its own start. The above description is merely a sliver of what was transferred into our hands.

                                                                  St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica east - London, ON

Surely St. Peter's Basilica Cathedral has fulfilled her holy mandate first articulated at the dedication on June 28th, 1885 to stand as "an eloquent and enduring monument" to our Lord and to welcome all who enter her doors.

"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18)



The Journey Continues

We hope you enjoyed your time along with us as we traced these old paths. This experience wasn't entirely our doing but rather a flow of charity in our direction. We were helped, welcomed and appreciated wherever we went and that is the best way to spend any day. There is still so much to see and the road is full of riches along the way. Perhaps you may take your own journey and drive the old pioneer roads where trees create a multi-coloured umbrella overhead.

Thank you for walking an old path with us.

"Go in peace," the priest replied.  "For the LORD is watching over your journey." (Judges 18:6)

Written by Maureen and Lorne

Photographs by Lorne

St. Peter's RC Church, Goderich, Ont. Sept. 19th, 2010 9 am Service

St. Peter's Church Goderich Ontario


Queen Elizabeth II once commented that Goderich was "the prettiest town in Canada" and never one to disagree with the Queen, I willingly endorse the viewpoint. Goderich is located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron. It is a port town and the salt mines of "Sifto Canada Inc." use the harbour to load salt onto freight and ocean liners for export all over the world. The salt mine extends 5 kilometers under Lake Huron.

The picturesque downtown has a unique octagonal circle known as "The Square" that offers many shops and eating establishments. The day we arrived a Flea market was set up in the park in the middle of the central circle. The drive to Goderich was equally enjoyable - we partook of the many scenic delights offered by the Huron valley that we have spoken of so fondly many times in our journey.

We began our outing very early on Sunday morning - the first week of school busyness that shaped last week continued into this week and we only had time to finalize our plans by the end of the week and decide we would attend St. Peter's in Goderich. My friend knows Goderich very well - it is a favourite summertime swimming spot for his family and holds many happy summer memories - perhaps that even extend into his own child or young adulthood because this valley holds deep appeal for him and I'm not sure where that comes from. Maybe someday I, and you, will find that out. Nevertheless, Goderich was the destination of the day.

St. Peter's Parish serves the communities of Clinton, Goderich and Kingsbridge. Goderich offers the 9 am mass and Kingsbridge the 11 am. We aimed for the 9 am mass so were on the road very early indeed. After a beautiful drive through the valley where the first flush of fall is beginning, we arrived about 15 minutes before mass began. Just in time for a few photos but not enough time to study the building in any great detail. We did note the church is made of smooth limestone blocks, arched stain glass windows with a bell tower and steeple. The interior is modest but everything about this church is impeccably maintained - both inside and out. I didn't see one area that needed improvement or repair. Perhaps not built with great wealth, but surely with great love.

How do we show love? Sometimes by building grand and magnificant churches that call on the best of our skills and talents offered to God. Other times, by attending faithfully and carefully what we've been given. Much like the parishoners of St. Peter's care for their church - and their young parishoners. It was a delight to see the special care this congregation showered on the youngest of attendees in a way I haven't seen in other parishes I've visited. If a nation is defined by how it cares for it's poor, perhaps a parish is defined by how it celebrates it's children.

Yes, the best gifts can't be bought with wealth. The best gifts share who we are. Today I received one of the best gifts.
Miss M.






Hardy Mums


Of The Earth

Today was unique in a way, no rush, nary a plan and travel down fall scene roads. Good company topped the beautiful weather on this our 10th outing. Today's destination was not a Joseph Connolly piece however it does have its own merit. The church we were after today is St. Peter's Church in Goderich. Located at the top of the bluff on the most northern tip of this quaint lakeside town of 8000.The church is quite large and is made of limestone with a single bell tower. We arrived 15 minutes early, just in time to take a few photos and get a seat before mass started.

The service was brought to us by a priest who was visiting the area and has a brother that has a cottage in Bayfield. He spoke of tolerance this am and the sermon sat heavy upon me as I squirmed in my pew. I couldn't help but look at the refinished pews and the miles of Oak that makes up just the seats alone in this spacious building. The Tabernacle and wall right at the front of this church had "twist” turnings and were fantastic to look at and distract the mind.

After mass we walked to the edge of the bluff and tried to get a glimpse of the lake. We traveled by car down the hill to the wharfs and salt mine. There was only a single lake freighter in getting filled. We encircled the bottom of Goderich's water front and stopped at the far south end. This being two years that we have been playing marbles together my friend Maureen and I exchanged gifts that we had made each other (according to the rules)and we both love our gifts.

The drive home was alone worth the trip. The tip of "our" valley starts at the lake and meanders south to Lake Erie. I have often wondered if it carries on south of Erie in the States and thought it would be cool to discover. We crested a hill and descended to Ben Miller and the view that this valley affords is breathtaking and it is only mid September. In the next few short weeks the change into full autumn will come and turn the hardwood lots into an spectacle. Seriously consider packing a car for the day, ensure you have clean car windows and a camera and go. Enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer you for free.

As we headed South through gorgeous country side listening to great music, talking and enjoying good company the week's problems were forgotten about. Much like countless before us, we came the back way down a winding dirt road into a quiet little hamlet called Kinkora . We looked at the church and her surroundings and noted the parking lots were all full. Latin Mass was just under way at noon and the sun was warm on a beautiful fall day. I turned the car south again and headed home.

By writing of this day I can only hope you enjoyed your time along with me as I traced today's steps. I do hope you take your own trip as the leaves turn. Drive the old pioneer rows where trees planted at the side of the road create a multi coloured umbrella over you. Walk a nature's path that is close to your house or heart, enjoy your time. Thank you for walking with me on this old path.

Lorne

St Agatha RC Church, St. Agatha, Ont. Sept. 12, 2010 11 am Service

I lost my keys this morning. It was a chaotic end to a chaotic week. The first week of school seems to bring with it a heightened busyness everywhere you go and my workplace is no exception. Many families are establishing new routines or reverting to old ones and muscles that haven't been used in awhile are creaking and groaning in protest. So I couldn't find my keys, something that rarely happens to me, on the way out the door to visit St. Agatha Church in St. Agatha Ontario. The topper was I miscommunicated with my friend about our plans so I would be attending this church alone. But after the work week frenzy I looked forward to the quiet and serenity any church provides.

It was a grey morning with a light fog but even so I could see the steeple to St. Agatha Church about a mile down the road. It has been replaced within the last decade through donations not only from local parishioners but from the wider community as well who valued this church as a local landmark. The church sits at the country crossroads of Erbsville Road and Notre Dame Dr about 15 minutes from the city of Waterloo or 11 km NW of Kitchener. The original parish dates to 1857 and St. Agatha Church was built probably built about 30 years later to serve a growing farming community. While not a true Gothic church, it has a central tower and Gothic shaped arched windows. The brick at the entrance way is a slightly deeper colour than elsewhere and looks replaced, most likely when the tower was rebuilt.

Suggesting it's rural connections, it has a field stone foundation like many of the farm houses in the area and a simple metal cross sits atop the steeple. The interior feels much like the church in nearby New Hamburg - they almost feel like sister churches and if I lived close by I would have a difficult time choosing between the two. Where that church made use of shades of fresh greens for the smooth walls, this church uses shades of amber and yellow - very warm colours that suggest the change in seasons. There was a pumpkin display across the street that I was tempted to take a picture of when photographing this church. The stain glass windows follow one after the other down the side walls of the church and each has a multi-coloured geometric design on the lower half and the symbol of one of the 12 apostles on the upper portion. The congregation was young and plentiful and it was a pleasure to see so many families gathered on a fall morning. Somewhat surprisingly, there were several members of the choir and their voices were confident and joyous this morning. I notice that 4 people are listed on the bulletin as directors of the choir and it is evident that this parish puts an effort into the musical portion of the service and what a delight for those listening.

We had the pleasure of watching a baptism which made for a shorter homily. The reading was one of my favourites - the story of the lost sheep...and I thought again about my lost keys. Sometimes we loose silly things like keys or glasses and sometimes we lose friendships or children, ourselves, or our way. Faith reminds us that the Good Shepherd is always there to lead us back home.

Oh, and my keys? I found them when I got home.
Miss M.

Raglan Road

This entry is a full day late in the writing of and I have lost sleep over it. I woke in the night a few times wondering if it was time to rise having had bylines and different parts of yesterday's events framed for this page. ....This morning I have nothing.

I awoke early Sunday and quietly got under way. I had time to enjoy my own company and decided that before I met my friend at St. Agatha I would drive through and photograph the valley that I adore so much .Leaving Stratford I went off the main highway and drove smaller secondary roads meandering in a SE direction. I drove at a slow pace taking in and cataloging what I saw along the way. The hardwood lots are going to turn very soon, giving up this years leaves and that event alone is worth watching and photographing. The big valleys in Southern Ontario are visually explosive in the fall when Nature decides to put on her autumn colours. Before long I was driving along the Huron tract and stopped again at Pinehill, parked and photographed the view. The sun hadn't made a full recovery from overcast and rain filled skies that had been in the area for days. Early morning fog was still hanging on and affected the light and photos. I plan to return and retake these shots during the fall and make sure there is sun on that day. I would highly recommend a trip along the roads that run beside the Huron Tract in the bigger centers where the pioneer planted trees that encroach the road are turning colours.

The slow pace is what I was after and had left my cell off for that very reason . As my friend was trying to get in touch with me I was seeing and capturing this gorgeous view. I turned to the south on Pinehill road and drove through the countryside with a certain lead going off in my head every once in awhile. This particular stanza wasn't one of the countless Knopfler guitar leads but rather a very sweet Irish fiddle lead that is in an amazing effort by Knopfler and Donal Lunny.This video and haunting melody have been forefront in my mind for a day or two and I don't mind a bit! Raglan Road is a story about impossible love and will stir something even in the coldest of hearts. Good luck with your new addiction!

I came to a cross roads and took a left, changed my heading and soon found myself at the top of another valley. This one is New Dundee Ontario and I cruised slowly into town . It being quite early on a Sunday am the vehicular traffic was negligible and the only pedestrian was a man wearing his Sunday best complete with umbrella walking happily up the road towards the church that is almost atop this hill. The man very graciously acknowledged my passing with a nod of his head and a curt flick of his wrist , using his umbrella as a walking and greeting stick. I stopped the car and introduced myself to none other than Graham Burkhart the current Pastor of Bethel Evangelical Church which we were standing in front of. I explained to Graham about my journey and fascination about a certain valley. He chimed in agreement over its beauty and suggested a few vantage points for photography. We spoke briefly of St. Agatha and both the Amish and Mennonite history in the region. I thanked him and left feeling wiser than when I came.

I turned North in New Dundee and headed for St. Agatha , soaking up this early morning drive on a foggy Autumn day. I stopped the car well before the town of St. Agatha to photograph a scene. The steeple of the Catholic church which was my destination could be seen from a great distance away and lent itself to a great photo op. When I stopped at the side of the road I used the car door for support to steady my hands and shot the scene. Turning I seen a great secondary scene and photographed it as well. An old GMC pickup that is still working out in front of a garage in tall weeds didn't have to ask to be photographed! I travelled on into town and parked the car in order to get more photographs.












I photographed St. Agatha church and waited for my companion to arrive. Unlike any other time in our journey's history we didn't connect and it was all because of a slight miscommunication. So with a full camera card I departed St. Agatha Ontario for home and vowed to retake the photos when it was sunny. I got up this am and did just that. I have posted the new photos.
Lorne