In celebration of 160 years of worship and service, the Meaford Museum and Christ Church, Anglican have created a temporary exhibition Christ Church at 160.

Featuring objects that highlight all aspects of church life, the exhibition includes items such as a pewter communion set from the 1870s, parish registries from 1885-1916 and 1939-1977, registry of the bonds of marriage from 1949-1959, as well as the Charred Cross of Bangladesh.

There are also copies of the WWII Memorial Windows created by former parish priest and military chaplain The Rev. Harold Appleyard. The originals are comprised of shards of stained glass preserved and repurposed from bombed English and European churches and cathedrals. Some of the pieces of glass are well over 700 years old and are some of the oldest examples of stained glass on the continent.

After the parish was formed in 1859, the original wood church building was consecrated on August 6, 1862, by The Rt. Rev. Benjamin Cronyn, Bishop of Huron. While much has changed in the past 160 years, including the erection of the current stone church building in 1876, Christ Church, Anglican continues to play an integral role in the lives of many in the community as a place of faith and a hub for service in the wider community. 

On September 25, the 160th Anniversary service of the church was held to begin the anniversary celebrations. Throughout the rest of the year, more events will be held, most significantly with the parish’s patronal festival of “Christ the King” to be celebrated Sunday, Nov. 20, with The Rt. Rev. Todd Townshend, Bishop of Huron attending.

To see Christ Church at 160, please visit the Meaford Museum Thursdays to Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is by donation.

For more information about the exhibition, please contact the Meaford Museum at [email protected] or call 519-538-5974.

For more information regarding Christ Church, Anglican, please contact Parish Administrator Christine Clark at [email protected] or call 519-538-1330.

source: media release, Municipality of Meaford