Online auction hosted by historic Old St Paul's Church

Woodstock Anglican congregation has a noteworthy past and important current projects  

Woodstock's history includes many renowned community builders -- two are Henry Vansittart and Andrew Drew.

Both were retired British navy personnel so they were known also by their titles Admiral Vansittart and Captain Drew. Together, they were significant as Vansittart named the community after Woodstock in Oxfordshire, England. 

Drew arrived in Woodstock first (1832) and established what is now called Old St. Paul's Church near the corner of Dundas and Huron streets (723 Dundas; www.oldstpauls.com; 519 537-3912). The local historic site and on-going place of worship was built in 1834. Rev William Bettridge would be the Anglican congregation's first pastor. If you study local history for personal research you will discover that these three were friends, but in parallel had their differences. (You should onw copies of both Bits & Pieces and The Village Which Straddles A Swamp)

The Drew house, by the way, like the church, still exists and can be found at the corner of Rathbourne and Sydenham streets.

Today -- as time evolves -- Old St. Paul's is home to a congregation (Service every Sunday at 11 a.m. starring Rev. Rob Luxton) in a very ornate church (Inside photos can easily be found online or simply visit) . . . an Ontario Heritage Trust conservation site since 1986.

THE INN

The church is also the night-time home since 2004 to the homeless year-round through The Inn (formerly Inn Out Of The Cold), which is open daily from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. and offers two meals, warmth, beds, and bathrooms. The Inn receives its support from the church, Operation Sharing, and the County Of Oxford's human services department.

As a member of Woodstock City Council it's important to add that the County also receives funding from upper tiers of government and thru the levy paid to the County from the City certainly receives significant financial backing from Woodstock (and all citizens through municipal taxes).

The Inn -- in can be noted -- is always willing to accept donations (canned or frozen dinners / food), daily hygiene items, and clothes.

Currently, the folks at Old St. Paul's Church are in the midst of planning for the future which includes restoration and renovations.

It can be mentioned that scaffolding currently at both the Market Theatre and library in Woodstock have the same purpose -- as the municipality is re-pointing bricks and improving the exterior of both local landmarks.

 

SILENT AUCTION 

At Old St. Paul's their fundraiser includes a Christmas online auction which features a gamut of possible Christmas gifts  to go under your festive tree. See: Old St. Paul's Anglican Church on Facebook or their website for many more details. One item which would never fit under a yuletide evergreen is a hot air balloon ride. 

Earlier today (Nov. 2), the Heart FM morning team of Dan Henry and Marcie Culbert interviewed a fundraising committee member.  Additional bid possibilities include a hand-made quilt or afghan, artwork, Precious Moments figurines, collectible plates, crystal dishes and wine glasses, a pasta making machine, restaurant and retail gift certificates, and lots more.  I'm guessing the Woodstock Meadows golf hat and ladies shirt will be popular items as they soon will be collectors' items. Also available is a fruit cake, which as we know is an item that can be re-gifted year after year.

Complied by: Mark Schadenberg

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

(519) 532-2068

Promoting Woodstock in a positive way !