Feature Article September 25, 2003
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Celebrating the Past; Celebrating the FutureOn October 3, 4, & 5, the Arden Standard Church will celebrate 75 years of ministry to its community with a weekend of special events. The work actually started in neighbouring Elm Tree in 1916 with evangelistic tent meetings. As souls were saved, the need for churches grew. In 1925 Rev. C. Harris, a black preacher from New York state, came to pastor at Elm Tree, and largely as a result of his efforts, revival spread through the entire area. In 1926, the church in Arden was built with donations of materials and labour from many people in the community. Rev. Vernon Scott, who has been the churchs pastor since 1994, was born in Arden and was ordained in 1975. He sees the role of the church as being multi-faceted. Its primary role is to provide spiritual guidance and benefits to the community; however, he also sees its role as ministering to the communitys present social needs, and he would like to see the church more involved in that area. To that end, he is excited about upcoming changes in the 85-year-old Standard Church denomination itself. This 75-year celebration will in fact be the last one that the Arden Standard Church will celebrate as such. In January of 2004, the denomination will merge with the Wesleyan Church, a much larger denomination, and after the merger, the Arden church will choose a new name. Asked how he personally feels about the merger, Pastor Scott replied Its a great thing!. We will have greater resources, which will enable us to minister more effectively. The Standard Church denomination was founded in 1918 by Rev. R.C. Horner, and its major tenet is its belief in holy living applying the teachings of the Bible to everyday life. These are also the beliefs of the Wesleyan Church, so Rev. Scott sees no compromise in the standards or mission of the church. Christianity is often known for its fractiousness, with denominations splitting over what can seem to be the most trivial of issues. It is rare for groups to lay aside their differences. Although the Standard Church will cease to exist on January 1, 2004, by choosing to merge with their brethren in the faith, they are demonstrating the unity and fellowship that is possible in Christ. Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1The weekend celebrations will commence on Friday October 3, with a special 7 p.m. service whose theme will be Celebrating the Past. On Saturday night at 7 p.m. there will be a gospel sing with John Reid & the Eagle Band, and the Moira River Ramblers. On Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m., the theme will be Celebrating the Future, and guest speaker will be District Superintendent Don Hodgins. John Reid & the Eagle Band will provide music at all the services.
