St. Andrew's United Church has come up with its own way to celebrate the centennial of the United Church of Canada

St. Andrew’s United Church, Grafton.

By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News

Grafton

A raucous centennial celebration will ring out in Grafton June 10 – literally.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada, St. Andrew's United Church will ring its church bell 100 times, starting at 10 a.m.

“Come and lend an arm,” the church appeal for volunteers said.

The largest Protestant denomination in Canada, the United Church has – since June 10, 1925 – combined the Methodist Church of Canada, the Congregational Union of Canada and 70 percent of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, along with the small General Council of Union Churches of Western Canada.

Jean Wilson – retired minister and life-long St. Andrew's member – noted that the anniversary was observed May 25 at the church in a special joint service with its partner church in the Castleton-Grafton Pastoral Charge. As well, a special June 8 service in Newfoundland will be streamed for the whole church to watch.

“Just because it's Sunday,” Wilson said.

“But on June 10 is the actual anniversary.”

St. Andrew's has a traditional bell in its tall white steeple with a rope pull that church volunteers will work. And the decision to ring in the anniversary with this joyful noise is “just because we want to.

“In the midst of really changing times for the whole Christian church across the country – not just the United Church – it's nice to have this wonderful celebration and have some hope for the future,” Wilson said.