The annual Harvest Home Celebration of Almonds Church held Saturday (Sept. 3) and Tuesday (Sept. 6) was unusually successful from every stand-point. Good weather conditions prevailed, large crowds attended, and financial results were satisfactory, and the pleasure and profit derived from the occasion were all that could be desired. The energetic people of Almonds Church never spare any pains to secure success, and their efforts this year met with a splendid outcome in every way.
The Sunday services, morning and evening, were attended by crowds that more than taxed the church to its capacity. Rev. E. W. Rowland, pastor of Brooklin Methodist Church, was the preacher, and he brought to the Almonds congregation two starry and forceful messages of encouragement and inspiration. The ministry of the day was much enjoyed and appreciated, and Mr. Rowland’s words will not soon be forgotten.
Tuesday evening was the occasion of the tea and concert, and this also was attended by a large crowd, including not only those from the immediate vicinity, but many from Whitby and Pickering. Long tables were laid out in the church sheds spread with a bountiful load of good things, and for two hours and a half the ladies were kept busy feeding the hungry people. The speed and “staying powers” of the crowd were the best compliment that could have been paid to the cooking prowess of the ladies of the church.
Following the supper, a splendid program was given, one that has probably never been surpassed at this annual event. Preceding the program proper, Miss Hazel Kenny played a number of piano selections, as well as acting as accompanist during the evening Mrs. T. L. Rowe and Miss Kenny gave a piano duet as the first item on the program, and were heartily encored. Mr. W. D. Dykes, who has undoubtedly one of the finest tenor voices ever heard in Whitby, sang a number of selections, all of which were very heartily applauded and encored. Mr. T. L. Rowe contributed two splendid bass solos, with encores. Mrs. T. L. Rowe, soprano, sang several times, and was also required to return for repeat numbers, duets were sung by Mrs. Rowe and Mr. Dykes. Mr. Robin Nicholson’s piano solos were played in his usual brilliant manner. Readings were given by Miss Puckrin, which the audience enjoyed immensely. Miss Clark, reader, was prevented from attending, as also were Rev. E. W. Rowland of Brooklin, and Rev. E. Turkington of Whitby, who were to have made addresses. The entire program was exceptionally enjoyable, and the appreciation of the entertainment given by those who took part, as expressed by Rev. F. H. Howard, the pastor, who acted as chairman, was couched in terms that met with entire approval by the audience.
The people of Almonds Church have once more passed a milestone of successful activity, and may well feel gratified at the outcome of their Harvest Home.
