Peg Gratitude: Day 26 – The Big Red Church
In my neighbourhood there is a big beautiful church, officially named Gordon-King Memorial United Church, but known fondly as the Big Red Church. It is home to some of the friendliest people I have ever met and it is rapidly becoming a vibrant community hub for Glenelm.
What can I say about this lovely congregation? These folks are truly walking the talk of “loving thy neighbour” and it’s a boon to our neighbourhood that they are so committed to this principle. From knitting clubs and all-ages/instrument jams, to climate strike delegations and parents morning out, to the community gardens and bulletin board, and the famous Gordie’s Coffee House, there are so many great things happening that that have nothing to do with religion. While I’m no longer a church person, and my spiritual beliefs are not as straightforward as they once were, I grew up in the United Church so this place feels very familiar and comfortable to me. That said, I believe that many find this space as welcoming and free of agenda as I do.
Oh, and the sight of this majestic building brings me joy every time I pass by. Simply beautiful. I especially love seeing on a Thursday night, all lit up with the coffee house crowd inside, glowing in the night.
I’m super grateful to have such a great neighbour in the Big Red Church!
We are a small but mighty group of people that call the Big Red Church home, and Glenelm is also a small but mighty community, so we go well together. And you’re right, it’s a beautiful building with a rich history. When the “church fathers” of the day planned this building, they saw it as being the hub of the community, so it’s awesome for all of us to see the variety of activities that take place there growing.
May it continue.
Small but mighty is so true!! In the words of Stuart McLean – we may not be big, but we’re small. I often think that’s what makes Glenelm so special, too!