Incarnation - A bit of history - Remembering 1987 **

The Foundation Year, 1987

During this 10th anniversary year, we are reviewing the events that make up our story. In this article, we look at 1987, the year it all started to happen.

The Diocese of Niagara hired Robin Graves in 1985 to determine whether to start a parish here, and his work came together on January 8, 1987, when Bishop John Bothwell officiated at the commissioning service for the Glen Abbey ministry. About 100 people were there, including people who had attended house meetings with Robin over the previous year.

Although 50 people were at the Easter service, just a handful of people were "regulars" at the almost-weekly services even after they moved to Loyola High School - where we continue to worship today - later that spring. A few of them began planning for regular services, a few joined the diocesan-led Property Support group considering potential building sites. Robin continued to write for the local newspaper, Abbey's Own, and visibility increased with our involvement at Glen Abbey's Summerfest, operating a food booth with the Community Church, and later the promotion of regular services.

On September 27, 40 people came together for the first regular service in the library of Loyola H.S. About 20 families were represented. Audrey Conard came on board almost immediately as a student intern and parish structure began forming with one large church school class, an overflowing nursery and the use of envelopes.

The location required required everyone to pitch in, especially with "setting up and closing down". Although there was no music, people took an active part in readings, prayers of the people, chalice bearer - and "blowing out the candles" (for the children, of course!) Sign-up Sunday took place almost immediately. Many of our traditions - no procession, use of the BAS, pottery vessels- evolved during those first months.

By year-end, there were 35 households of 115 adults and children on our parish list! Average attendance was 50. Current members from that time include the Blackbourn, Brewer, Elliot, Siebert, Valeriote and Yassin families.

Christmas Eve was amazing! We went all out with red ribbon, poinsettias and twinkling lights to turn the library into an oasis of festive beauty and peace. We had our Christmas gift: The Diocese removed any doubt of their commitment by buying property on our behalf at the corner of Dorval and Old Abbey Lane. And Robin became a new father!