Almost 30 people gathered by the bell outside the Bentley United Church on June 6 around 10:30 a.m. to make a joyful noise.
The activity was to celebrate the founding, 90 years ago, of the United Church in Canada. Some other churches across Canada did the same thing.
Rev. Brenda Kersell who came in September 2014 and ministers to both the Bentley and the Blackfalds United Church congregations provided some history, both on the inaugural church service church in Toronto on June 10, 1925 and about the local church. It was included along with a short litany. She has delved into the history extensively and believes she is the first female minister to serve Bentley United Church.
In 1901 a log United Church was built in Bentley. It was replaced with a brick church in 1910. Sod was turned in 1965 for construction of the present building which has been refurbished as necessary.
At one point in ringing the bell 90 times, the cable slipped off the pulley making the ringing of the bell even more chal- lenging. Some of those in attendance had bells, tambourines, and other noisemakers.
Some special guests were in attendance, many of whom had very long direct ties with the church.
First to ring the bell were Glen and Pearl Nelson. The bell had at one time been stored at their farm for a couple of years before Glen became instrumental in getting it erected.
Gladys Calkins did the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake.
Norva Landry spoke of the church years back.
Anniversary cake, fruit and beverages were pro- vided inside afterward and a time of sharing connections with the church was expressed by those in attendance.