Historic St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Vankoughnet, Muskoka is celebrating its 120th year in 2011. The 900 square foot, wood frame church has been in continuous operation since 1891 – quite a feat for a rural, relatively remote and tiny church. The celebration of this remarkable milestone begins with the silent auction of the painting at left to raise funds for the maintenance of the historic church building.
HOW TO BID
The silent auction will take place on Saturday July 16, 2011 during the Midsummer Fair at St Thomas’ Anglican Church located at 4 Mary Street in Bracebridge from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bidding forms will be available on-site.
The painting is available to be previewed in the office at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church in downtown Bracebridge beginning July 4th to July 15th between 9 am and 1 pm. St. Thomas’ Church itself is a designated historic property and well worth the visit and a tour.
Bidders unable to attend the silent auction may view the painting and submit sealed offers from July 4 to July 15, 2011 during normal business hours (Mon-Fri 9a.m.-1p.m.) at the St Thomas church office in Bracebridge. Bids may be mailed or e-mailed attention Mrs. Francie Rimmington, St Thomas’ Anglican Church, 4 Mary Street, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L-2B6 Phone 705-645-3486 E-mail: saint.thomas@bellnet.ca
What to include with your bid and some rules:
MINIMUM BID $265.00
Each offer must be accompanied by a letter with the bidder’s name, full address, phone number and/or e-mail address as well as the amount bid. The sealed bids will be opened by Church officials after the July 17 silent auction. The successful bidder will be required to deliver cash or a certified cheque for the full amount of the successful bid within a time to be specified or the bid is forfeit and the next highest bidder will be contacted. Feel free to use the official bid form.
The successful bidder will be announced on Saturday July 30, 2011 and will be invited to attend the celebration and the dinner to be held for St Stephen’s Anglican Church’s 120th anniversary at the Village Square. The painting will be presented to the successful bidder at the celebration if they are able to attend.
A little about St. Stephen’s and Vankoughnet, Muskoka
The village of Vankoughnet, hacked out of the bush by loggers, is now a pleasant community on the edge of the Black River boasting both seasonal and permanent residents. The evidence of its colourful history still marks the landscape and many Muskoka families can track their ancestors to the cemetery grounds of the tiny church. Visit my post for more interesting stories.