Joan Chapple centre and Barbara Walford-Davis right present longtime Zion United Church musical director Melissa Stephens with plaques during the church's 125th anniversary celebration on Sept. 17. Stephens is in her 35th year in the position. CHAD INGRAM Staff By Chad Ingram
Published Sept. 22 2016
Carnavon's Zion United Church iscelebrating its 125th anniversary this year and members are also celebratingits long-serving musical director.
The church opened its doors in 1891 and wasoriginally Methodist.
A celebration on Sept. 17 packed the housefor a dinner and entertainment which included honours for the church's musicaldirector Melissa Stephens in her 35th year in the position.
“She brought her wealth of musical knowledge”said Joan Chapple one of the few choir members who was around when Stephensstarted.
A music teacher at Haliburton HighlandsSecondary School Stephens is a perennial fixture of musical productions in thecounty. Along with her duties at Zion she is also the musical director for theHaliburton United Church.
“She continued to mold us into a group thatwanted to stretch grow and sing sing sing” Chapple said. “I've watched hermake music an important part of this county. She has continued to make sureZion's love of music is nurtured. Melissa your love of music is contagious. Werealize we are so fortunate to have you as part of the Zion family.”
A special service on Sunday Sept. 18 alsopaid homage to the church's anniversary.
