It was a bittersweet event at Leslie Hall this past Saturday evening when past and present merged. For the last time ever, the ACW women cooked a meal for a sold out event, marking the 190th birthday of St. James Church. But at the same time, this event marks the last supper ever to be served by them or anyone else at the Hall. Leslie Hall closes its doors for the last time on June 4. Many of the women in this photograph have served here for over 48 years. Rachel Tennant told me that as a young girl, this is where she learned how to set a table, “So many more memories are shared by most of us. Weddings, birthdays, anniverseries,deaths, musical performances, dances, etc..”
Saturday’s event was organised by Doug MacDonald, an avid community-minded individual. The meal was sumptuous! During the cocktail hour, we were served delicious hors d’oeuvres. The main meal was prime rib roast beef cooked perfectly and so tender. The desserts were also excellent. Kudos to all of you for such an outstanding meal. Thanks go out to Grahame’s Bakery and the B&H for their support towards the meal. Special guest for the evening were Rev. Andrew Wilson, Councillor Donovan Arnaud and Rev. Dr. Ray Porth (former rector 1997-2004) and his wife Barb. Doug MacDonald gave a brief history of St. James and its Hall. The entertainers were Dorine and Mark Fowke, Steven Pinhey and Kristen Wood. To view their lovely rendition of ‘How Great Thou Art’ go to the https://www.facebook.com/NGTimes/
Leslie Hall means so much to so many of us. Donovan, in his speech, told us that this building has served us well, but we must move forward and look to the future. Thank you, Leslie Hall and the people of North Grenville who have provided us with so much entertainment inside those doors.
