Page 7 - August 2022 News On 7

HAZZARD'S HISTORY NOTES

by Grant Ketcheson

“SUMMER IN A COUNTRY CHURCH”
After two years of lock-down, plans are underway to resume the regular “Summer in a Country Church” celebration at
Hazzard's Corners Church. These August services began when the church was closed for regular worship in 1967. At the time
of closure, a dedicated few led the fight to preserve their beloved church. They were ultimately successful and Hazzard's
Corners United Church morphed into a non-denominational community church, achieving the status of a designated historic
site.
The history of this church community goes back to the early 1830s when Madoc Township was first being settled. In 1830 a
burial ground was established at “the corners.” A log schoolhouse was built here, that was also used for church services.
Periodically, itinerant “saddlebag preachers” visited to lead pioneer families in worship. The story is told of one of the early
settlers, Sylvanus Bond, who attended the school. In his latter years, he asked to be buried on the site of his old school. We
like to think that the story is true and point out Mr. Bond's grave to visitors. Our claim is that THIS is the exact site of the log
school at Hazzard's Corners!
With a growing population, the need for a proper church was recognized and in 1857, construction of the current church and
a horse shed began. Hazzard's Methodist Church was dedicated in 1858, built on land purchased from Joseph Hazzard. Such
was the population growth of the area that wings were added to each side in 1871, doubling the seating capacity.
Hazzard's Church became the centre of the life of the community. As well as regular worship services, it was the site of lawn
socials, fowl suppers and evenings of entertainment. The Orange Hall across the road was used for many of these functions.
Quilting bees to support the troops in both world wars took place in the hall. Musical evenings and three-act plays were
features of the community. In the early 1950s an outdoor rink was built behind the hall. This lighted ice surface was the site of
many skating parties and spirited games of hockey. Lunches were often served and memories of hot chocolate and cinnamon
toast still linger!
The “Summer in a Country Church” service on August 21 will be special, not just as we had paused for two years but also
because we are welcoming Timothy Wisnicki, a candidate for ministry, as our guest speaker. Timothy is the grandson of the
late Wendell Sedgwick, the much-loved minister of this church when it closed for regular worship in 1967. As well, we are
welcoming back the popular Bancroft musical group “Appalachian Celtic.”
Just as it has for 165 years, Hazzard's Corners Church will resound with the sounds of old-fashioned gospel music and
fellowship. With cookies and lemonade at a social hour after the service, old acquaintances will be renewed and we hope to
meet some new neighbours in our community.

"Thanks to Ardith McKinnon Racey"
Caption #3
Annual summer services
have been held since
Caption #1 1967. In 2007, to
Hazzard's Corners Church and celebrate the 150th
horse shed as it appeared in anniversary of Hazzard's
the 1940s Church, decorative
cemetery gates were
dedicated.

Caption #2 Caption #4
The centre of the social life of the We're sure that the late
community. A lawn social c1920 Rev. Wendell Sedgwick
promised a fun time, even if the would be very proud if he
admission price seemed a bit knew that his grandson,
steep. Timothy, will join us as
guest minister at our
service on August 21.