Page 5 - August 2023 News On 7

HAZZARD'S HISTORY NOTES

by Grant Ketcheson
SUMMER IN A COUNTRY CHURCH (AUGUST 20, 1:30)
“A TREASURE COMES HOME”

August is here and it is once again time to enjoy a summer Sunday afternoon at historic Hazzard's Corners Church.
While this little country church goes back 165 years, this summer we are making a bit of history come alive by focusing
on the 1914-1918 period.

During the Great War, the Canadian Red Cross promoted a patriotic effort to raise money in support of our troops
overseas. Groups were encouraged to make quilts bearing the signatures of residents from the community. There was a
charge, usually about 25 cents, to have a name embroidered on the quilt. After completion, one of the names was drawn
and that person won the quilt.

In 2022, we realized that one of these quilt projects was undertaken in our area, with the discovery of the Cooper
Signature Quilt. This quilt bore 320 names, thus raising $80.00 to help the Canadian Red Cross support our troops in
Europe.

The Cooper quilt, dated April 16, 1916, was won by a local farmer, George Harris. He and his wife Martha eventually
passed it on to their daughter, Margaret Campbell. Gone and forgotten for over a half-century, this historic treasure,
still in mint condition, was donated back to the community. Now in the care of Hart's-Riggs' Women's Institute, the
quilt will be on display in Hazzard's Corners Church on August 20.

Beginning at 1:30, we will enjoy music by guest soloist Carol King. Our “piano man” Bob Watson will also add his special
touch. At 2 p.m. Rev. John Young of Moira will lead us in worship. We have asked WW1 historian Steven Glover to
present a brief look back at the young men from the Hazzard's community who served in the Great War, with special
mention of those who did not return. Incidentally, one of those was Steven's great-uncle.

Following the service, there will be refreshments and a social hour with plenty of time to visit and to search out familiar
names on the Cooper Red Cross Quilt. Some may want to stroll through Hazzard's Cemetery and pay respects to the
pioneers who built this church and community.