TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME
Christ Church at 317 Ramsay is the oldest continuously used church in Amherstburg. It’s also one of the most fascinating places in town with its 1812 history, with a graveyard and beautiful stained glass windows. It’s led by the very energetic Reverend Lisa Poultney, the Rector in Amherstburg and also at Christ Church, 25 km away in Colchester.
HISTORY
Lieutenant-Colonel William Caldwell commanded the Western Rangers and the First Nations Forces during the War of 1812. Following the war, he donated the property for the church and contributed funds for its construction. In return for his donation, all he asked for was a pew marked in his name. To this day, you can see a plaque marked “The Late Colonel Caldwell’s Pew” on his pew. The church, designed in the Neo Classical and Palladian style, was built in 1818-19.
GRAVEYARD
The graveyard actually predates the building of the church. It was was set aside as a burial ground as early as 1798. It contains the remains of military personnel and early settlers. Most of the headstones have been removed from their original plots and placed against a brick wall for preservation.
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
You could say that stained glass windows in churches once functioned as the ticktock of their times. Christ Church has 12 beautiful stained glass windows. The first one was installed in 1879 with additional panels installed in the early 20th Century. Today these beautiful windows filter light to create a serene and symbolic ambiance within the church’s interior.
Keeping a parish going is a challenge today (let alone two), but Reverend Lisa is up for the challenge. Her philosophy is that the church is open and welcoming to everyone and anyone. Please say hello to Lisa when you see her walking her three rescue dogs around the downtown. She would tell you that you are always welcome to attend services at 11AM on Sundays. Listen to the interview on CKBG 107.9 FM this Saturday and Sunday at 8AM.
"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."
—quoted by John F Kennedy (originally Neil Postman)
Next week learn about The House Youth Centre, an organization that has been assisting youth since 1971.
BOOKS IN THE 'BURG MEET UP AT AFM
We are excited for February's Black History book club and we hope you are as well! We are collaborating with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum to discuss Canadian author Canisia Lubrin's Code Noir. A novel of short stories based on King Louis XIV's "Code Noir" set of decrees on slavery.
For this special book club we will be meeting at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd from 2 to 4PM. All are welcome, even if you haven't read the book or been to book club before! In addition to our book discussion, there will be spoken word artists and the opportunity to take in all the wonders of the museum.
We have copies of the book available in store!
Unfortunately, since we will be away from the shop, Zoom will not be available this month.
For March's book club we will be reading the CBC's Canada Reads shortlist. We have all 5 titles in stock right now, so pick up your first choice soon! We will also be bringing copies to the museum for the event.
HAPPY HEALTHY STORY TIME
This week we welcome Alex Dipierdomenico to the Children's Nook as our Story Time reader. As a local Pharmacist, Alex will share some stories about his career in health and wellness with our Happy Healthy Little Readers.
Come join us at 11AM on Sunday for our weekly Story Time. Spring is right around the corner and we are looking forward to moving Story Time outside. Keep your eyes on our upcoming Buzz newsletter for more details.
LITTLE MISCHIEF BABY REGISTRY
Welcome to a More Thoughtful Baby Registry Experience
At Little Mischief, we believe preparing for your little one should feel joyful, not overwhelming. Our new baby boutique offers carefully considered essentials, timeless keepsakes, and everyday must-haves, each chosen for their quality, beauty, and practicality.
Enjoy a personalized, one-on-one appointment in-store or create your registry online with ease. Touch, see, and learn about each piece before adding it to your list, with guidance thoughtfully tailored just for you. We’re proud to carry Bugaboo, Clek, Pigeon, Oeuf, Snuggle Me Organic and Townsend Avenue, just to name a few.
Let the baby magic begin! We’re honoured to help you get ready for your little love, with just the right touch of magic and mischief.
AMHERSTBURG FREEDOM MUSEUM: WINDSOR EXPRESS
Windsor-Essex community members, here's a fun way to support the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. Join us at the WFCU Centre on February 20th at 7PM for a family-friendly evening as the Windsor Express takes on the Glass City Wranglers (Toledo).
A portion of proceeds will benefit the Museum. To participate, visit wfcu-centre.com/password, enter promo code BHM26, select your seats, and follow next steps to purchase tickets! Promo code valid until February 19th at 11:59 pm.
SAVE THE DATE: Thurs. Feb. 26th at 6:30PM
Our next workshop, featuring Dr. Farrah Nakhaie, is coming up on Thursday, February 26th! The topic is 'Critiquing Essentials.'
It'll be held upstairs in Hole in the Wall at 6:30PM. Be sure to head out for the event early so you can grab a drink and a snack at one of Amherstburg's many cafés, then make your way here to browse in the bookshop before you learn how to elevate your feedback and provide better critiques. Tickets for the event can be purchased by clicking here or the poster above!
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team