St. George, Grafton reopened the Canon Nind Hall on June 19 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by members of the congregation and local community. The remodeled hall, with its ultra-modern equipment, kitchen and updated decor, has been designed for multiple uses and sustainability.
St. George’s is a hub of the community. An internet cafe is available for those without internet access. People who want to learn about computers will be assisted by senior high school students completing their community service hours. Gourmet Soup days, quilting, men’s breakfasts, Circle of Prayer and other regular events now have a comfortable, modern meeting place.
The hall will also be available for conferences, celebratory dinners, banquets, weddings – all of which will create an income stream to support on-going community projects. John Wimberly, author of Mobilizing Congregations, was correct when he wrote, “The uncomfortable truth [is] that faithful ministry requires effective management.” St. George’s has already hosted three large dinners and is booking its first “Destination Wedding” for a couple who want to enjoy the pastoral surroundings at the foot of the Northumberland Hills.
St. George’s renovation project has been a success, beginning with a detailed plan going to the diocese, which generously supplied an Our Faith-Our Hope grant for the work. The project was brought to completion on budget, with spectacular results.
Submitted by Robert Deane, a member of St. George, Grafton.
