For almost seventy years the Methodists have occupied the little white church on Ridge Road in Ararat Township, and what a beautiful setting to worship it has been.

The church, built in 1849 by Presbyterians, gave the Methodist “undisputed use and occupancy” at a yearly rental fee of $1.00. The dining hall, which was built by the community and church members, was added on with the dedication taking place on December 2, 1956.

Stepping into the church is like stepping back in time. Though many improvements have been made, the sanctuary has remained mostly unchanged. The old pews, pulpit and other original furniture still remain.

If you have ever attended the Christmas Eve service in the church, while being enveloped in the glow of the oil lamps set between the stained glass windows, you may have experienced a feeling of being warmly surrounded by members of the past that shared in the joys of weddings, baptisms and the sorrows in funeral services of the departed.

Due to declining membership and the increasing cost of maintenance, on September 4, at 10:00 a.m., the last service will be held in the church.

The Thompson Church’s 11:00 service will be cancelled on this Sunday in order to participate in the closing service in Ararat.

Members are extending a welcome to all in the community to attend the service to bid their farewell, share their memories and join in fellowship in the dining area following the service.

The Thompson United Methodist Church will be holding their annual End of Summer Celebration on Saturday, September 3 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The garage, which is filled to the brim with items, will be sure to have something for everyone. And the famous Fill the Can with Cookies and Bake Sale is always a crowd pleaser. All the baked goods are lovingly prepared by church members.

Craft and vendor tables will again be offering their wares. Maple syrup products, embroidery and homemade jellies and jams will be among those products.

For the children, Susan Klein, puppeteer, will be performing skits with her collection of puppets. Terry Rockwell will also be on hand to share his musical talents. Terry performs locally at many community functions and is definitely a crowd pleaser.

There will be a chicken barbeque beginning at 11:00 a.m. Tickets can be preordered by contacting Tootsie Stone at 727-2158. Hot dogs and wimpies will also be prepared for the lunch crowd. Home made pies will be ready to purchase to round out a fulfilling lunch. And, as an added treat, snow cones for the young and young at heart will be made to order.

There will also be several theme gift baskets filled to the brim to be raffled off at the end of the day.

Spaces are still available for vendors and crafters; if interested in joining this fun filled day, please contact Tootsie Stone at 727-2158.