CHURCHBRIDGE (Qu’A) — On Oct. 19, 2025, the Parish of New Sumner had a special meeting and voted to move to worship exclusively at Christchurch in Churchbridge.
For many years, the faithful group of about 15 people had alternated locations once a month, and celebrated Eucharist in Saltcoats, Churchbridge or Esterhazy. On the other Sundays, the congregations had Morning Prayer in their local churches.
The cost of keeping three buildings open was proving to be too heavy a burden, so they began discussing amongst themselves, with the archdeacon and the bishop, about what should be done, and decided they should move to one building.
They collectively decided that Churchbridge was the most reasonable location, as it is the most central, and the building is all on one level with no stairs or basement.
This decision was made thoughtfully and prayerfully, although it was not easy.
These pictures are of the “new” stained glass windows in Churchbridge. The parish closed St John’s Esterhazy, and the stained-glass windows were removed; two were installed in Churchbridge, and the rest were donated to the museum in Esterhazy.
The picture shows most of the members of the parish who meet each week for Morning Prayer, and once a month for Eucharist. Missing is Edith Maddaford, whose family donated the windows that are now in Christchurch, Churchbridge.
