Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 13/98) - People from far and wide will be converging on the city this weekend for an important church celebration.

It was 40 years ago this week the official dedication and opening service for the Yellowknife United Church was held.

Members of the congregation have been gearing up to mark the anniversary for upwards of a year, says Rev. Brian Mee.

"I think it is really important (to gather in celebration) because a lot of people come and go," he says. Mee says former parishioners from across Canada -- including places like Ontario, B.C. Quebec and Manitoba -- will be returning to the city for the celebration.

Among those who will be on hand is Rev. C.G. (Chuck) Raymont, who was the church's first minister back in 1958. He had arrived as a student during the winter of 1956 and was later ordained.

Larrie Roosdahl, who chairs Yellowknife United's board of trustees, says he is proud of his church's Yellowknife legacy.

"A church that could barely pays its heating bills (in times past) turned into one of the largest landlords in the city with the help, faith and perseverance of many people," he says.

Over the years, the church facility has been utilized by numerous groups around Yellowknife, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Alison MacAteer House and numerous others.

"With the official opening (of the current Northern United Place complex) a very different church concept was introduced to Yellowknife," Roosdahl says. "Besides housing the United Church proper and a chapel used by the Lutherans, the building also contains subsidized apartments for seniors, accommodations for transients and singles, meeting rooms for community groups and space for Aurora College."

The original church building is still in use, serving as the Yellowknife Pentecostal Tabernacle.

Yellowknife United Church obviously has a special place in the lives of numerous current and former city residents. Church office administrator Norma Jarvis says upwards of 550 baptisms have been celebrated at Yellowknife United Church over the years. There have also been weddings, funerals and numerous other events.

Festivities will get under way with a dinner and evening of entertainment Saturday. As a special bonus, the original Gumboots will be returning to Yellowknife in honour of the anniversary.

Though 150 tickets were originally available, as of Wednesday, 145 had been sold. The church's mezzanine will be available beginning around 7:30 p.m. for those who want to take in the entertainment.

On Sunday, a special service will be held to mark the anniversary, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Numerous members of the congregation have devoted countless hours into ensuring the success of the celebrations.