THE MUSKOKA SUN: Thursday, August 14, 2008 - A5 Learn Norway Point history at Heritage Foundation AGM n the heels of a L. Somerville, the quaint This Saturday’s meet- Owell-read bestseller church that now nestles ing will feature a video on Baysville’s Harvey in the trees was built in presentation about life at Vanclieaf, members of 1944. It remains an inter- Norway Point by Point the Heritage denominational church. cottager and esteemed Foundation have done an Also in 1908, Norway documentary producer invaluable service by com- Point was transformed Gordon Henderson. He piling another history, this with the opening of the began his career as par- one on Norway Point. Wawa Hotel; Wawa liamentary correspondent Norway Point, named meaning “ goose.” for Global TV, moved on NORWAY POINT c. 1900 and the lone pine tree that remained after the lumbering years. for the Norway pines (also The Wawa was a frame to produce documentar- Due to lightning, it too is gone now. (Submitted photo) known as red pines) that structure with a three-stor- ies for CBC’s The Journal, surrounded the point, is ey central building and a and was the senior field found on the eastern shore two-storey wing on either producer at CTV’s W- of Lake of Bays. During side, accommodating a FIVE. Henderson was sen- the lumbering years, every total of 300 guests. A spec- ior series producer of the Good Sushi Starts Here tree but one was cut down. tacular monument tower, acclaimed 32-hour CBC The lone remaining tree five stories high, crowned series Canada: A People’s became a familiar land- the hotel. Perched atop of History, and now runs a mark, not only in the days the crown was a powerful documentary production spotlight that could shine company. when the land was farmed Lunch / Dine in Only (until 2:30pm) but also when the Wawa for miles. Everyone is welcome to Hotel was in existence, and On Aug. 19, 1923, fire attend and membership finally when the cottages destroyed the Wawa in less forms will be available at were built. In the 1950s, than half an hour, killing the door. Annual dues are the famous tree at the wat- eight people. $25. er’s edge was struck by lightning and destroyed. The public will be able to Norway Point Church celebrates learn much more about the Sunday, Aug. 10 was authored by Dr. Wilfred history of Norway Point at the cause of celebration Lockhart and published the Heritage Foundation’s for 100 years of continu- in 1983, was updated by *Exclude Uni, Sweet Shrimp and Toro Annual General Meeting, ous worship at Norway two current board mem- this Saturday at 11 a.m. at Point Community Chur- bers to cover the last 25 Norway Point Church. ch on Lake of Bays. It years. In 1908, the first was a well-orchestrated Following the service, Norway Point Church was event with co-chair John co-chair David Laing built. The cornerstone was Smith providing the dedicated the plaque on laid on Aug. 8, 1908, by opening remarks and wel- the cairn commemorat- the Rev. Brown and Dr. coming the Rev. Hugh ing the eight founding McTavish. The carpenters Reid from Kingsway ministers and lunch was Tackaberry, along with the Lambton United Church served. A canopy erected Langford brothers, some in as the officiat- the night before had man- assistants and Drs. Neil and ing minister. aged to fall down under MacTavish — who were The church was packed the pressure of rain, but said to be distinguished and members from with copious amounts roofers — began work on around the lake, as well of duct tape and garden Aug. 10, and, in spite of as across the country, poles, it was reassembled some obstacles, the church joined in the celebration. to do its job. And the hosted its first service on Rev. Reid enchanted the food — lunch, punch, Aug. 23, 1908. children by using his coffee, sweets and fruit The church held up puppet to emphasize the — was a wonderful com- until the winter of 1943, morning’s theme of 100 bination enjoyed against when the building col- years young. To complete the background of friend- lapsed under the weight the service, each family ship and a jazz trio. All of heavy snow on March was offered a copy of the in all, a day, thankfully 24. Thanks largely to a church’s 100-year hist- without rain, memorable talented architect, Mr. ory. The first 75 years, to all who attended.