A moving—and surprising—ceremony was held on May 15 in honour of Don and Gladys Parsons for 60 years of service to the Trinity United Church in Cookshire. Its community centre is now named Salle Parsons Hall, with a special plaque presented—much to the Parsons’ surprise Friday afternoon as over 60 family members, friends, and supporters honoured them.

“You guys are sneaks!” Don said after all the unexpected tributes. “But it’s very, very nice,” he continued, with emotion. “We both really appreciate all the work we’ve had help with here, and we continue to do as much as we can.”

“Don wanted to come earlier this afternoon because there might be something he had to do,” Gladys added. He did not know the true purpose of the event, and Gladys didn’t know she would be honoured too.

Emcee Bob Halsall noted that the Parsons invested personal money in the church to help restore it at a crucial moment in its history.

“There was a time when this building was closed,” said the Reverend Tami Spires, before blessing the event and hall. “There was a time when there was no congregation in this building. It was because of the tireless efforts of Don and Glad and others that church came back here.”

“Don’t worry, the place is still your place,” said Gilles Denis, whose community group, Espace culturel Cookshire-Eaton acquired the building last year. “If you need the place, ask Bob, and we will make a [schedule],” he continued, in English.

Warm applause and appreciation followed.