Highlights of 2024

---

Our membership drive through July boosted our numbers by 20 per cent, giving us more than a hundred "Friends of St. Alban's." Welcome to all and thanks for getting the word out. 

Several dozen revellers gathered on December 10 for a Christmas songfest led by local musicians John and Christopher Hall. In the process, we also managed to collect two carloads of food donations for the Morningstar Mission in Napanee.

On November 11, friends and neighbours gathered at our Remembrance Day ceremony to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Guest speaker Warrant Officer James Brown, CD, spoke on the topic of "service," drawing on anecdotes from his operational tours to Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

The energy and enthusiasm of young musicians created a festive atmosphere at St. Alban’s Centre on August 27th during an event to support the Harmony Music Lounge. Harmony Lounge is an after-school music programme in Napanee that aims to eliminate financial barriers for young students interested in music. Solo performers and rock bands from the charitable organization entertained the crowd. They bill included The Switzerville Sound, Sara Lalande, Kayleigh Beattie and Julia Clair, Jade Peters, Duncan Smith, Adam Chadwick, Hannah Clancy, PlaceHolder, and Nate The Nobody.

More than 130 people enjoyed the New Zealand blue cod from Mundell's at the sold-out fish fry on July 23. Thanks to all participants for making this one of the best community events of the summer.

The annual UEL service celebrates the landing of the United Empire Loyalists in Adolphustown beginning in 1784. This year's event, held on June 18th in collaboration with the UEL Heritage Centre and Park, was a huge success. It included re-enacted battles, a church service - with keynote speaker R. Donald Maracle, chief of the Mohawks of Bay of Quinte - and afternoon tea.