MEMORIES
Our favorite memory of
PCTC is our visits on weekends from Regina to assist in the
building of PCTC in the early 50's. Really enjoyed the vespers
on the hillside. Appreciated the leadership of Dr. Bill.
Jean
and George Sibbald, Saskatoon, SK
My first experience with PCTC was
attending my sister's graduation from a winter course she had
taken in the early 60's - and also to meet her fiancé whom she
had met at the same course. Margie and Ron have celebrated their
36th wedding anniversary, are parents to two fine children and
grandparents to three beautiful cherubs. And it all started at
PCTC!
Elaine Kowpak, Harris, SK
I have been to
PCTC three times over the years, and appreciate having such a
facility in such a beautiful setting. But my best memory was the
study tour to Nicaragua, sponsored by PCTC. Fourteen of us,
including three ministers, a Catholic, an Anglican, one married
couple from ON, one high school student, one band leader, two
farmers, etc. melded into a friendly, mean lean learning
machine. What a great opportunity to learn the history and
politics, tour a refugee camp, visit a school for street
children in Managua, fly and boat to Pearl Lagoon to meet Lesley
Harrison, a United Church minister originally from Prince
Albert, at that time pastor of the Moravian Church. We had one
free day at the Cayes, to get sunburnt. We were treated like
visiting royalty, and had interpreters when needed. Truly my
best winter holiday to date, and I've done a fair amount of
travelling.
Irene Nagel, Moose Jaw, SK
In the very early sixties
I attended a week long session for Sunday School teachers at
PCTC. Some things are quite vivid in my mind - sleeping in the
top bunk and the bathroom lineups!!! The one event that really
stands out as my fondest memory was the communion service. Some
of us felt that a service of communion at the end of the week
would be a very special ending for a special session. When the
minister leading the course said "Well, my robe is back in
Winnipeg and I don't know if there is a communion set
here," needless to say we were deflated. Suddenly, his face
lit up as he said "Let's celebrate with our evening
snack!" Cookies and tea for communion???? It was indeed a
very special ending. There weren't very many dry eyes as we left
the dining hall that evening. I've never found words to describe
my feelings, but obviously it left an impression on me. That
minister was a very wise man indeed.
Dorothy Morrow, Nipawin, SK
Many memories come to mind when I
think of PCTC. My first introduction to PCTC was when my husband
and I visited on our honeymoon in September, 1957. Only one of
the dorms was built (I believe Manitoba Hall). Some of the staff
had a bit of fun informing us that it was the Men's Dorm and
they were puzzled as to where the new bride would have to sleep.
After considerable thought (and laughter) we both were allowed
to spend the night in Manitoba Hall.
The tranquility of The
Centre, nestled in the picturesque Qu'Appelle Valley was a
peaceful sanctuary for so many of us. The brisk early morning
walks, as well as the climb to the top of the hill to pick the
first crocuses or listening to the clinking of the ice going out
on Echo Lake in the spring, were all special memories.
Attending
many of the Women's Spring Events and being on some of the
planning teams were highlights for me, as well as a change of
pace from the work-a-day world in the city. The inspirational
music, the new songs we learned, the information and ideas we
gleaned from the workshops which were lead by a team of great
resource people, provided a rich environment for the
strengthening of our faith and beliefs.
Talent Night always
amazed us. From the sublime to the ridiculous, we participated
in humourous skits, fashion shows, songs, recitations and dance
that transformed the lounge into a theatre, like none other.
Laughter was contagious and could be heard throughout, as each
person or group performed. "Broadway" couldn't come
close to "OUR" talent.
We always seemed ready for
snack time and looked forward to the nutritious, tasty meals
prepared for us. Many times while I was there, Marleen was the
pleasant lady in the kitchen, along with her helpers. She always
seemed to have everything under control. Setting tables, singing
new and familiar table blessings as well as cleaning up, were
all a part of the good times shared.
Getting to know people from
various churches, making new friends, talking and listening to
those who had a story to tell and felt confident in telling it,
at PCTC were all fond memories. Brushing tears from our eyes,
accompanied by hugs, we said our good-byes, with plans to meet
again at PCTC.
Donna Peck-Harland Winnipeg, MB
Your location is beautiful, your
purpose of high standards. I was there for the seminar on Union
with the Anglican Church - THAT LONG AGO!
Betty McLeod
My favorite memory of PCTC is a
music workshop in the summer. I can't remember the year, but the
featured leader was Sydney Carter. He had a drum under one arm -
on which he beat time - and he never stood still - constantly
moving. Many other enjoyable times too.
Rev. Dr. I. Marguerite
Miller
I was a student of the
"Winter Course" (October 1955 - March 1956) having
enrolled in early October 1955, at the Prairie Christian
Training Centre. Dr. William F. Clarke was the Principal at that
time.
The first semester of the Winter Course for students
taking classes in Christian Education Leadership Training
commenced in October through December. After a 'break' over the
Christmas holidays, classes resumed in January to about the end
of March.
There were visiting lecturers, professors, and
ministers who came to conduct classes on Bible Study; for
example, there were classes on The Psalms, a study on Characters
of the Old Testament, in the New Testament, The Book of Acts;
The Meaning of Faith - What We Believe; Church History; Church
Music; Christian Education sessions with emphasis on mid-week
groups, as well as instruction in Art and Handicrafts.
Students
formed into small groups, which would be assigned to planning
and conducting daily morning Chapel services in the Chapel and
the great HYMN-SINGS we had in the Lounge by the fireplace.
In
retrospect, I believe it was really a marvelous opportunity for
growing in the Christian faith, and indeed, it also gave
students splendid learning experiences in sharing their faith
with others.
As I look back over the years, I am filled with a
sense of profound gratitude and a heart of thanksgiving to God
for the Prairie Christian Training Centre, and that I was
privileged to be a student of what was known as the "Winter
Course" back in the 1950's.
Mabel (Cotton) Colquhoun,
Regina, SK
