On an early-fall Tuesday, under a beautiful blue sky, several parishioners from St. Paul’s Church, Shelburne, gathered to give thanks for a new walkway. Rt. Rev. Ralph Spence, Anglican Bishop of Niagara, presided over a short prayer service in front of the church and many stayed for a luncheon provided by the St. Paul’s ACW (Anglican Church Women).

The need for the new walkway had been evident for a number of years and under the direction of church wardens Robert Atkinson and Robert Rounding it has finally become a reality. The project was designed by Ted Metz and local businesses and trades contributed both materials and skills. A substantial portion of the cost of the construction came from a bequest made by Stella Trudgeon, with the remaining funds coming from other members of the parish.

It has been said that Ms. Trudgeon would have been very pleased with the result. A temporary plaque has been placed on the walkway with a permanent one to follow in the spring.

The multiple stairs and long walk from the parking lot to the front doors was making it quite difficult for some people to attend services at St. Paul’s. The length of the new walkway is about one-third that of the original and has no steps.

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ferris, long-time parishioners of St. Paul’s, were especially pleased with the new walkway.

The following Sunday (Oct. 1), Rev. Mary Ranger, honorary assistant at St. Paul’s, presided at a special service for the Blessing of the Animals.

The Rector, Rev. Susan Wilson, describes the service as “lively, enthusiastic and, well . . . noisy, joyously noisy!

“People from the parish and visitors from the community along with their various pets enjoy coming to this special service which has become a tradition at St. Paul’s on the Sunday nearest October 4, the day we remember and celebrate St. Francis of Assisi.”

St. Paul’s describes itself as “a welcoming family church,” with Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. and a short service on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. that’s followed by a light luncheon and discussion.

“We call it ‘Saints and

Soup,” Ms. Wilson said, adding: “All are welcome.”