Closure of St John, Matchedash
FulcrumCC
The vestry of St John, Matchedash in the parish of Coldwater-Medonte met on October 5, 2016, in order to vote on a motion to disestablish the congregation. With twelve members present the motion passed unanimously. The main reason for deciding to close was the small number of people who had been participating and providing necessary leadership for several years. Attempts to engage the wider community in the ministry had not been successful. The members believed that the congregation's ministry in this form had come to an end. Accordingly, Bishop Fenty, area bishop for York-Simcoe, diocese of Toronto, led a service of thanksgiving at the final gathering of the congregation on October 16, where seventy people were in attendance. Arrangements for St John Cemetery to continue to function under alternate legal responsibility are currently in progress.