It’s been a great August 1st long weekend as we celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of the founding of the Powell River Townsite. Established one hundred years ago by the Powell River Paper Company and now a federally designated heritage site, the Townsite is rich in history and culture. Thanks to Heritage Society members who spared no effort in making this celebration one the founding fathers would have been proud to endorse. For hubbie and me it started with Saturday’s parade. Though not a huge spectacle, it was nonetheless impressive. The swirl of pipes always thrills me and I continuously choke back tears when I see our aging veterans march, albeit more slowly each year, Canadian and Legion flags waving in the breeze. I cheered and clapped and collected a few candies as the rest of the procession marched by.

Now fast-forward to Sunday afternoon and the Tea and Fashion Show which took place in Dwight Hall. (This magnificent building has hosted choirs, dances, meetings, weddings and so much more for a century yet its elegance is undiminished) Local gals modeled authentic outfits from the 1900s through the 1950s. Wow, what a great reminder of the stylishness of those decades! I was just one of many who wore period costumes and hats to celebrate the occasion. Makes me wish….

Of all that I saw and heard so far, however, it was the words of several speakers that most touched me. “When we fail to appreciate the past, we cannot rightly prepare for the future… Record today’s history for the next generation… the present is our future history.”

“…it is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that follow, that we will worship the LORD at his sanctuary….” Joshua 22:27

In remembering our past and looking to our future, let’s not forget God.