Government of Canada Supports the First Presbyterian Church Brockville Bicentennial Celebrations

BROCKVILLE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 9, 2011) - The First Presbyterian Church Brockville will celebrate its bicentennial from April to December 2011 with support from the Government of Canada. The funding was announced today by Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds–Grenville), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

With this funding, the First Presbyterian Church Brockville will present its bicentennial celebration, which will feature the work of about 90 local artists, artisans, and performers. Commemorative activities include musical performances by local artists, as well as historical storytelling and re-enactments by local performers that will highlight the history of the church within the community.

"Local historical celebrations enable citizens to become more aware of the value of their shared heritage and to enjoy works created by local performers and artists," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to support the 200^th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church Brockville."

"I am thrilled that the Government of Canada is supporting the 200^th anniversary celebrations of the First Presbyterian Church, which is the oldest congregation in Brockville," said Mr. Brown. "Brockville has a rich history that deserves to be highlighted, and I thank the volunteers for their hard work in planning the celebrations for this important event in the community."

"We are grateful for the support from the Government of Canada in helping to create awareness of the historical significance of the church as one of the oldest heritage structures and institutions in Upper Canada," said Walter Veenstra, Bicentennial Committee Chair, First Presbyterian Church. "The grant will enable a suitable and quality outreach to the community of Brockville."

The First Presbyterian Church Brockville Bicentennial Committee is a local, unincorporated, volunteer-run organization that was formed to plan and implement the bicentennial celebrations.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $3,800 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)