The Board of Directors, donors, members and special guests of the Sharon Temple Museum Society celebrated the 175th Anniversary of the Sharon Temple on Sunday, June 3rd in association with the inauguration of the revived Music at Sharon concert series. The proceeds from this special evening recognized the 175th anniversary of this significant Canadian heritage site, and supported the enhanced conservation and education programmes of the Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum.

A lively afternoon and evening was had by all, with stirring music by Jacques Israelievitch, Concert Master of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, wonderful food by Merlyn’s Unique Caterers, and fine wines from Southbrook Winery.

A number of special guests were honored at the 175th Anniversary Gala for their longstanding dedication and achievements in promoting and preserving the Sharon Temple National Historic Site over decades, including Ruth Haines, a former executive director of the site for some 20 years, Dr. Edwin Hunt, a former Board member and organizer of Music at Sharon, Katherine Brydon, another past Board member who was an enthusiastic promoter of Music at Sharon, and Lawrence Cherney, the Founding Artistic Director of the original Music at Sharon in 1981.

Honored guest, Dr. Edwin Hunt (far left) sits down with family and friends to toast the 175th Anniversary of the Sharon Temple.

Honored guest, Ruth Haines (left), a former Executive Director of the Sharon Temple National Historic Site, with her daughter.

Internationally renowned physicist, humanitarian and peace activist, Dr. Ursula Franklin, passionately addressed the after-dinner crowd about the importance of individual commitment and action to local and global social issues in the promotion of world change.

Dr. Ursula Franklin chats with Dr. John McIntyre, Director/Curator (left) and Dan Nelson, Board Chair (right) on the grounds of the Sharon Temple before the Gala dinner.

The event was attended by many Board members, including Jenny Carver, President, with her family and friends, John Sewell, renowned journalist, writer, and a former mayor of Toronto, Brooke Jarvis, representing the York Pioneer and Historical Society, and Jamie Goad, architect and co-owner of The Distillery District. We were honored that Julia Munro, MPP York North, joined the festivities with her husband John.

Julia Munro, MPP York North and Owen Slingerland, STMS member, tip a glass at the 175th Anniversary Gala in the Temperance Hall.

STMS supporters Fran and David McCarthy enjoy the 175th Anniversary Gala.

The evening ended with a lively and competitive fundraising auction led by Luigi Ferrara, Vice-President of the Sharon Temple Museum Society and Director, School of Design and Institute without Boundaries, George Brown College. A series of photographic banners ? featuring stunning views of the Sharon Temple then and now ? produced by Sharon Temple Museum Society Board member, architectural historian and University of Toronto lecturer Mark Fram, were auctioned off to raise funds for future Temple restoration projects.

Stan Bevington, Publisher, Coach House Books (left), Lawrence Cherney, Artistic Director, Soundstreams, and Mark Fram (right).

 

We thank our Sponsors for generously supporting the
175th Anniversary Gala in 2007.

Invitation Sponsor

Gala Wine Sponsor

Gala Caterer

Financial Supporter

Are you interested in sponsoring our Annual Gala?
Please contact John McIntyre at john.mcintyre@sharontemple.ca