North Bay, Ontario – Spanish, Ontario
We worshiped at Calvin Presbyterian Church in North Bay this morning, where we found the pastor and congregation very friendly. Calvin PC is a congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. We were drawn here by its website emphasis on welcoming the elderly. During the announcements time prior to worship, the congregation sang the Canadian national anthem and prayed for Canada on its 152nd birthday (which is actually July 1) in gratitude for its freedom of religion, to be good Stewards of the environment, and to “continue demonstrating Canadian values of compassion and generosity throughout the world.” In the bulletin was this line: “To our American neighbors south of the border, we wish them a Happy 4th of July!”
We have been surprised to see only a couple American license plates since we entered Ontario. We’ve also noticed completely-black squirrels, black ravens the size of chickens, and a lack of respect for black coffee. (Coffee is always served complete with cream and sugar; you have to request black if you want it.) We do appreciate not having to drive on the other side of the road.
Speaking of which, occasionally the road leads us past the strikingly unusual, like this residence in downtown North Bay, and it takes a moment to discern an appropriate response. Our reaction to this home ran the gamut between laughter and tears, with sincere sympathy for the neighbors.
The rest of our day was uneventful, until we rounded another bend in the road and . . .
On the Road Again 