Celebrating 100 years of Glory - Douglas family member helped Rev. Imes with baptisms

Norma-Jean Johnston
Special to the Record

The memories of the Norlund and Douglas families are inextricably entwined with each other and with
Knox United Church in Rainy River. These are the reminiscences of Susan (Norlund) and Mark Douglas, who were married at Knox on August 22nd, 1972, and have recently returned to make Rainy River their retirement home.
Mark begins, “Grampa Bill Douglas came to Rainy River and my dad, Art Douglas, was born and raised here. He became quite involved in Knox when he came back from WWII. A friend was shot and killed in the trenches beside him and he kept his promise to serve God. He kept his boys in the Church too, until they were 17 years old and allowed to decide for themselves.”
Mark is sure that this was the right thing to do. “You have to instruct your children. Not all their friends go to church, so it is important to give yours their basic morals and values.” He observed that when his first child was born, “It was instinct to bring my children to the Church. I was happy with my life. I wanted to emulate my parents and continue those things that worked.” Mark also felt the strong support of the church family wherever he lived. Everyone in the church family helps to raise your children.
Mark adored his dad, Art. “We always looked up to him. We were proud of his accomplishments. He served in the War; he was a hard worker as Roads Superintendent; he didn’t drink to excess. I saw people who did drink too much and the results.”
The Art Douglas family first lived on the river and then moved to “Bonny Briar” (1 mile north of RR on Hwy 600) in 1956. Art had a big veggie garden and often gave away produce. He used to pick up ladies from Heritage House and give them a ride to church. He assisted Rev. Imes with baptisms. The family treasures a baptismal photo of Jo-anne Hiebert (Beyak) and sons, Ben and Jeremy, with Art and Rev. Ralph Imes.
Vern and Dot Norlund moved to Rainy River in the summer of 1958. They bought the gas station that is now Marmus Shell and lived next door to it. The Norlund girls are Carol (Fraser), Bonnie (Toles), Debra (LeMaistre), Susan (Douglas), and Shelley Norlund. They grew up in Knox United and remain active in their respective churches.
Susan remembers Bert, Peter, Steven and Michael, the children of the Rev. Frank Rutledge, sitting with their mother, Beth, on the left, front pew of the church.
One time a Canadian Girls In Training leader that had gone to Scotland brought back shortbread for each of the girls. “That was a pretty fantastic treat,” she muses.
“I remember Bud Hannam playing Santa Claus, sitting up on the stage at the front of the church, giving out bags with an oranges and hard ribbon Christmas candy. It was really exciting, with announcements that Santa had reached Pinewood, then Sleeman, and then we heard the bells at the door.”
When Sue was 13 she asked Rev. Rutledge if she could be confirmed. He replied, “No. Go and experience other churches and when you are older, if you still feel that way, you can join.” Sue went to every church in the community, and when she was 17, she was confirmed by Rev. W. C. Christie.
In Sunday School, she was taught the stories of Jesus, but in confirmation she was trying to learn “Who is God?” She wanted in-depth discussion and study and knowledgeable answers before making her commitment to the church.
At age 16, with the support of Rev. Christie, Sue started a teen group. Some of the older members were Ian Johnson, Randy Carpenter and Janice Hall were there. One night the group went to the pool hall and Mr. Boonstra let them in to play pool after hours.
Susan Norlund and Mark Douglas were married in Knox United, on August 22, 1972. “We gave our parents 24 hours notice because we were leaving for Confederation College in Thunder Bay the following Monday.”
Nonnie Hagarty sold them the marriage license and Patsy Nicholson did Sue’s hair.
Sue recalls. “We borrowed decorations from a Masonic Ball, and Marie (Storksen) Kreger’s Wedding Cake. Bob Storksen played the organ, and Mrs. Storksen was the soloist.
Steve and Joanne Beyak were the best man and maid of honour.
A month later, Knox threw me a wedding shower. I received so many beautiful, generous gifts, but I was most touched because they gave because they wanted to.” The ladies of the shower committee were Joan Hall, Verlain Melin, Peg Livingston, Elsie Ewald, Mary McMahon, Joy Bourre, Vera Melin, Gayleen Szlauko, Ruth Michie, Eileen Hodges, Francis Amundsen, Ellen Parkin, Norma Johnson, Marg Thompson, Clara Marr, Velma Nordberg, Winnie Morrison, Jessie Martinson, Frances Bourre, Dode Budreau, Isabella McInnes, Theresa Storkson, Lorna Ronning and Lil Podscalny.
Mark and Sue made their home in Thunder Bay, returning frequently. with two of their three sons being baptized at RR’s United Church.
Welcome home, Mark and Sue.