Saint Ansgar's Lutheran Church
Montreal - Quebec - Canada

ST. ANSGAR'S SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY

October 31st 1987
Melody: Auld Lang Syne

A church, a quiet somber place, or so some it perceive,
But in St. Ansgar's we don't quite tranquility achieve.
Some people think they hear too much and others not at all;
But echo, clatter, clinks we blame on speakers on the wall.

St. Ansgar's congregation is a friendly lot, and that
To consternation music folks, means we're inclined to chat.
The council meets and tries to make, oh regulations, laws;
Sometimes it works and sometimes not - we keep our built-in flaws.

The ushers greet you with a smile, if they show up at all; Someone is scrambling up the stairs, when bell to worship calls. Some folks complain if service lasts four minutes - five past noon; Then rally 'round' the coffee pot and talk all afternoon.

The choir like an angel flock with funny half-cut wings,
They practice warble, hum and chirp - and sometimes even sing.
We place a barren tree in church to sprout with baby shirts;
In barrel tuna fish collect. Give shirt away! It hurts.

We're always saving; tablecloths get used on both their sides;
Still on the Danish Ladies Aid oft budget balance lies.
They'll make you knit, sew pillowcase, then with a certain knack
Make sure you sell it at bazaar - or else do buy it back!

Our pastor buys a car or two instead of bottle wine,
Your dog got lost? It may be worth in "Messenger" a line.
The typist, editor work hard, bring such important news;
When feeling low, to laugh at self helps chase away the blues.

Our pastor may be overworked, his hair sports lots of grays,
But all pitch in, we persevere, make sure St. Answer's stays
A warm and friendly place for all, who seek in church a pew;
St. Answer's church will always be the place for me and you.

A tiny flock courageous Danes built church on hope and faith,
On widows mite and sacrifice, with patience, work and grace.
St. Answer's stands, reach' towards the sky, all people it embrace;
Be grateful then, let sing the heart - to God give thanks and praise.

Minna Golding

TO MARAT M. HOLOBOW & MARIAN HOLOBOW
On the Occasion of Pastor Holobow's Retirement
June 1989

Melody: Battle Hymn

Together here this Sunday - O to wish our Pastor well,
As he chose his independence from our call-to-worship bell;
To the sermons, meetings, Messenger and print of bulletins, Our Marty says fare-well.

Listen to our Pastor humming (3x)
A sweet retirement tune.

Our Marty likes to read and so, we hear the Gospel twice,
O but only if no wires crossed and caution exercised,
For he's army trained in wire-less where microphones don't sigh, And batteries don't die.

Listen to the squeaky speakers (3x
Soft whispering good-bye.

If Pastor Marty's thoughts take off, at times on lofty routes,
Its because he used to fly his plane away above the clouds.
Now his thoughts go down to Lake Champlain, to boat and woods you see, And doing carpentry.

Saw and nails and hammer swinging, (3x)
Build room for you and me.

The best 'bout Marty is his wife, for she can do all things,
And her smile lights up the darkest room, she cheerfulness us brings,
She can sew and draw and write and sing and with the greatest ease, She plays piano keys.

SawListen to our children singing (3x)
They sing for Marian.

Eight years have passed since Marty came St. Ansgar's Pastor be,
But it seems like only yesterday, that first we saw his grin.
And now memories they keep us bound, love us together tie'. We cannot say good-bye.

Listen to the organ playing (3x)
"St. Ansgar's is your home".

Your cheerfulness and friendly hugs, your smile and helping hand,
All bear ness to a living faith, we all can understand.
So we thank you for the years we shared, your work and friendship too.
Wish God may bless you two.

Marty, Marian we thank you (3x)
Wish God may bless you two.

Minna