Classic Car Enthusiasts and Church History Lovers…Mark your Calendars for a Unique Doubleheader!
On Thursday, May 23, the Austin Healey Car Club of New England will be presenting a car show featuring an array of classic Austin Healey autos. The show will take place on the grounds of the Simsbury Historical Society, 800 Hopmeadow Street, directly across from the church. It runs from 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm. Admission is free and all are welcome.
In support of this community event, and at Pastor Gene’s urging, the church sanctuary will be open for tours. Mel Kawakami and Alan Lahue will be on hand to share stories about the building’s long history and some of its most prominent features, including the stained glass windows. Jen Acheson and Bob Shea will offer tours of the carillon for adventurous music lovers. The hours are 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm. Admission is free and all are welcome.
But, you may ask, what’s the connection? What do old cars and old church buildings have in common? In this case, more than you might think.
Many of you may know that cars are one of Pastor Gene’s passions. It’s an interest he shares with some of the church’s distinguished forebears. In 1900 an early adopter of the new automotive technology was Joseph Ensign. He served as the church’s music director and organist for forty years and owned one of the first automobiles in Simsbury. A few years later his father, Ralph Ensign, purchased a luxurious, chauffeur-driven Packard that his wife Susan reportedly borrowed from time to time to take other women from the church to out-of-town meetings.
Ralph Ensign’s legacy, of course, includes more than cars. He was the benefactor (with a little push from Susan) responsible for the building of the current church. Ralph and Susan’s names are also closely connected, as either donors or honorees, with several of its earliest and most beautiful stained glass windows.
We don’t often offer public tours, but on May 23 church members, out-of-town visitors, and local residents - whether they’re car buffs or not – are welcome to stop by and learn about the construction of the church and the carillon, the saga of the stained glass windows, and the love story that started it all.
For more information about the Austin Healey Car Club of New England, check out their website.
Please note that the Fellowship Hall, Educational wing, and kitchen will not be part of the tours as LLI will be in session all day on May 23.
- Alan Lahue