THE SLASH—On a picture-perfect Saturday, May 17, the spirit of community and old-fashioned goodwill was alive and well at Lloyd and Clara Albrecht’s beautifully kept farm in The Slash. Members of the Old Order Amish Church hosted a heartfelt fundraising event to support the construction of a new parochial school.
With 13 Amish families settled in the area, the need for a dedicated schoolhouse has become increasingly urgent. To meet that goal, the community organized a day-long charitable event that brought out a diverse and spirited crowd consisting of members of the Amish community and local Islanders eager to lend their support and spend a joyful day in the countryside. Also in attendance were several family members from the Amish community from down south who had made the trek to Manitoulin to help members of their kin deliver an excellent fundraising event.
The day was organized with the wholesome attitude the Amish are known for. Events began with a bake sale at 10 am, followed by a bountiful pork roast luncheon from 11 am to 1 pm, with takeout available for those on the go. An auction of assorted goods followed at 1 pm, and a second auction featuring handcrafted quilts and stitched items began at 1:30 pm.
Children played freely among baby rabbits and wandered near livestock pens with wide eyes and laughter in the air while adults mingled in good cheer, sharing conversation and smiles. The day had the feel of a classic rural fair, inviting and deeply rooted in the values of family and fellowship.
The highlight of the midday meal was a traditional pig roast featuring five whole pigs donated by members of the Amish community. The smell of slow-roasted pork wafted across the fields as guests lined up at the buffet, eager to fill their plates with roasted pork, picnic salads, and generous helpings of pie. From flaky fruit pies to creamy custards and other homemade specialties, the dessert table was as gracious as it was mouthwatering.
The meal was offered for the cost of a charitable donation, and the spirit of giving was in full bloom. As long lines wove through the buffet, patrons made their way to the adjacent dining space where tables and chairs had been set up, and the atmosphere became one of relaxed community gatherings. Conversations flowed easily among friends and strangers, and storytelling and the unmistakable tone of shared purpose.
Following the meal, attention shifted to the first of two auctions. The first auction featured many items, including used goods, handcrafted tools, and a small selection of animals like roosters and chicks. Other items included vintage signs, gardening implements, and furniture that brought friendly bidding rivalries.
The second auction brought perhaps the event’s most coveted offerings, consisting of handmade quilts and finely stitched textile goods, reflecting the craftsmanship of the Amish community. Perhaps the highest-earning item of the day was a Lone Star quilt, which sold for an impressive $1,000. Another notable sale was a set of six handmade wooden chairs, which sold for $230 each, placing the value of the set at well over a thousand dollars. This showed the support and appreciation for the local Amish artisanship.
Throughout the afternoon, homemade treats, including fresh doughnuts, cookies, and other baked goods, were also available, tempting many to return for second and third rounds of dessert, even after full meals. The sun remained high and warm, and the friendly tone of the day
never faded.
Lloyd Albrecht, whose family farm played host to the event, expressed his sincere gratitude. “We want to thank everyone in the community who came to support our cause. Without their generous support, we couldn’t make this happen.”
Mr. Albrecht noted, “The auction did quite well, and we were pleased with the return.” While the final tally was still being calculated, the day was a success by every other measure. “We were quite pleased with the result of the day, and we look forward to making this an annual event in the area.”
The funds raised will go toward constructing a one-room parochial schoolhouse in the Tehkummah region, a project the community hopes to break ground on soon. However, as Mr. Albrecht noted, zoning remains a current challenge. “Right now, we have eight children in school and three more in Kindergarten,” he explained. “We’re using alternate arrangements for now and have always relied on private schools. But we’re ready for something more.”
While the path ahead still includes some figuring and hurdles, Saturday’s auction was more than a fundraiser; it was an example of what happens when neighbours, both Amish and non-Amish, come together with shared purpose and mutual respect.
In a world that often moves too fast, the event reminded us of the value of slowing down, breaking bread, and showing up for one another. With their generous hospitality, the Old Order Amish Church parish offered a window into a way of life rooted in simplicity and shared responsibility. And if the warmth and goodwill on display were any indication, their schoolhouse won’t remain a dream for long but will likely come to fruition in the near future.
by Ed Prudhomme
