Page 10 | THE LAKER June 6, 2022
Yester year
Those Fascinating Islands By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper Every lake has islands and all hold fascination for landlubbers. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake, has islands, both large and small. All the islands have stories steeped in history, with folklore tales ranging from a female ferryboat operator to the cows of Cow Island. There is nothing as inspiring as attending an outdoor church services, whether on the shores of the lake or on an island. Two such unusual church service locations exist in the Lakes Region to this day and offer vacationers and others some memorable options for worship. Bear Island is one of Winnipesaukee’s larger islands, and it has a goodsized summer population. Some years ago, the Bear Island Association published the original Bear Island Reflections, a book that chronicles the history of the people and homes on the island. Bear Island is home to a beautiful church called St. John’s Church-onthe-Lake. There was not always a church on the island and early vacationers rowed to attend Sunday services on Meredith Neck. Islanders, however,
Oak Hill Golf Course
A view of some of Winnipesaukee’s island.
wanted a solid place of worship, and set about constructing something permanent on Bear Island. Two ministers had a dream of a church for the island, where residents could attend and be spared the long boat ride to a church on the shore. Reverend Edward Melville Parker, the Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire, and the Reverend Kenneth Ripley Forbes of Connecticut and Birch Island saw the need for a summer chapel
Pease Road, Meredith
on Bear Island. They wanted a chapel to be built upon the highest point on Bear Island. At the spot where they foresaw a chapel, a big observation tower already existed. It was built about 1900 and offered beautiful views of the lake and surrounding area. It was the perfect location for an island church. In 1926, a piece of land was purchased on Bear Island for the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. It was the
Visit KingswoodGolfClub.com
279-4438
New Member Special
2022 RATES 9 Holes $16 18 Holes $26 Unlimited Golf After 3 pm $16 After 5 pm $12
www.oakhillgc.com
spot of the tower, which was repaired and enclosed, with a sanctuary built of local stone erected around the tower. Islanders donated funds to help cover the cost of building the chapel. In July of 1927, the new chapel was dedicated in memory of Bishop Edward Parker, who had died before the realization of his dream. The new and architecturally unique chapel intrigued mainlanders, and boatloads of worshippers from the Weirs and other towns would arrive for island worship during the summer. The services were interesting and the atmosphere very camp-like. Folded wooden chairs were set in rows with a hymnbook placed under a round straw cushion on each seat. Some worshippers used the straw cushions for kneeling during the services, while others sat upon the cushions. Governor’s Island, one of the larger Winnipesaukee islands, is attached to the mainland by a little bridge. Currently inhabited by year-round residents who enjoy the exclusive community, • Yesteryear continued on page 11
New Equity Members save $500 on your first year’s dues
“The Total Golf Club Experience” Route 28, S. Wolfeboro, NH
Enjoy Clubhouse, Lounge, Fully Stocked Pro Shop & League Play Range and Cart plans available
Open to the public anytime Call for Tee Times 569-3569 Cannot be combined with any other promo/offers.
HIGHLANDMOUNTAIN.COM/CAMPS Windham ● Warner ● Tilton, NH
Memberships Available
