A Note From Carroll Baker
This has been such an exciting year for The Friends of Carroll Baker Society (FOCBS). I applaud them for all they have done! They’ve been working on necessary projects to get Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre open this past summer (Accomplished!). I know it has been a lot of work, with so much more to do, but I have no doubt the FOCBS have a dedicated board of directors who will do whatever is necessary to get the job done. They, along with help of the good people of Nova Scotia, and my home area of Port Medway, they will get much accomplished.
I had the great pleasure of going home to Port Medway this past August 2021 and welcomed people to the Centre for a brief period of time. I am proud to say folks came from near and far. Your kind donations were so appreciated and helpful to the Society.
It was such an amazing day when we had a small jam session. Musicians and singers from the surrounding area offered to help and joined in. Some of them were family members. My cousin, Rick Baker, on acoustic bass guitar; my cousin, Bernie Conrad, on fiddle; and my sister, Rosemary, joined us on stage to do a few numbers and to sing along. We had a mandolin, a sax, several acoustic guitars. It was closest to a down-home kitchen party I have attended in years.
Yes, there were many who offered and came, so just to make sure I won’t miss anyone, I will only mention two singer’s names. My good friend, Dolly Dunn, came all the way from Fredericton, NB, to offer support at her own expense. One of her friends--who is also a singer--came as well. They brought the sound system for us to use. Thank you to Linda Lee for your help, and wow, can she ever sing. Everyone who was there, including yours truly, did this at no cost for the FOCBS.
I would like to thank my good friend Susan Wile for offering her summer home to my husband, John, and I. It was such a beautiful place on Lake Mush Mush. It was a bit of a drive to Port Medway every day and back, but without it, we wouldn’t have been able to visit the Centre. Two weeks of heaven on earth for my husband and I.
As I mentioned there were many more musicians and singers, and if you check out The Facebook Group, Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre, you can join the group and see some of those performances. Thanks to everyone it made my year.
To the good folks who donated money to the FOCBS this past year: "Thank you." Without those donations, there would've been no opening at all this year. My birthday campaign was incredible, and to those who sent a donation as a birthday gift, thank you for that. You all inspire me!
A question I have been asked:
Some people have asked me why the name of the church was changed to the Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre. Firstly, I still call it the church because in my heart it will always be a church. It was one of the churches I used to attend growing up in Port Medway. It was the first place I ever appeared on stage as a very young girl, doing a Christmas recitation. It was also the first place I saw Santa. It was also the first Church I learned about God in Sunday school. I learned many gospel songs in that church, and it is where I met Jesus. So it is, was, and will always be a beacon of hope and strength to me.
However, the church was decommissioned several years ago with no Church members or pastor, so the church needed to be sold. I purchased the church in hopes to keep it as a church, having no idea of the expenses that would be waiting in repairs etc. Let’s just say it’s a lot more than this little country girl bargained for. God knew my intentions and began working in ways only God can do.
Enter The Friends of Carroll Baker Society.
A proposal was made by JF Brown (the first Executive Director) to construct an area in the church to display Carroll Baker awards, costumes, photos of my life and family. It was--everyone thought--a way to respect those who built and attended the church—since it was built in 1865 (it’s old)--and also a way to honour my accomplishments.
I call the church and myself “Two Port Medway Relics”.
The idea was so exciting to me. Not about having a place to honour me, but all about keeping that church in good repair for whenever it was needed.
It was suggested that having the museum within the church could help with the finances, hoping it would draw people from far and wide to visit. JF Brown’s idea gave birth to what is now known as The Friends of Carroll Baker Society.
The building had to have a name, so I quickly called it the Carroll Baker Church Centre.
After a period of time, it was suggested to me that it would be best to change the name. I agreed and ran a Facebook contest to name the building. The winner was Bill Mauws from Alberta, the winning name, “The Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre.” That name said it all!
Will there be church services in the Centre?
“Yes,” and other religious events. It will still be available as a church for services of all Faiths who believe in God and Jesus, weddings, funeral services and other special events. I personally would love to see someone put on an old-fashioned Christmas Concert in the Church, and who knows, I might even show up!! For whatever it's used for, just email the FOCBS, and they will be able to help you.
This past year and a half has been very difficult for everyone in many ways. COVID has changed the world. For me, I have not done a concert since Feb. 2020. It seemed like there was nothing to look forward to. However, I have always been a positive thinking person, and a person of faith, so I know there is a lot more for me to do in my life. I believe God meant for me to acquire the Church, and with the help of God, the board of directors and all of you--whether it be financially to the FOCBS or in kind help such as labour, building supplies, helping with construction etc.--it will all get done.
There needs to be a well drilled, a septic system, and washrooms. Yes. all those things. In days gone by, churches had none of these things, and they are ever so costly.
I would like to thanks JF Brown and George Killam for their efforts, and their idea that became a reality. Although no longer with the Society, I wish both of them all the best in their future endeavours.
To my fans: "Thank you!" When it comes to music, I do it all for you. You are the heartbeat of my music, and my songs. Because of you, this is all happening!
I had the great pleasure of going home to Port Medway this past August 2021 and welcomed people to the Centre for a brief period of time. I am proud to say folks came from near and far. Your kind donations were so appreciated and helpful to the Society.
It was such an amazing day when we had a small jam session. Musicians and singers from the surrounding area offered to help and joined in. Some of them were family members. My cousin, Rick Baker, on acoustic bass guitar; my cousin, Bernie Conrad, on fiddle; and my sister, Rosemary, joined us on stage to do a few numbers and to sing along. We had a mandolin, a sax, several acoustic guitars. It was closest to a down-home kitchen party I have attended in years.
Yes, there were many who offered and came, so just to make sure I won’t miss anyone, I will only mention two singer’s names. My good friend, Dolly Dunn, came all the way from Fredericton, NB, to offer support at her own expense. One of her friends--who is also a singer--came as well. They brought the sound system for us to use. Thank you to Linda Lee for your help, and wow, can she ever sing. Everyone who was there, including yours truly, did this at no cost for the FOCBS.
I would like to thank my good friend Susan Wile for offering her summer home to my husband, John, and I. It was such a beautiful place on Lake Mush Mush. It was a bit of a drive to Port Medway every day and back, but without it, we wouldn’t have been able to visit the Centre. Two weeks of heaven on earth for my husband and I.
As I mentioned there were many more musicians and singers, and if you check out The Facebook Group, Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre, you can join the group and see some of those performances. Thanks to everyone it made my year.
To the good folks who donated money to the FOCBS this past year: "Thank you." Without those donations, there would've been no opening at all this year. My birthday campaign was incredible, and to those who sent a donation as a birthday gift, thank you for that. You all inspire me!
A question I have been asked:
Some people have asked me why the name of the church was changed to the Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre. Firstly, I still call it the church because in my heart it will always be a church. It was one of the churches I used to attend growing up in Port Medway. It was the first place I ever appeared on stage as a very young girl, doing a Christmas recitation. It was also the first place I saw Santa. It was also the first Church I learned about God in Sunday school. I learned many gospel songs in that church, and it is where I met Jesus. So it is, was, and will always be a beacon of hope and strength to me.
However, the church was decommissioned several years ago with no Church members or pastor, so the church needed to be sold. I purchased the church in hopes to keep it as a church, having no idea of the expenses that would be waiting in repairs etc. Let’s just say it’s a lot more than this little country girl bargained for. God knew my intentions and began working in ways only God can do.
Enter The Friends of Carroll Baker Society.
A proposal was made by JF Brown (the first Executive Director) to construct an area in the church to display Carroll Baker awards, costumes, photos of my life and family. It was--everyone thought--a way to respect those who built and attended the church—since it was built in 1865 (it’s old)--and also a way to honour my accomplishments.
I call the church and myself “Two Port Medway Relics”.
The idea was so exciting to me. Not about having a place to honour me, but all about keeping that church in good repair for whenever it was needed.
It was suggested that having the museum within the church could help with the finances, hoping it would draw people from far and wide to visit. JF Brown’s idea gave birth to what is now known as The Friends of Carroll Baker Society.
The building had to have a name, so I quickly called it the Carroll Baker Church Centre.
After a period of time, it was suggested to me that it would be best to change the name. I agreed and ran a Facebook contest to name the building. The winner was Bill Mauws from Alberta, the winning name, “The Carroll Baker Mem’ries Centre.” That name said it all!
Will there be church services in the Centre?
“Yes,” and other religious events. It will still be available as a church for services of all Faiths who believe in God and Jesus, weddings, funeral services and other special events. I personally would love to see someone put on an old-fashioned Christmas Concert in the Church, and who knows, I might even show up!! For whatever it's used for, just email the FOCBS, and they will be able to help you.
This past year and a half has been very difficult for everyone in many ways. COVID has changed the world. For me, I have not done a concert since Feb. 2020. It seemed like there was nothing to look forward to. However, I have always been a positive thinking person, and a person of faith, so I know there is a lot more for me to do in my life. I believe God meant for me to acquire the Church, and with the help of God, the board of directors and all of you--whether it be financially to the FOCBS or in kind help such as labour, building supplies, helping with construction etc.--it will all get done.
There needs to be a well drilled, a septic system, and washrooms. Yes. all those things. In days gone by, churches had none of these things, and they are ever so costly.
I would like to thanks JF Brown and George Killam for their efforts, and their idea that became a reality. Although no longer with the Society, I wish both of them all the best in their future endeavours.
To my fans: "Thank you!" When it comes to music, I do it all for you. You are the heartbeat of my music, and my songs. Because of you, this is all happening!
