Church becomes hive of activity

By Rose Willigar

The Record

FOX RIVER - The Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Fox River has become a hive of activity since honey bees have taken up residence, making the move into the land of milk and honey a fitting verse for last Sundays sermon.

In winter bees hibernate, until they think spring has arrived, which seems to be the case after bees moved into the church. Bishop Sue Moxley, bishop for Anglican churches in the dioceses of Nova Scotia and PEI, attended last Sunday's service and seemed to enjoy the sermon, which comes from the book Deuteronomy.

It was about a month ago when the bees were first noticed, Reverend Tory Byrne says. The bees began awakening whenever the heat was turned on for services held every second Sunday. Coexisting with the bees during prayer, Byrne says, has not been a problem.

"This past Sunday, one gentleman who has worked with honey bees proudly sat on the side of the church where the bees seem to congregate. Another gentleman sat with him," Byrne said.

Bryne, who said honey bees are valuable to the area local economy with pollination of crops, is adamant that the bees not be destroyed and is willing to coexist with the bees until they can be transported in late April or May with no damage to the hive or the queen hibernating inside.

"Angus Pettigrew, a gentleman who is familiar with bee activity said there wasn't much that can be done at this time and suggested food be put out for the bees therefore they shouldn't bother the congregation during services," Byrne said adding that the bees are healthy bees.

Ruth Allen, member of the parish council reiterated that they would like to see the bees relocated and not harmed.

"They are definitely Anglican bees," Allen joked.

According to Allen the bees have located themselves in the walls at the front of the church and when the heat is turned on or the sun shines through a large window at the back of the church the bees congregate at the back by the window.

Byrne said the bees don't seem to be affecting attendance with 27 parishioners at the church last Sunday, but added that the concern would be someone with allergies being stung.

"We want to find exactly where the bees are located in the wall and want them moved in a productive way in the spring," Byrne said.

Services are held every second Sunday at Holy Trinity in Fox River, the church alternates service with the Grace United Church in Port Greville.



rwilligar@springhillrecord.com