NEW GLASGOW, N.S.
The MacDonald Memorial Ministry Building on Munroe Avenue has closed along with the Community Cupboard it was home to.
But Harriet Jenereaux believes God liked what he saw there in recent years.
About eight and a half years ago, Jenereaux approached the pastor of Munroe Avenue Baptist Church – now Maranatha Bible Church – with an idea.
She had been at a local second-hand store and paid $7 to buy a coat for a relative. She thought of people in the church who had many unused or unwanted items, so why not give away some?
“Let’s, for the month of February – which is the month of love – open up our doors and give away stuff for free,” she suggested.
One month turned to many.
It was the start of a ministry that continued until Aug. 30 this year as the Community Cupboard. For more than eight years the group opened their doors once a week to help people who could use the items. Some were students needing to set up an apartment. Others were people escaping an abusive relationship. Still others simply couldn’t afford the clothing or household items. And through it, Jenereaux found a way to share her love of people and love of God.
Its closure came after structural problems were found with the Munroe Avenue building and as much as it breaks her heart to see it end, Jenereaux looks back with a sense of pride at the good the ministry was able to do.
“It was the biggest ministry I was ever involved in,” she said, estimating around 130 people came each week. For her, it was about more than just meeting people’s physical needs. She enjoyed talking with people, crying with them at times and praying with them.
“The Lord liked what we were doing,” she said. “He blessed.”
People donated money to buy food for them to give out. The Salvation Army gave donated items that didn’t sell at their second-hand store and occasionally other businesses in town gave unsold merchandise. All of it went to help fill needs.
Even as it closes, Jenereaux sees a heavenly hand in it all. Many of the volunteers are aging and have heart conditions.
“I can see the Lord saying ‘You have done your service. It’s time now to retire.’”
Pastor Jerry Stearns said the volunteer effort that went into the Community Cupboard was amazing.
“I am so thankful for the hours and hours the volunteers have put in and the time and sacrifice and energy,” he said. “Their commitment to this place was tremendous. That’s why it worked. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Irene Landry has volunteered for about seven years and tears up as she thinks about it closing.
“It was all about helping,” she said.
Jenereaux refuses to be discouraged and truly believes that when God closes one door, he opens another.
Stearns said although the building is closing, Maranatha Bible Church will carry on their mission.
“We are ready and willing to help anybody at any time,” he said.
Stearns said it’s unclear what will happen with the property, but selling it is a consideration.
The community garden located there will continue to operate for this year though, with food going to those who can use it.
