AOTS HISTORY |
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AOTS has a rich and long history. The organization was born in Vancouver in 1923. The first official club was formed that year by Herbert Riggs, a physician at Kerrisdale Methodist (now Ryerson United Church). The concept spread quickly to other churches and communities on the West Coast, then steadily across Canada. By the mid-fifties, there were close to 10,000 members in Canada and Bermuda. In the early years of its existence, AOTS, although recognized by the church, was an independent organization. Currently, the National Association of AOTS Men's Clubs is officially integrated into the structure of the United Church of Canada. There are over 60 active clubs meeting and serving in communities across the country, from Vancouver to Newfoundland. Northminster United Church has its own history with AOTS. From research that was recently done during the 75th Anniversary celebrations (2003), there is documented evidence in the church archives of an AOTS Club receiving its charter in 1931. The first president was J.B. Reed. As years went on, the club disbanded and was again re-organized in 1949. Harold Hawkshaw, who is still active in the congregation, was a member of Northminster AOTS during the 1950's. During the 1960's, Dr. Harry Mellow along with familiar names like, Ross White, Victor Cubitt, Ernie Cook, Herb Chesebrough, Roy Barrand and Jim Young, kept the club alive. As sometimes happens, there was another period when the club ceased to be active. Then, in 1995, Richard Parker ignited the flame of enthusiasm and rallied a core group of people together and a new charter was received. With Richard as President, followed by Bill Nash (1998), and Harry Gibbard (1999 - 2006), and currently, Morley Davidson, the Northminster United Church AOTS Men's Club continues to carry on. |