Mission, Vision & History
Mission
Five Oaks is a learning and retreat centre that nurtures renewal and transformation in a sacred, natural setting.
Values
1. A place for all
2. Individual wholeness
3. Congregational leadership
4. Societal responsiveness
5. Environmental sustainability
Vision Statement
To be a well-governed, well-managed organization known across the United Church of Canada, other faith groups and the wider community for the excellence of programs and hospitality that are designed for the development of individuals and leadership.
History
Aboriginal Land - An Estate - A Farm - A Camp
Five Oaks stands on the land which the Cayuga nation probably occupied. The small settlement at the conjunction of the Grand River and Whiteman's Creek was likely an important place for trade and ceremonial gatherings until a cholera epidemic depleted the community. This land became part of the Six Nations Reserve and was one of the first pieces of property to be sold.
In 1836, Major Arnold Burrows was given one thousand acres (including this property) for an estate he called Strathmore. He served in the rebellion of 1837 (for responsible government) in support of the Family Compact and this land was his "reward".
The estate was later broken up into farms and building lots. A brewery, a gristmill, a brick oven, plaster mill, and cottages were built on the far side of the creek. The property may have been part of the Underground Railroad for escaping slaves.
Eventually the property on which Five Oaks stands became the Pottruff farm. In the 1920's and 30's, church groups began to use the flat land (where the Pottruff's pastured their cows) for church picnics and camps until the Brant County Council of Christian Education founded Camp Thayendanegea (named after Joseph Brant) in the mid-thirties. Many second hand buildings were moved onto the property to develop the site. In early days campers were given burlap bags and sent to the fields or the barn on the hill to fill them with straw for their mattresses.
Bev Oaten was inspired to start a lay centre
In the 1940's, a man named Bev Oaten became very involved in the work camp movement in Europe and North America. He helped clean up war damage near Paris, France. After world war two, he visited the Iona Centre in Scotland and Kirkridge in Pennsylvania.
While he was minister of Colborne Street United Church in Brantford Ontario, Bev heard about the development of Naramata Centre for lay education in British Columbia. Bev and others became convinced of the need for such a centre to serve the Church in central Canada. Camp Thayendanegea was selected in 1950 to become this new centre because its run down facilities were available for $1.00 and it was wired for electricity.
FIVE for the Five Conferences of the United Church
OAKS for the ancient oaks on the property
The place was renamed Five Oaks. "Five" for the five Conferences of the United Church that the Centre served.
"Oaks" for the ancient oak trees on the property, that in Celtic tradition represent deep-rooted spirituality. The photo shows representatives of four of the five original Conferences, with Bev Oaten on the left.
Education, Work and Worship
The first classes were held here in the summer of 1952 and the first winter classes were held in a nearby airbase in January 1953. More land was purchased from the Pottruff's and construction began. The main building, the House of the Interpreter, (named from John Bunyan's, Pilgrim's Progress), was completed in 1953. New Hall and Wing C were added in 1956. The Chalet went up in 1959.
When construction was completed, participants in Five Oaks courses were still asked to contribute labour. They helped prepare and serve meals, clean, dig vegetables, paint, and perform general maintenance. Although there were weekend events from its beginning, Five Oaks originally put most emphasis on longer courses from one week to six weeks in duration. Courses focused on helping lay people put their faith in practice in their occupation, home and community life in hopes that God's peace and justice would be lived out in the world.
Bev Oaten wanted the centre to follow the work camp model. The buildings were constructed by volunteers, paying a dollar a day for the privilege, with mostly second hand materials. Five times a day a bell was rung and all workers stopped to reflect on who they were and whose work they were doing. Worship and bible study were also part of each day.
These buildings are open year round, while the camp, now called the Summer Centre, is used only in the summer. All buildings were designed to provide a simple lifestyle that reminded participants that many in the world lived with much less.
Connections: to Other Centres
Five Oaks has always had strong ecumenical connections and is part of a worldwide network of centres under the umbrella of the World Council of Churches.
There are three other United Church Education and Retreat Centres: Naramata in British Columbia. Calling Lakes (formerly known as Prairie Christian Training Centre) in Fort Qu'Appelle, and Tatamagouche (formerly known as Atlantic Christian Training Centre) in Nova Scotia.
to Aboriginal Peoples
A Native Spirituality retreat has been held here every year (except one) since 1954. The Francis Sandy Theological Centre,which was located here, has amalgamated to become part of the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre and has relocated to Beausejour, Manitoba.
to Grand River Bookstore
The Grand River Bookstore and Video Library is a joint project of Erie Presbytery; Bay of Quinte, Hamilton, London, Manitou, and Toronto Conferences; and Five Oaks.
to the Land
The centre occupies 116 acres of Carolinian forest. On the walking trails, the hiker will find trees, shrubs, weeds and flowers usually found in the Carolinas in The USA.
Five Oaks Today
Five Oaks offers programs for people of all ages, families, youth groups and congregations to deepen their spirituality, broaden their knowledge of the Judeo-Christian story with relevance to today's world and develop ways of living faithfully in God's world. The centre also hosts a great variety of church and community groups.
Five Oaks provides a beautiful natural setting in which groups can live in community and strengthen their relationships with each other, God, the Christian community and Creation.
