While we were visiting with friends who live between Kingston and Ottawa we made our way to the hamlet of MacDonald's Corners for the Saturday farmer's market. Strictly speaking, there weren't any farmers present, but a number of growers had seasonal garden vegetables for sale. These booths were augmented by the goods of various artisans.
All this happens around an old schoolhouse which has become a vital community centre and the meeting place for a group of weavers. The "crone" of this weaving group is a delightful, ex-pat British woman whose first name is Ankaret. It was her idea to build an outdoor community oven which could be used by anyone who was trained in its use. The brick oven was fired up (wood fuel) and in use when we arrived, and I chatted with the folk who were baking delicious pizzas.
The concept intrigues me at several levels. What a creative community project in the part of rural Ontario which is often perceived as dying. Of course I am married to someone who once had a flourishing home baking business and still loves to bake when time allows.
I was also struck by the imagery of a communal oven as someone who serves the Christ who called himself the Bread of Life. Churches, at their best, can be "bakeries" which nourish the wider community. The fragrance and the taste will invite others to partake. In the Christian community Christ is the leaven which is essential to this bread.
I hope that the Mera Schoolhouse Community Oven is a great success.
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