Waterview

The Waterview Pastoral Charge includes the communities of Marion Bridge, Gabarus and Gabarus Lake, and Fourchu. These are situated along the Mira River and the Atlantic Ocean only a few kilometres from the City of Sydney. Marion Bridge and the surrounding area is a popular place for people from the Industrial Cape Breton area to spend their summer vacations. There are many "bungalows" along the river, as well as the Mira Pines Outdoor Recreation Facility owned and operated by the United Church, Sydney Presbytery. Many people live in this area and commute to work in the city or surrounding towns. The people in Gabarus, Gabarus Lake and Fourchu gain their livelihood through fishing for the most part. Crab and Lobster are popular species as well as other types of fish. The manse is located in Marion Bridge on the banks of the beautiful Mira River. 

In 1993 Wesley United Church, Gabarus and Zion United Church, Gabarus Lake amalgamated as one congregation to form Zion/Wesley United with services being held at Zion United, Gabarus Lake.

Between the communities of Gabarus/Gabarus Lake, there are approximately 50 families associated with the United Church, with about 30 people attending worship services.

The community of Marion Bridge has approximately 400 families, of which 135 are associated with the United Church.  The average attendance at Bethel is 60 people.

On Easter Sunday, a Sunrise Service is held on the banks of the Mira River behind Bethel Church for all those who wish to attend.  During the service, we are often visited by a few ducks who are frequently seen along the shores of the Mira River.  Coffee, tea biscuits and hot cross buns are served afterwards in the choir room.       

The community of Fourchu is a picturesque fishing village with approximately 25 families, most of whom are associated with the United Church.  There is an active UCW.  Some of the yearly events held here are Cabbage Roll Suppers in the hall and a Plum pudding Tea and Sale in November.  Some of those who attend church services in Fourchu travel from Framboise.  Although most of the residents here are employed in fishing, there are some people who travel to Sydney to work. 

In 1921, the Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians united and the foundation of the present Fourchu United Church was laid.  This showed a very congenial spirit of co-operation as the  official Church Union did not take place until 1925.  The church was completed in 1924  and on July 13^th of that year, opening services were held.  The bell from the Methodist Church was taken to the United Church when it was built.  In 1948, it was cracked while ringing in the New Year and  although it was welded, it never sounded the same again.  The church is located on a hill overlooking scenic Fourchu Harbour.  In the summer months, fishing boats can be seen navigating the waters frequently.