In the Adirondacks we have an inspiring history that goes all the way back to the mid 19th century. The simple looking guideboat was a humble looking but pivotal object used for transportation, carrying freight, hunting, trapping, fishing and even getting people to church. It came to be known as the guideboat and its innovation shaped the region. As the reputation grew of these little boats for their swiftness and usefulness for sportsman the demand grew for these boats and their talented guides that rowed them.
This cross between a canoe and a rowboat was the right size for a passenger and a guide and at the same time not too heavy for the guide to hoist it on his shoulders and carry it over land to the next lake of the journey for the guide and the passenger.
When the day was at end for the guide and hunters traversing the rugged waters and they were physically weary from all the “carries” of boat and gear across the solid land of the day the nighttime activities began. The guide would set up camp, cook dinner from the catch of the day and afterwards entertain the passenger with stories of adventures on the trails or tutor the passenger for the hunt the next day.
Guides even made larger boats 18 feet and longer to take groups of people to church. That is our purpose at Long Lake Church in the 21st century is to host you at our “Church Guide Boat” on Sunday mornings at 11 AM. Our calling is to take you spiritually to areas of great fishing for your purpose in life and hunting for exuberance about life, serenity, loyalty and compassion and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. Now is the time to be a part of the revival happening in the Adirondacks.
