A TRIBUTE TO STEADFAST SERVICE: St. John's Anglican Church at 100

Rev. Brian Rountree

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Sketch by Lilian Kinghorn

A TRIBUTE TO STEADFAST SERVICE: St. John's Anglican Church at 1 00

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Births I Beginnings

Newcomers I Baptisms

Confirmations I Young People

The Eucharist and Worship

Weddings

Ordinations and Service

Illness I Deaths

Other Celebrations and Achievements

In Closing

An Ending I A Beginning

Notes

Resources

Appendix 1 : Fiftieth Anniversary Report

Appendix 2: Ninetieth Anniversary

Appendix 3: Bishops of Keewatin

Appendix 4: Bishops' Appointments to St. John's

Appendix 5: Images of St. John's Church

Steadfast Service

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16 17

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22 23 24

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ST. JOHN'S ANGLICAN CHURCH CENTENNIAL DINNER 2 SEPTEMBER 2006

lt was a pleasant surprise last fall when, on behalf of the organizing committee, Glenys Kukurudz called and asked me to speak on this occasion.

As I did my research and considered how to present my talk to you this evening, I decided that what we really should have is a hymn sing with commentary - by me! Therefore, as I announce the title of each section of my talk, please join in singing the hymn verse printed on the page in front of you. Betty Dancyt has very kindly agreed to play the piano for us, and will play the tune to introduce it -just like in Church! ( 1)

INTRODUCTION

#348 Christ is made the sure foundation Christ the Head and Corner-stone, Chosen of the Lord, and precious, Binding all the church in one, Holy Sion's help for ever, And her confidence alone.

A revivalist went to conduct a service in a town where he had never preached before. On alighting from the train he found in his pocket a letter he'd forgotten to post. He hailed a boy standing by and asked: "Son, can you tell me where the post office is?" "Sure," said the boy, and gave the preacher directions. The preacher thanked him and asked, "Do you know who I am?" "No." 'Well, I'm the preacher who is preaching here tonight. You come to the service and I'll show you the way to Heaven." "Gwan!" said the boy. "You don't even know the way to the post office." (2)

Happily, I do know the way to the Post Office. And I'm here with all of you to celebrate the milestone of a century of service of St. John's Anglican Church to the people and community of Lac du Bonnet and area.

BIRTHS I BEGINNINGS

#561 Thy hand, 0 God, has guided Thy flock from age to age; The wondrous tale is written, Full clear, on every page; Our fathers owned thy goodness, And we_ their deeds record; And both of this bear witness, One Church, one Faith, one Lord.

The origin of the name Lac du Bonnet appears to be shrouded in mystery. The town's profile on the Government of Manitoba website (3) says that

Waiter Wardrop Sr. gave the town the name, Lac du Bonnet, on October 1, 1900. Wardrop was an early entrepreneur in the area and also Lac Du Bonnet's first postmaster. He called the new post office Lac du Bonnet. The name originated from the large "bonnet like" shape of a lake 5 miles downstream from the town's original site.

Another source ( 4) says

Sir Alexander Mackenzie reported that it originally applied to the portage at the north-west end of the lake, so-named "from a custom the Indians have of crowning stones laid in a circle with wreaths of herbage and branches."

The story that I rike came from someone who told it to me early in my days as the Rector of St, John's: when La Verendrye passed through the area he threw his cap into the air and it caught on a tree branch. Hence, he named the lake after his cap or bonnet.

For the longest time there were trading posts on the Winnipeg River. One writer says that a Lac-du-Bonnet House was established on the lake by the North West Company around 1800: after 1821 it was run by the Hudson's Bay Company and known as Indian Cap Fort. (5)

While the modem town was getting established-it had a post office and several stores, brick yards, lumber camps nearby, and was on the CPR train line-the church families were hard at work putting up a church. You see, the tale of the parish church of St. John in Lac du Bonnet begins in 1905 with the arrival of Mr. W. Ellis, a student at Wycliffe College in Toronto. In both Whitemouth and Lac du Bonnet he found many families who welcomed him and he established services

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in each community every two weeks. Mr. Ellis had moved to Lac du Bonnet in 1906 and the new church opened with its first service on August 12. (6)

"The building measured 24x45 feet and cost $800 to build. All the money was on hand except for $175 and the congregation raised another $100 to provide pews. Interior furnishings added up to the grand sum of $300 and there was an $80 grant from the Church Colonial and Continental Society." (7)

The official opening of this Lac du Bonnet Mission took place on September 9, 1906 when the Rev. A. A. Adams became the Incumbent. lt did not take long until the Mission was free of any debt associated with the building and the name of St. John was attached to the church when it was consecrated on Oct. 4, 1908 by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Lofthouse, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Keewatin. (8)

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NEWCOMERS I BAPTISMS

#689 When mothers of Salem their children brought to Jesus, The stern disciples drove them back, and bade them depart: But Jesus saw them ere they fled, and sweetly smiled and kindly said, "Suffer little children to come unto me."

The people whd formed the parish of St. John came from many places, indeed.

"The population of Lac du Bonnet was comprised of French from Quebec and Metis with French and Scottish names. With increased immigration from Europe, the population of Lac du Bonnet and district became more heterogeneous. There came the Ukrainians, Poles, Swedes, Norwegians, the Finns and Latvians from Russia in search of cheap land." (9)

This is why we have names such as Zarecki, Zobolotny, Arneson and Soderstrom in the community to this day. Some people here may still remember Frederick James King who died in 1981. His wife, Rose, survived until just a few years ago. Fred was one of those immigrants to Lac du Bonnet, having come in 1906 at the age of two from Worcestershire, England.

One reminder of our baptism is a ceremony called Asperges. After some responses and prayers the priest walks among the people and sprinkles them with Holy Water. Mary Fors was convinced that I did it so often because I liked throwing the water at people. How did she ever guess? ©

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CONFIRMATIONS I YOUNG PEOPLE

#485 Breath on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.

According to the parish history, the first Confirmation service held in St. John's was in 1923 where it is recorded that "ten persons were confirmed on this occasion." (10)

While the reports of Confirmation services appear in the local newspapers from time to time, it is only in 1956, with the visit of Bishop Hives, that we see a list; Mr. W.A. Campbell, Brian Park, Leonard Park, Shirley Ann Maxwell, Dianne Chapman, Gail Osis, Doreen Park, Blythe Rudy. The report ends with the comment that the "sermon was delivered to a capacity audience." (11)

As the population of the town varied over the years, youth groups came and went at St. John's. One wonders how long it has been since a notice similar to this one could be posted in the local paper?

"The A.Y.P.A. of St. John's will hold a Spring Tea at the Parish Hall on Friday, April 9th at 2:30 p.m. Home Cooking and Spring Flowers. Also Girl Guide Stall. Come and bring your friends." ( 12)

In 1945 the church had a Young People's Social Club. (13)

In 1955 the church sponsored a Little Helpers Party and "Mrs. Arvid Dancyt led the children in an interesting action poem." (14)

Several years later, in July 1964, "The St. John's Anglican Sunday School held its annual outing on Saturday at Holiday Beach where a good number of children, teachers and parents were on hand. Games, races, boat rides, courtesy of Mr. Hardy, and of course, swimming, were all enjoyed topped off with the serving of lunch." (15)

Children of the parish were winners in other fields of endeavour: Karen Dancyt (grades 5) and Shirley Sellers (grade 7) were winners of the 1966 penmanship contest sponsored by Centennial Rebekah Lodge No. 61. (16)

Supporting young people has a long and honourable tradition with St. John's as the parish and its organizations have sponsored foster children overseas for many years. In the late 1990s St. John's members helped to make quilts for children in Romania.

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A last example of young St. John's Church members: accompanied by a photograph of a proud winner is an article about Laurie Bumside and her achievement of four medals at the Manitoba Special Olympic Summer Games in June, 1996. She said then, (and most certainly can say now) "I have more at home." (17)

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THE EUCHARIST and WORSHIP

#235 Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour, First begotten from the dead, Thou alone, our strong Defender, Liftest up thy people's head. Alleluia, Jesus, true and living bread.

The Eucharist is, first and foremost, the celebration meal of the gathered community. For centuries the· furnishings of the church and the liturgy of the worship stayed the same. In the twentieth century, however, there was a renewal throughout the whole church that resulted in many changes. In the 1970s the sanctuary of St. John's was re.modeled and the walls and ceiling of the nave refurbished, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Waiter Ehrlich. During the Incumbency of the Rev. Joan Mitchell (1994-1996) the altar was moved out from the wall so that Celebrant stood behind, facing the people. The standard Book of Common Prayer was supplemented byThe Book of Alternative SeNices, with services in modern English. The old familiar blue Hymn Book became one of several choices with the addition of the red covered Hymn Book of 1971 and of the collection called Songs for a Gospel People. With the advent in 1998 of a newer hymn book, called Common Praise, there is certainly much to choose from when preparing for a service these days!

With the spiritual food taken care, let us briefly look at what else was happening with food in the community. Over the years, St. John's has sponsored Silver Teas and Bake Sales, Bazaars and game nights.

For example, in 1940 we read about the Harvest Festival and find this gem:

"Mrs. H. Bees, who usually has the field to herself at cup reading, came in for some keen competition from Pilot Bill Catton who told the fortune teller's "fortune" in amusing and colorful style, much to the enjoyment of everyone present." (18)

Contained within a newspaper story about a successful Bazaar and Whist Sale that St. John's had sponsored was a note that "Miss Elsie Sparman won the teapot full of jelly beans, 485 being nearest the correct number." (19)

And, because Anglicans seem to be a people who love to eat [just look around and remember where you are!], it's handy to know that Wrigley's double mint chewing gum aids digestion. At least, that's what they advertised in 1937! (20)

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For those in the community who enjoyed doing handicrafts and wanted to make something on a religious thern~. in 1939 the readers of the Springfield Times could order the Alice Brooks pattern #6432 and crochet their own copy of the Last Supper. (21) .

In 1941 Alice Brooks offered another religious pattern, this time a Sacred Heart of Jesus needlepoint, pattern #6970. (22)

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WEDDINGS

#470 Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven, to earth come down, Fix in us thy humble dwelling, All thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love thou art; Visit us with thy salvation, Enter every trembling· heart.

What is any community without weddings and their attendant celebrations? The newspaper columnists enjoyed describing the bride's outfit and that of her attendants, where the newlyweds would go for their honeymoon and where they would make their home. Often there was mention of some out of town guests. Here are four examples.

A Trousseau Tea was held in April 1937 for Miss Edythe Millicent Waters (23) prior to her marriage to Manifrank Brown. The report of the April 24th wedding, held at St. John's, and the subsequent reception, was complete with a description of the blizzard (in April, yet!) that kept many out-of-town guests away. (24)

On Aug. 2, 1940 the engagement (25) was announced of Marium Bertha Foumier of Lac du Bonnet to Lawrence A. Frayne of Pine Falls: the Aug. 23 issue had a report about the wedding.

The Rev. S Richardson officiated at the wedding of William Hedin and Jane Cocking of Winnipeg, at the groom's home in Newcombe. (26)

In 1981, "A surprise 30th wedding anniversary party for Eugene and Hallie Lavoie was held at Audrey and John Kuzina's cottage. The children and spouses were present to help celebrate." (27)

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ORDINATIONS and SERVICE

#568 Be thou my vision, 0 Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me save that thou art, thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping thy presence my light.

There appears to be one record of an ordination service happening at St. John's.

"1923 On May 24 the Rev. T. H. Broughton was made a Priest in the Church of God. Ten persqns were confirmed on this occasion." (28)

However, we can confidently say that, over the years, the parish has been closely connected with some of the people who were ordained deacon and priest.

Several of the summer students who served the area in the early years became priests and went on to other parishes-- 1910 W. C. Allison, 1912 J. 8. Clarke. In 1946 the Rev. E. K. Bissell, Deacon, was assigned to Lac du Bonnet in June and was priested on Dec. 16. Within the past ten years, the parish was supportive of the ordination$ of Stephen Mitchell and Bradley Robertson as deacons. (29)

In 1955 The Springfield Leader reported on the Twenty-Fifth Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Keewatin, of the Church of England in Canada, held in Pine Falls and hosted by the Church of the Advent.

"Sessions commenced with an Ordination Service at which Mr. Robert Marsh of Hole River, Manitoba, and Mr. James Whitford of lgnace, Ontario were ordered Deacons;· and the Rev. · George Sullen of Norway House, Manitoba was advanced to the Priesthood." (30)

In 1971, at the request of Bishop Stiff, thatvery same Rev. James W. Whitford, now a Canon, Rector of Pine Falls and Rural Dean of Springfield, undertook to minister to the Pine Falls Pastoral District. This embraced Pine Falls with Great Falls, Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, Whitemouth, Rennie, and Pointe du Bois. Canon Whitford served until his retirement in 1993. (31)

If the circuit that Canon Whitford had to travel sounds large, consider how confusing in 1945 it must have been to figure out when you could attend a service, as this weekly notice reads:

"Services at Great Falls on Wednesday evenings following the Sunda~ service at Pointe du Bois. 1st and 3rd Sunday at Pointe du Bois; 2"d and 4 Sunday at Lac du Bonnet." (32)

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ILLNESS I DEATHS

#16 Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide; when other helpers fail, and comforts flee; help of the helpless, 0 abide with me.

In such a small community as Lac du Bonnet you could not escape notice, even if you were ill. "Mr. V. C. Hardy, the school principal, is confined to bed with a touch of pneumonia." (33)

Of all the gifts that the Church has to offer a community, the hardest one to celebrate is that of a funeral service. However, we celebrate the lives of people who have made a difference by being members offamilies and communities and workplaces. Therefore, whether the gathering was small or large, the church and people of St. John's have always been ready to lend a helping hand. And, like other congregations across the country, the church has visible memorials to remind us today of those who went before. There is the Honour Roll of those who served in our country's forces; there are plaques with names inscribed beside the windows as well as books, candlesticks, communion vessels, the Aumbry, and more, to recognize donations in memory of loved ones. And, with the recent addition of a round window above the entrance in memory of Mr. Hawkes there is a reminder of the connection to St. Mary's Church of Pointe du Bois which was, for a long time, one of the communities served by the Rector of St. John's Church.

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OTHER CELEBRATIONS and ACHIEVEMENTS

#721 All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them an.

Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings He made their glowing colours, He made their tiny wings.

All things bright.~.

In small towns and large metropolitan centres you could not often avoid being spotted by the gossip columnist and subsequently be mentioned in the newspaper. Several examples will suffice:

Miss F. Bowman of the University of Manitoba spent the Easter weekend at the house of Miss Edythe Waters. (34)

"Miss Elsie Sparman, attending college, Winnipeg, was home over the weekend with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. J. Sparman." (35)

Joe Sparman had been spotted wheeling home one of Henry Ford's new 1940 babies. (36)

"Stella Halliday was the guest of her sister, Mrs. C. Cherrey of Souris. Misses Lyn and Beverley Cherrey of Souris were guests of their grandfather Mr. W. D. Halliday." (37)

In 1963 the District 6 Legion raUy and convention was held at Gimli for the women and at Winnipeg Beach for the men. "Attending from here were Mr. & Mrs. Arvid Dancyt, Mr. & Mrs. V. C. Hardy, and Mr. & Mrs. Bert Wood." (38)

Ecumenical Involvement

For many years the members of St. John's Church have participated in the World Day of Prayer on the first Friday in March. This celebration moves on a rotation basis among the local churches and is conducted by women from the sponsoring church.

An outstanding event took place in 1992. Six churches in the Lac du Bonnet area sponsored an ecumenical mission in November and December of that year. The theme was "Calling and Marks of A Christian" and there is a wonderful reminder of that event in the shape of a large banner hanging in St. John's Church. (39)

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Recent years have se~n twice yearly gatherings of several churches, on the weekend of Canada Day and on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day. The 1998 Canada Day celebration in the park was my first Sunday here and my introduction to these services. My coach, Win Calder, was sure I could handle it!

Even before the signing in 2001 of the Waterloo Declaration made such gatherings "legal," the Anglican and Lutheran Churches have had occasions in which to worship and work together. I still remember the Easter Vigil service held in Pinawa where we lit the new fire outside and proceeded into the church for the celebration of the first Eucharist of Easter.

Other "Remember When" Moments

Well, we've had all this church-y stuff, and that's great-but what else was going on in this past century?

Elsewhere in the province, during 1906, the street cars in Winnipeg began to run on Sundays, the T. Eaton stores opened (40) and the prairie crocus, or "gosling plant" was adopted as the official flower of Manitoba. ( 41)

A small note in one newspaper said that "In a little more than a generation airplanes have increased in speed from 45 miles to a maximum of 450 miles an hour." (42) That same newspaper in 1940 advertised that the one bus a day went from Pine Falls to Lac du Bonnet and Beausejour to arrive at Winnipeg 3 hours later. [Today it takes 2 hr. Smin or 2 hr. 35 min., depending on a non-stop trip via Victoria Beach and Hwy. 59, or stops at Lac du Bonnet and Beausejour]

lt was in 1955 that the formal boundaries of the diocese of Keewatin were established (43) with the result that Pine Falls and Lac du Bonnet and the other congregations served by their Rectors were included. In the 1990s, however, an experiment was conducted whereby the Pine Falls Pastoral District would be administered from the diocese of Rupert's Land, based in Winnipeg. After a three-year trial, the people voted to return to the diocese of Keewatin.

The church's soth anniversary year, 1956, saw the election of Stephen Juba, the first non-Anglo-Saxon as mayor of Winnipeg. ( 44)

In 1996, the year of St. John's 90th anniversary, Centennial School in town was one of the first elementary schools in Agassiz [School Division] to get logged onto the Internet with their very,own Home Page. (45)

That same year Pearl McGonigal, deputy Mayor of Winnipeg, was appointed Manitoba's 19th Lieutenant-Governor, the first woman to hold that post. (46)

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AN ENDING I A BEGINNING

#403 Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above, Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.

My historical review has come to an end. But the presence and work of the congregation of St. John's has not. This weekend we celebrate one hundred years of Anglican witness in the town and R.M. of Lac du Bonnet. And with our prayers and celebrations we launch St. John's into its second century of service with a blessing that is taken from An African Prayer Book by archbishop Desmond Tutu. (47)

A Blessing Samburu, Kenya

May God raise you up Above everything.

Spread out like water of a lake. Be abundance that never ends,

That never changes. Be like a mountain.

Be like a camel. Be like a cloud-

A cloud that brings rain always. And God promised that it would be so.

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NOTES

(1) The hymns are taken from The Book of Common Praise (revised 1938) being the Hymn Book of the Anglican Church of Canada. (2) The Springfield Leader, August 21, 1956. (3) "Town of Lac du Bonnet Community Profile." Manitoba Community Profiles. ( 4) "Bonnet, Lac du." Geographical Names of Manitoba, p. 141. (5) ibid. (6) Rountree, p.1. (7)The Springfield Leader, September 3, 1996. (8) Rountree, p. 2. (9) "History." Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. (10) Rountree, p.3. (11) The Springfield Leader, May 1, 1956. (12) The Springfield Times, April1, 1937. (13) The Springfield Leader, October 1945. ( 14) The Springfield Leader, November 22, 1955. (15) The Springfield Leader, July 14, 1964. (16)The Springfield Leader, September 6, 1966. ( 17) The Springfield Leader, June 11, 1996. (18) The Springfield Times, Sept. 13, 1940. (19) The Springfield Times, Dec. 12, 1940. (20) The Springf{e/d Times, September 1937. (21) The Springfield Times, Sept. 8, 1939. (22) The Springfie!d Times, May 29 & Oct. 9,1941. (23) The Springfield Times, 22 April1937. (24) The Springfield Times, 29 Apri11937. (25) The Springfield Times, August 2, 1940. (26) The Springfield Times, June 12,1941. (27) The Springfield Leader, June 23, 1981. (28) Rountree, p. 3. (29) Rountree, pp.2,3,4, 10. (30) The Springfield Leader, May 24, 1955. (31) Rountree, p.6. (32) The Springfield Leader, October 1945. (33) The Springfield Leader, May 15, 1956. (34) The Springfield Times, April 1, 1937. (35) The Springfield Times, Feb. 27,1941. (36) The Springfield Times, Nov. 17, 1939. (37) The Springfield Leader, September 1956. (38) The Springfield Leader, April 30, 1963 . (39) Rountree, p. 8. (40) "Manitoba Time Line 1870-1920." Manitoba Pageant, 9:3,(April1964): 12. ( 41) Shilliday, Gateway to the West. p. 245. ( 42) The Springfield Times, November 3, 1939. (43) Kiebuzinski, p. 78. (44) Shilliday, Decades of Diversity, p. 232. (45) The Springfie!d Leader, May 21, 1996. (46) Shilliday, Decades of Diversity, p.233. (47)Tutu, p.128.

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RESOURCES

Anglican Church of Canada. The Book of Common Praise (revised 1938) being the Hymn Book of the Anglican Church of Canada. Toronto: Anglican Book Centre, n.d.

Crossman, Kelly. A Study of Anglican Church Buildings in Manitoba. Winnipeg: Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Recreation, Historic Resources, 1989.

Geographical Names of Manitoba. Winnipeg: Manitoba Conservation, 2000.

Ham, Penny. Place Names of Manitoba. Saskatoon, Sask.: Western Producer Prairie Books, 1980.

"History." Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Viewed July 7, 2006. Online at http://www.lacdubonnet.com/history.html.

Kiebuzinski, Rae. The Diocese of Keewatin: a History of the First One Hundred years, 1902 to 2002. Ear Falls, Ont.: St. Paul's Anglican Church, 2005.

Logs and Lines from the Winnipeg River: a history of the Lac du Bonnet area. Lac du Bonnet, ~an.: Lac du Bonnet Pioneer Club, 1980.

Manitoba Community Profiles. [n.d.) Viewed 23 August 2006. Online at http://www.communityprofiles.mb.ca/

Manitoba Pageant. Winnipeg: Historical & Scientific Society of Manitoba, 1956-1979. [Subsequent title: Manitoba History from 1980--]

Nespor, Vivian and Ray Burnside. Caviar and Venison. Winnipeg: Regehr Printers, 1981.

Rountree, Brian. Steadfast Service. Lac du Bonnet, Man.: St. John's Church, 2003.

Shilliday, Gregg, editor. Manitoba 125. Vol. 2 Gateway to the West. Winnipeg: Great Plains Publications, 1994.

-----.Manitoba 125. Vol. 3 Decades of Diversity. Winnipeg: Great Plains Publications, 1995.

The Springfield Leader. Lac du Bonnet: The Springfield Leader, 1945-- 2002. Viewed on microfilm at the Manitoba Legislative Library.

The Springfield Times. Lac du Bonnet, Man.: The Springfield Times, 1936-1941. Viewed on microfilm at the Manitoba Legislative Library.

Tutu, Desmond. An African Prayer Book. New York: Doubleday, 1995.

Willard, Frank. Log, Stone and Brick: A Pen and Ink Pictorial History of Anglican Churches in the Diocese of Keewatin. Dryden, Ont.: F. Willard, 1987.

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APPENDIX 1 : FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY REPORT Text of newspaper article

ST. JOHN'S ANGLICAN HOLDS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE The Springfield Leader, Tuesday, September 25th, 1956

Sunday September 16 a special service commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the formal opening of St. John's Church, Lac du Bonnet, was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. F.V. Maxwell. The Church was filled to overflowing with members and adherents who had come out to take part in the service and to hear the sermon delivered by the Right Reverend H. E. Hives, B.A., D. D., Bishop of Keewatin. The first lesson was read by the Rev. S. Richardson, now retired from active ministry, and the second lesson by Mr. Harold Wells, People's Warden. Mrs. V.C. Hardy presided at the organ and Mrs. Eric Straite, of Carman, was the soloist.

Monday, the St. John's Anglican W.A. put on a fowl supper to commemorate the occasion when approximately 300 people partook of a turkey dinner.

The following is brief history of the church in the Lac du Bonnet area.

The history of St. John's Anglican Church, Lac du Bonnet, begins with Whitemouth, when, in May 1905, Mr. Ellis, a student from Wycliffe College, Toronto, was sent out to work in Whitemouth and Lac du Bonnet, where a large number of men were employed in the brick field and water power development and in lumber camps in the vicinity.

In 1906 Mr. Ellis again took up the work, residing in Lac du Bonnet, where a small church was built during the summer and opened for services in August. In November Bishop Lofthouse visited the mission and dedicated the church. When Mr. Ellis returned to Wycliffe in September, work during the winter was carried on by the Rev. A.A. Adams from Kenora, assisted by Mr. T. Mitten.

Mr. Mitten carried on the work during the next year, 1907, and in 1908 Mr. Allison, another student was sent out and the church, consecrated on October 4 by the Bishop of Keewatin, was named St. John. On the same day a confirmation was held and six candidates were confirmed which brought the number of communicants to twenty-two.

In 1909 Mr. Allison again had charge of the Mission for the summer. He was ordained on May 9. The next year he was married in April, ordained Priest in June and appointed Incumbent of Lac du Bonnet with Whitemouth and Pointe du Bois. In 1911, as Mr. Allison found it impossible to work in three places he was given the assistance of a

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student during the summer months. He was moved to Dryden, Ontario on November 1.

Mr. J.B. Clarke was placed in charge of Lac du Bonnet and Pointe du Bois, and during the next two years was ordained Deacon and then Priest He died in 1916 and Mr. John Mackie, the licensed Lay reader, a school teacher, carried on services until October when the Rev. R.E. Lemon was appinted. In July 1919, after the resignation of Mr. Lemon, the Rev. LA. Todd was appointed to Lac du Bonnet but left in 1923 to go to the USA.

Rev. T.H. Broughton, a Deacon from Saskatchewan diocese, began work in Lac du Bonnet in November of 1922 and was priested in 1923. In May of that year ten persons were confirmed and a Parish Room was added to the Church.

Mr. Broughton removed to Keewatin in 1 930 and was succeeded by the Rev. A H. Gibson. IN 1934 a new Mission House was built at Lac du Bonnet. Rev. Mr. Gibson resigned in July to return to England, and F. F. Downing, Catechist, was appointed locum tenens from October until June 1935 when he was succeeded by the Rev. S. Richardson.

In 1937, the work of enlarging the Parish Room was carried out, with the approval of Bishop Dewdney and financial aid from several members of the congregation and general public and with voluntary help from the younger members.

Bishop Lofthouse visited the Mission and preached at both lac du Bonnet and Pointe du Bois, on December 10, 1939.

On Sunday, March 29, 1942 confirmation was administered at St. John's, Lac du Bonnet, in the morning, and at St. Mary's, Pointe du Bois on the same evening.

Rev. S. Richardson retired on June 30, 1945, and was succeeded by the Rev. E. K. Bissell, who was advanced to the Priesthood at St. Alban's Pro­Cathedral on Sunday, December 16. On December 9, seventeen candidates were presented for Confirmation at St. John's Church.

Rev. E. K. Bissell resigned and left the Mission on September 7, 1948 and Rev. S. Richardson undertook to carry on the work. In 1950, Mr. H. W. Brandrick, a student from Emmanuel College, Saskatoon, was appointed for the summer, and in 1951 Rev. E. H. Wallace, Deacon from Wycliffe College, was in charge for the summer.

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At the end·of June 1952 the Rev. F. V; Maxwell transferred from Rainy River to Lac. du Bonnet to take charge of Lac du Bonnet, Pointe du Bois and Great Falls, to which Mission he was duly licensed.

On April 24, 1954, Bishop Hives met with members of the Vestry and congregation and a full discussion of Diocesan business, as related to parochial life, took place. As a result the Vestry accepted a higher 1954 · Budget Assessment and also an increase in the Pension Fund Payment was over the canonically required amount. At the Confirmation Service on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. eight candidates were confirmed.

Between the years 1952 and 1956 many improvements have been made. A new altar, Communion rail and dossal curtains have been put in and an oil furnace installed, which heats both the Parish Room and the Church. Cupboards and an electric stove were installed in the Parish Room. Recently new carpeting was laid in the Sanctuary and Chancel.

During the period the following organizations have been formed, the Junior Auxiliary, the Girls' Auxiliary and the Church Boys' League. The Junior Auxiliary presented the Church with Offering Plates and the Girls' Auxiliary and Boys' League presented brass vases. Over the past fifty years 679 Baptisms, 181 Confirmations, 172 Marriages and 365 Burials have occurred in St. John's Church.

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APPENDIX 2 : NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY Text of newspaper article

ST. JOHN'S ANGLICAN CHURCH CELEBRATES 90 YEARS The Springfield Leader, Tuesday, September 3, 1996

By Russ Preston

St. John's Anglican Church celebrated ninety glorious years in Lac du Bonnet over the past weekend.

Canon L. C. Fryer, minister of the church from 1960 to 1971, was the featured speaker at a congregational banquet held at the Pioneer Club Saturday evening.

Canon Fryer gave a detailed account of the history of the church, from its humble beginnings in 1905 to building the St. John's Church in 1906 to the present.

The first service was celebrated in St. John's Anglican Church on August 12, 1906. The building measured 24x45 feet and cost $800 to build. All the money was on hand except for $175 and the congregation raised another $100 to provide pews. Interior furnishings added up to the grand sum of $300 and there was an $80 grant from the Church Colonial and Continental Society.

In total 16 ministers have served the church in its 90-year history.

The Rev. Joan Mitchell, assisted by her husband, Rev. Stephen Mitchell, has been the St. John's minister since January 1994, following the retirement of Canon James Whitford who served from 1971 to 1993.

Several messages were read from former church members now residing across Canada and the United States.

A special church service was held Sunday morning with Canon Fryer, who is now retired in Stonewall, giving the homely. [sic]

A lunch following the services concluded the birthday party.

A photo was included with the caption: "Margaret Burnside put together a pictorial history of St. Paul's Anglican Church .. "

[Yes, it does say St. Paul's in the newspaper]

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MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE UBRAAY

APPENDIX 3 : BISHOPS OF KEEWATIN

1902--1921 Joseph Lofthouse

1921 -- 1938 Alfred Daniel Dewdney

1938 -- 1953 Jose ph Lofthouse (nephew of first bishop)

1954-- 1968 Harry Ernest Hives

1989-- 1974 Hugh Vernon Stiff

1974-- 1991 Hugh James Pearson Allan

1991 --1996 Thomas Wllliam Collings Gordon Waiter Beardy (Suffragan, 1993-- 1996)

1996-2001 Gordon Waiter Beardy

2002 --- David Norman Ashdown

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APPENDIX 4 : BISHOPS' APPOINTMENTS TO ST. JOHN'S

1905 1906- 1907 1908, 1909-11 1911 1911-1916 1916

1918 1922 1922-1930 1930-1934 1934 1935-1946 1946 1948-1950 1950 1951 1952-1957 1957 1957-1960 1960-1971 1971-1993 1994-1997 1997-1998 1998-2003 2003-

Mr. W. Ellis, student The Rev. A. A. Adams Mr. W. C. Alii son, student Mr. R. E. Lemon, student The Rev .. J. B. Clarke The Rev. J. B. Clarke Mr. John Mackie, Lay Reader The Rev. R. E. Lemon The Rev. L. A. Todd Mr. E. R. Adye, student. The Rev. T. H. Broughton The Rev. A. H. Gibson Mr. F. H. Downing, catechist The Rev. S. Richardson The Rev. E. K. Bissell The Rev. S. Richardson Mr. H. W. Brandrick, student The Rev. E.· H. Wallace The Rev. F. V. Maxwell Mr. E. Gaston, Lay Reader The Rev. W. G. Straw Canon L. C. Fryer Canon James W. Whitford The Rev. Joan Mitchell The Rev. Ron L. Risley, interim The Rev. Brian Rountree The Rev. Sandra Tankard

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APPENDIX 5 : IMAGES OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH

This is the frame church that was erected in 1906 and maintained throughout its 100 years. On the right side is the "Parish Room" that was added, expanded and renovated over the years.

Photo © 2006 B. Rountree

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From the entrance looking towards the altar. Photo © 2006 B. Rountree

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From the altar facing the entrance. Photo © 2006 B. Rountree

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Banner made for 90th anniversary. Creator unknown. Photo© 2006 B. Rountree

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St. John's Church Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba

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This booklet contains the text of the history of St. John's Ninety Glorious Years 1906-1996

In Our Tenth Decade, for the years 1996 - 2003, was added by the Rev. Brian Rountree, February 2003

"Seventy Glorious Years" 1906---1976

1905 In this year a Wycliffe College student, Mr. W. Ellis began to gather a congregation in the Village of Whitemouth. He also served the community of Lac du Bonnet which was situated on a branch line 28 miles from Molson. In Lac du Bonnet brick yards were being established and water power developed. Many men were employed, especially during the summer months. In addition, there were several lumber camps in the vicinity. Potential existed for the emergence of a strong parish in the future.

Mr. W. Ell is first visited Lac du Bonnet in May and discovered many church families. Services were held at Lac du Bonnet and Whitemouth fortnightly.

111 the following August construction began on a Church in Whitemouth. Mr. W. Ellis was responsible for the raising of most of the funds. The Church received a grant from the Church Colonial and Continental Society of $80.00.

Sunday, August 22, 1905, the first service was held in Christ Church, Whitemouth.

1906 During this year, Mr. W. Ellis moved to Lac du Bonnet. Soon St. John's Anglican Church was built and the first service celebrated on August ·12. The official opening was not until September- 9, when the Rev. A. A. Adams became the Incumbent. The building measured 24 by 45 feet and cost $800.00 to build. The money was available except for $175.00. In addition, the congregation raised $100.00 to provide pews.

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The Rt. Rev. J. Lofthouse visited the parish in November 11 for the dedication service. (Mr. W. Ellis had returned to his studies in September, hence the arrival of the Rev. A. A. Adams from Kenora: Mr. T. Mitten of Lac du Bonnet assisted him.)

1907 Parish life progressed under the guidance of the Rev. A. A. Adams and Mr. T. Mitten.

1908 Another student from Wycliffe College, Mr. Wallace C. Allison, was given charge of the Mission in the Spring of this year. By this time, Lac .du. Bonnet was cleared of church .. indeptedness and was duly consecrated on October 4 qy the . first Bishop of Keewatin, the Rt. Rev. J. Lofthouse, and given the patronal name, St. John. Also marking the occasion was the confirmation of twenty-two candidates.

1909 Mr. W. C. Allison was appointed yet again for summer duty and ordained to the Diaconate on May 9, 1909.

1910 In April of this year the Rev. W. C. Allison married and· in June was raised to the Priesthood. At this time he was inducted into the Parishes of Lac du Bonnet, Whitemouth and Pointe du Bois.

1911 The new incumbent found it difficult to serve the three points. A student, Mr. R. E. Lemon, was appointed to assist throughout the summer months. In the Autumn, the Rev. W. C. Allison was transferred to the Parish of Dryden and was replaced by Mr. J. B. Clarke, who was given the responsibility of Lac du Bonnet and Pointe du Bois. Between June and July 1911 services were suspended owing to an outbreak of smallpox.

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1912 On May 19 of this year the Rev. J. B. Clarke was ordained to the Diaconate in St. Alban's Pro-Cathedral, being raised to the Priesthood in June fo the following year.

1916 A tragic year for the Parish as the Rev. J. B. Clarke died suddenly on the morning of Good Friday. John Mackie, Esq., the licensed Lay Reader carried out the duties in Lac du Bonnet. Bishop Lofthouse visited monthly until the Rev. R. Lemon was appointed to the cure on October 16, 1916

1917 This year saw the addition of Old Pinawa to the points of Lac du Bonnet and Pointe du Bois.

1918 The Incumbent resigned in the first half of the year, having been appointed to serve in the Diocese of Rupert's Land. In July, the Rev. L. A. Todd came only to serve for one year before transferring to the Diocese of Huron in July of 1919.

1920 The Rev. L. A. Todd returned in May. He stayed until May 1922 when he became rector of Boonville, Missouri.

1922 Mr. R. Adye, another Wycliffe student. served the parish from May until September. In November the Rev. T. H. Broughton came from Saskatchewan.

1923 On May 24 the Rev. T. H. Broughton was made a Priest in the Church of God. Ten persons were confirmed on this occasion. 1t was in 1923 that the Parish Hall was added to the church building.

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1930 The parish priest was transferred to the Parish of Keewatin and the vacancy was filled by the Rev. A. H. Gibson.

1934 lt was at this time that a new Mission House was built in Lac du Bonnet. The Rev. A. H. Gibson resigned in July and returned to England in October. F.H. Downing, Esq., a catechist, succeeded him in October, remaining until June 1935 when the Rev. S. Richardson was inducted into the living.

1946 The Rev. S. Richardson stayed until his retirement in June 1946, being replaced by the Rev. K. Bissell, who was· priested in the Pro~Cathedral on Dec. 16. On December 19 · seventeen candidates were presented for confirmation the Bishop in St. John's.

1948 During September, Rev. K. Bissell left to minister in the Diocese of Huron. Staunchly, the Rev. S. Richardson came to the fore from retirement to carry out the work of the Church.

1950 The student this year came from Emmanuel College, namely H. W. Brandrick, Esq., a summer appointment.

1951 A deacon, the Rev. H. Wailace, served St. John's during the summer months.

1952 The Rev. F. V. Maxwell came to the parish in June from Rainy River, taking charge of Lac du Bonnet, with Pointe du Bois and Great Falls.

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1954 Sunday April 25, Bishop Hives, the fourth Bishop, made his first visit to the parish. Eight persons were confirmed in St. John's that day.

1957 The last day of August, the Rev. F. V. Maxwell resigned and left for the Diocese of Ottawa. Arrangements were made through the Bishop for the continuity of services throughout September and October, in the three stations. During this period, E. Gaston, Esq., a licensed Lay Reader from Kenora, visited the parish. In November, the Rev. W. G. Straw was appointed.

1960 The rector was indisposed throughout Holy Week. The Bishop officiated at the Palm Sunday and Easter Day services. Later, E. Gaston, Esq. and Miss Margaret Etter, Bishop's Messenger, maintained Divine Services. The Rev. W. G. Straw was subsequently transferred to Norway House at then end of July. The Rev. L. C. Fryer, of Rainy River, succeeded him. Canon Fryer took up his duties on September 8.

November witnessed a Deanery meeting in St. John's. (lt is of great interest to record that the parish had attained a level of self-support during 1959.) Considerable improvements were effected to the temporalities. The Church and Rectory were each attached to the town water and sewage system, and a church office provided in the parish hall. Also, a new garage and storeroom were provided and the rectory redecorated. The sun room at the rear of the house was insulated and transformed into a kitchen with a year-round water supply. This did much to increases the family living space.

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1971 The parish became vacant with the removal of the Rev. L. C. Fryer to the Parish of Stonewall, in the Diocese of Rupert's Land. At the request of Bishop Stiff, the Rev. Canon James W. Whitford, Rural Dean of Springfield and Rector of Pine Falls, undertook to minister to the Pine Falls Pastoral District. This embraced Pine Falls with Great Falls, Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, Whitemouth, (Rennie) and Pointe du Bois, et al.

1974 During this year of grace the congregation effected a much needed refurbishment of the Church, in no small . measure. and under the untiring leadership of Dr .. Waiter· Ehrlich. Dr. Ehrlich supplied so much enthusiasm and practical effort. The sanctuary was completely remodelled and stands as a memorial to Bishop H. E. Hives from a grateful congregation. The walls and ceiling of the nave have been recovered.

lt was at this time that Canon Whitford, asked the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. James H. J. Allan, to grant a Lay Reader's license to James Martin, Esq. Mr. Martin combined this task with that of Verger.

1975 The Parish Hall was enlarged, and incorporated a kitchen, two bathrooms and a new rector's office. These renovations were due to the unstinted effort of the late Dr. W. Ehrlich.

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An Update

The twenty years following the "Seventy Glorious Years, 1906-1976 Celebration" of St. John's Anglican Church have passed by swiftly but not uneventfully.

St. John's stands stoically in her pristine white robe with green trim evoking memories for all who cross her threshold.

1976-1992 Canon James Whitford remained as Incumbent of the Parish until his retirement in December 1993. retiring· to his home in Silver Falls, near his family. We congratulate Canon Whitford at this time on his graduation recently from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In addition to Lac du Bonnet, Canon Whitford also served Pine Falls, Pinawa, Great Falls and Whitemouth and wherever called in the North.

St. John's progressed not without hitches and glitches. These were overcome with the . patience of Canon Whitford, the Vestry, Wardens and concerned members.

A loud-speaker system was installed from the Church to the Parish Hall which was used for overflow at funerals and weddings. The enlarged Parish Hall was a welcome asset to the A.C.W. and the Sunday School. The kitchen was updated with new cupboards, curtains and a microwave. The Church and Parish Hall were carpeted and a new organ purchased.

There were numerous special events and the visits of Bishop James Allan were enjoyed by all. Bishop Allan left the Diocese of Keewatin in 1991, moving to the Diocese of Nova Scotia.

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Bishop Thomas Collings succeeded Bishop Allan. In 1993 the Rev. Gordon Beardy was made a Suffragan Bishop for the North. As of June 1996 Bishop Collings resigned as our Bishop and, with his wife the Rev. Julie Collings, have taken a charge in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Later in that year the Rt. Rev. Gordon Beardy was elected as the eighth Bishop of Keewatin.

An outstanding event took place in 1992. An Ecumenical Mission was held from November 29 to December 3. This Mission was sponsored by six churches in the area. The. theme was "The Calling and Marks of a Christian." The leaders of the Mission were. the Rev. Thomas Ryan, C.S,P. of Montreal, Director of the Canadian Centre of Ecumenism, and Canon William Derby, an Anglican priest in the Church of Canada, Chaplain of the Montreal Diocesan Theological College, McGill University, Montreal. This was a time to become acquainted and to make lasting friendships.

The years have slipped by quickly also for the devoted and diligent workers of the Anglican Church Women. They work not only for the monetary reasons, they work to keep the spirit alive in assisting the Vestry, many outreach programs and commitments. Their willingness to help whenever, wherever, reveals their love in prayer, work and stewardship. We are greatly indebted to the A.C.W. We are also indebted to the members of the Altar Guild who devotedly care for the altar for all seasons.

Sadly, in 1989, our Lay Reader, James Martin, passed on to higher service, sincerely missed by St. John's. His memory lingers.

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1992- Present (1996)

In January 1994 the Rev. Joan Mitchell replaced Canon Whitford as Rector of the Parish of Springfield. This was while the Rt. Rev. Tom Ceilings was the diocese's seventh bishop. Her husband Steve gave some of his time to music and youth ministry and was ordained Deacon during their time here· (1994 to February 1997).

As time passes changes occur as the churches throughout the world face the challenges of declining congregations. The Parish of Springfield shrank as Christ Church, Whitemouth and St. Mary's Church, Pointe du Bois were closed.

During the Incumbency of the Rev. Joan Mitchell, St. John's initiated a variety of changes both in the structure of administration and in the weekly worship service in an attempt to move forward with current trends. The introduction of the Book of Alternative Services has added a new dimension to the weekly worship service. The traditional hymns, still a large part of the service, were complemented by "Songs for a Gospel People." The Eucharist was now celebrated every Sunday with the introduction of Folk Mass every third Sunday of the month. Spiritually we learned that we are all "ministers", one to another, and must use our God-given talents to forward the work of this, God's church.

And so we achieved our "Ninety Glorious Years."

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In Our Tenth Decade

During 1997 and 1998 the Rt. Rev. Gordon Beardy appointed the Rev. R. L. Risley as interim priest for Springfield (Pine Falls and Lac du Bonnet). Tbe Rev. Risley would travel from his home near Keewatin, Ontario several weekends a month to minister here: the Lay Readers ably provided leadership for the other services.

In July 1998 the Rev. Brian Rountree became the Incumbent·· of Springfield, starting his second career after thirty-one years· of teaching at the elementary school level in the classroqm and school library settings. His wife, Iris (nee Gold) was born in Pine Falls. During his time here, the Rev. Rountree became involved in programs delivered through the North Eastman Health Association, such as palliative care and spiritual care in the several facilities. In 2001 the Rev. Rountree participated in the search process and the election of our ninth Bishop, the Rt. Rev. David N. Ashdown. The Rev. Rountree was appointed a member of the Keewatin Diocesan Council, chair of the Tri-Diocesan Matrimonial Commission and Rural Dean of Springfield.

From the time of the Rev. Ron Risley the Lay Readers, in the persons of Netty Sellers, Beverley Richmond and Win Calder, were (and remain) valued members of the ministry team. We were all saddened when Win Calder died in October 2001. Another important person is the Rev. Bradley Robertson of Pine Falls who was ordained Deacon in June 2000. His visits and assistance to the congregation of St. John's are greatly appreciated.

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The Rountrees departed in May 2003 as Brian began graduate studies at the University of Western Ontario.

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BISHOPS' APPOINTMENTS TO ST. JOHN'S

1905 Mr. W. Ellis, student 1906- 1907 The Rev. A. A. Adams 1908, 1909-11 Mr. W. C. Allison, student 1911 1911-1916 1916

1918 1922 1922-1930 1930-1934 1934 1935-1946 1946 1948-1950 1950 1951 1952-1957 1957 1957-1960 1960-1971 1971-1993 1994-1997 1997-1998 1998-2003

Mr. R. E. Lemon, student The Rev .. J. B. Clarke The Rev. J. B. Clarke Mr. John Mackie, Lay Reader The Rev. R. E. Lemon The Rev. L. A. Tod.d Mr. E. R. Adye, student

. The Rev. T. H. Broughton The Rev. A. H .. Gibson Mr. F.H. Downing, catechist The Rev. S. Richardson The Rev. E. K. Bissell The Rev. S. Richardson Mr. H. W. Brandrick, student The Rev. E. H. Wallace The Rev. F. V. Maxwell Mr. E. Gaston, Lay Reader The Rev. W. G. Straw Canon L. C. Fryer Canon James W. Whitford The Rev. Joan Mitchell The Rev. Ron L. Risley, interim The Rev. Brian Rountree

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