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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1973-06-28, Page 101TJ3JVITT MEMORIAL CRUM'', EXETER, ONT. • Diamonds • Watches • Pottery • China • Crystal • Books • Bibles • Cards • Clocks • Barometers • Plagues • Rings • Leather Goods • Watch and Jeweller), Repairs SINCE 1960 DON AND DORIS WILSON WILSON'S JEWELLERY Opposite Exeter Post Office Pleasing You Pleases Us Section 1, Page 13 THE EXETER TIMES-AIWOCATE JUNE 28, 1971 Church known as 'Exeter Cathedral "Exeter Cathedral" is the title frequently attributed to Trivitt Memorial Church throughout the Huron Diocese. Actually the title is quite in order, Thomas and Elizabeth Trivitt, donors of Trivitt Memorial Church, had the plans drawn up in exact replica to a portion of Exeter Cathedral in Exeter, Devonshire, England. The bell Tower of Trivitt has been referred to as one of Exeter's chief tourist attractions. Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church is unique in many ways, The Church, Parish Flail and Rectory were built for and given to the congregation of Exeter and the Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Huron by Thomas and Elizabeth Trivitt, The Trivitts emigrated to Upper Canada from Somerset, England, in 1848 and settled in Centralia. Mr, Trivitt became the first clerk of Stephen Township. In 1852 he was appointed clerk of the Fifth Division Court of the County of Huron. The Court was later moved to Exeter and Mr. Trivitt retained the post. In 1857 Thomas Trivitt was named a Justice of the Peace. It has been said "he was a scholarly man, well read theologically, and he held very decided opinions on matters of polities and religion". Mrs. Trivitt was referred to as "that faithful friend of the Church", It was said "she gave of her means, she laboured for the Church, a noble woman, a faith- ful wife, while she lived it was felt that sainthood was a reality". Thomas and Elizabeth Trivitt are buried in the crypt under the chancel of the Church. Two brass plates embedded in the floor of the chancel mark their resting place. These serve as a constant reminder to the parishioners, who must walk past these plates to partake of Holy Communion at the altar, of the couple who made such a generous endowment to their community and the Glory of God. The first Anglican Church in Exeter, Christ Church, had its beginning in 1862. Prior to this services were held in homes, schools and the Orange Hall. Christ Church was a wooden structure and stood on Victoria Street near the present Arena and opposite the Public School. After it ceased to be used as a place of worship it served as an exhibit building during the an- nual Fall Fair, It became known as the "Crystal Palace" and remained in that capacity until it was torn down in 1934. Thomas Trivitt had the opinion that the people of Canada needed to be shown what the Church of England was in order to make a wonderful revival. This perhaps explains why Trivitt Memorial was built on such a grand scale. In the spring of 1887 Mr, Trivitt proposed to the Church wardens and the Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Huron to erect a "commodious and substantial new Church at a minimum cost of at least $5,000." and that any outlay beyond this amount be entirely at his own option. Exeter Advocate, June 30, 1887 A large dog with a tin can fastened to his tail made some long jumps down Main Street on Monday morning causing quite an exciting time, especially for the dog. T-A March 21, 1940 On Wednesday morning one of the worst snow-storms of the winter visited this section and over a foot of snow fell, The country roads have again been blocked and the highway has been kept open with difficulty. The storm was so heavy that at times one could see only a short distance. The wind was in the East, It lasted till about noon and then cleared and immediately began to thaw. The cornerstone was laid on the First of August 1887 and the Church was opened on December 23rd, 1888. Three services were held that day and a total of noo persons attended. In February 1890 Mr, Trivitt announced that he would provide $2,000 for a Rectory, $2,000 for a Parish Hall, the same amount for the purchase and installation of a Peal of Bells and $6,000 which, at his death, was to be used as an Endowment Fund, In con- sideration of this, the Synod agreed to pay him six percent (6 percent) interest of $4,000 of this latter amount during his lifetime. The Chimes were inaugurated in December 1890 and to this day Crediton brick — Continued from page 12 Sunday evening. He boasted to Frank that he would see him sitting up there with "Katy". Frank thought it would be a good joke to take her away from Dan and Sunday afternoon he called on Katy and as she played the piano they had a singsong. At last Frank asked her to go to the church with him. "I can't" she said, "I have a date with Dan." "Why didn't you hear about Dan?" Frank asked. "His aunt died and Dan had to take his mother over to her sister's" "Well, in that case go with you," said Katy, Frank said he hustled home, the stock got a quick feed that night. He hitched the horse and in the cutter arrived early to take Katy for a ride before going to church, the main reason to get there before Dan. On the way they met Dan. -The lady thought she recognized him but Frank said it was someone else and the two then went to church. Dan was pretty mad and it wasn't till a week after that he learned the truth. Exeter Advocate, April 26, 1888. The football match between the Exeter club and a picked team in Stephen On Thursday evening last and resulted in favor of Exeter, by one goal. Exeter Advocate, May 30th, 1889 Messrs. Crossley & Hunter the Revivalists will hold forth in Main Street Methodist Church this week, Those gentlemen are making rapid progress in their grand work, members being converted each evening, Trivitt is one of the few Churches in Ontario with a full Chime of Bells of such quality. In viewing this grand structure it is clear to be seen that nothing was spared in the building of the Church. It is a fine example of Gothic architecture, the wood- work of white pine is masterfully carved and matched in detail. It provides an ideal setting to frame the magnificent and richly coloured stained glass windows, The windows of Trivitt are particularly outstanding and should be studied in detail to be fully appreciated. It may be noted that the west windoW shows the Trivitt coat of arms, This window has been damaged throughout the years and will be repaired this year. The pipe organ, while presently in need of costly repairs, is also of special note, It was built ex- pressly for Trivitt Memorial Church and is considered to be a very fine instrument, and when in proper working order renders a wide range of quality tones. The congregation of Trivitt has dwindled through the years as in many Churches and certainly in large Cathedrals in England, and experiences difficulty in adequately maintaining such a grand place of worship and memorial. During Centennial Celebrations in our Town it is hoped that the people will take some time to wander into Trivia Memorial Church and admire the grandeur and glory of this beautiful structure that Thomas and Elizabeth Trivitt gave to the people of Exeter. Surely such Christian generosity is something to be remembered always and of particular note during our Centennial Celebrations, Note: A booklet giving detail of the building and outstanding features and symbolisms of Trivitt Memorial Church as well as a brief history will be published and made available during the Centennial, Proceeds will go to the Restoration Fund.