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The Seaforth News, 1947-04-24, Page 2► • TIFF SEAFORTH NEWS A History Of St. ThomasChurch The following is a history of St, Thomas' Church, Seaforth, prepared for the Women's Institute. The writer of this History dates the beginning of St. Thomas' Church, or rather. Parish, as the year 1859, when it became apparent that Seaforth began to show on the map as a Place of importance. There were more or less regular services being held in the Carmichael Hotel, later known as the Royal apartments,, and also services were helot in what was then known as the Downey Hall, later as the Queen's Hotel, and it is still known by that name; and again the barn belonging to Mr. Thomas Adams on Goderich St, was used in the summer months, This was not actually the beginning of Anglican church wort: in this local- ity. Note: the Rev. Win. Cresswell was the pioneer clergyman cooling here in the year 1855 with a license to officiate from the Bishop of To- ronto. Seaforth at this time, as rec- ords show, was a rather crude place, containing a lot of bush and swamp. Mr. Cresswell held services in Knox Hall, Harpurhey, and . administered the Sacraments of the Church. He left a careful record of his work. Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths, which is still in the care of St. Thomas Church, This register con- tains complete entries up to the year 1867 and this wonderful pioneer of the church's work in this district passed to his rest and reward on June 19th, 1863. He was beloved by every one as he ministered to all alike, and he was buried in Harpurhey Cemetery - In 1366 a meeting was called for the purpose of discussing the proposition of building a church in that Place, and after deliberating on the matter for some time the following motion was passed: Moved by the Rev. W. Paterson, seconded by the Rev. W. Cresswell, that it is very desirable to build a church in that. place (meaning Harpurhey). This motion carried un- animously. Other motions were passed in order. appointing committees, etc., and subscription list matte out. Please note Ute following names of those who were subscribers, and some were very substantial ones supporting this effort. Names of those who contributed to subscriptions for the purpose of t'reetion of St, Thomas' Church; The Lord Bishop of Toronto. Hon. Wm. Cayley, Subscription from England, Wm. Chalk, L. Meyers, A. Meyers, Francis Fowler, Richard Cluff, C. L. VanEgmond, L. G. Van Egmond, Wm. Van Esmond. Thomas J. Marks, Carl Alborn, Win. But- ton, John L, Campbell, John Flor- shrutz, Charles Crepwell, W. Crep- well, B.A., Edwin Cresswell, Eliza Crepwell, Thomas Carter, • C. Thom- son, Ben Eden, Capt. Ord, Edward Hickson, Wm. Small, Edward Cash, Wm. Fowler, Jonathan Carter, Thomas Adams, Christopher Sper- ling, Richard Lowe, Archie Currie, Joseph Brine. Wm. Wright, Dr. Da. vid IiIcCullock, Thomas Grant, Mal- colm McDermid. Robt. Cana, Geo. Gouinlock, H. Render, Thomas Whitehead, Geo. Sproat, Robt. John- ston, Geo, Case, Francis Case, Elisa- beth Steen, Samuel Bays, James Ryan, James Beattie, James Ching, Samuel Van: tone, Wm. Bender, John Parrett, John Steet, Wm. Old- field, Wm. Sholdice, Adam Sholdice, Susan Sholdice. Leonard Sholdice, Thomas Hodgins, Thomas McFee, M. Conroy, John Bulger, Dennis Dorsey, Wm. Cluff, Wm. Cerens, Wm. Mor- rison, Jas. Irvin, David Bilden, Ro- bert Armstrong, Thomas Vine, Sam- nel Scarlet, Chas. Sperling, Thomas Rnox, Geo, Jackson, John Oldfield, Dr, Tracey. This record shows that all sub- scriptions were paid in British cur- rencey R. S. D., Pound Shilling or Pence. Money was collected, lumber and brick and other materials were bought but before delivery had been made the scheme fell through and the money was returned to the con- tributors. The writer would like to state here that there is nothing stat- ed in the records of what happened to bring about such results as every- thing looked very Promising up un- til now. However, permit me to take into consideration the prevailing history of the two places at this time, Harpurhey and Seaforth, The Grand Trunk Railway, now G. N. R., was built from Stratford to Goder- ich in the early fifties and there was very forei'ble rivalry between these former two places, which should be honored by having the railway stat - tion. For some it appeared that Har- purhey was in line for 'the honor .and expected to out -do Seaforth as the town proper, but fate worked against them and ;Seaforth won out. This, the write- feels, may have been the reason for the decision to stop proceedings towards ` building the church in Harpurhey at that time, 1859.-7 , In 1859 Seaforth contin- ued to• Show more and more as a place of importance, and, the church people were again looking forward to when they might have a church of their own where they might ` go to worship the God of their fathers in, their• own way. There were many I obstacles to overcome, and money was scarce, and a great many dif- ficulties cropped up. However, through the influences of the Rev. Wm. Cresswell and the Rev. James Carmichael, who was at that time the Minister at Clinton' and who later became Bishop of Montreal, and the Rev. J. C. Des Beres, came to their rescue, one of these clergy- men coming every Sunday afternoon and holding a service at the previous named places, the Royal Hotel and the Queen's Hotel. This work was continued by them for about three years, 'when they were relieved by the Rev. John Ridley who was then minister at Mitchell He continued the work by giving fortnightly ser- vices using the Carmichael Hotel in the winter and Mr. Thomas Adams barn in the summer. This building I was situated on Goderich St. West. The Venerable Archdeacon Ellwood I of Goderich also helped occasionally 1862.—It was about this time the ' question of building a church was taken up in a very determined man- ner and it was again decided to call a meeting of the prominent men who were interested in promoting this work. Among those who attended this meeting might be mentioned here: S. Scarlett, Mr. Thomas Adams Jos. Brown, Wm. Oldfield, Geo Jackson, Jos. Fowler, John Oldfield Leonard Sholdice, Geo. Sewell, E Cresswell, A. Strong, Ed. Hickson, Aug. VanEgmond, Ralph Thompson I Dr. Smith, Dr. Tracy, Capt. Ord, Jas. H. Benson, W. J. Cleary, J. R. Bull, Francis Case, Geo. Case, Andrew Archibald. These men met with a determined purpose in mind and were unani- mous that a church should be built to consist for the present time in the completion of the Nave which is the central part. of the building which was done. The site on which the church was built was donated by Mr. Edgar James. 1863. Was evidently the year in which the church was built. 1864. The Rev. C. C. Johnston was appointed as a permanent min- ister and continued as such until the end of the year 1870. 1871. The Rev. Reginald Starr followed him at this date and re- mained until 1874, Note—the Chan- cel was added during his ministry in the year 1872. 1874. He was succeeded by the Rev, W. L. Mills as Rector who was later appointed Bishop of Ontario: his stay was quite short. 1875. The Rev, Wm. Craig took charge and .remained until the year 1377. 1877. The Rev. W. F. Cambhell was appointed Rector. During his ministry here the wings were added to the church to 'increase the seating capacity so as to take care of the increasing number of the congrega- tion; the ceiling was also raised at this time which added greatly to the general appearance of the church, 1879, The Rev. L. F. Rivard was appointed hector, his stay being rather short. 1880, The Rev. Jeffrey Hill took charge and remained 00111 the year 1883. 1888, The Rev. J. Edmonds be. came the Rector and while he was the minister of this Parish, . in ,the year 1885, the Parish Hall (or Sun- day School) was purchased and later moved to the present site. Tt was originally a. Methodist Episcopal Church, 1888. The Rev, T. W. Magahy took his place; his time as the en- cumbent was short, 1889. The Rev: J. W. Hodgins be- came Rector and he remained in charge until March 26, 1905. his term as Rector being the longest up to the present time. During his en- cumb'ancy- the present pipe organ was installed in the church in 1895. The cost to the congregation was 81190.00, The Sunday School build- ing was completed in 1902 by the addition of kitchen and a vestry robus. The records also show that during his tern as Rector the following memorial windows were installed: Donkin Memorial Chancel -Win- dow, 1890. Thomas 0. Kemp Memorial Win- dqw, 1902. Helen Holmstead Memorial Win- dow, 1905. St. Clair Simpson Memorial Win- dow, 1905. - 1905. The Rev. John Berry be- came the Rector and remained until the year 1912, having ministered to the wants of the congregation for 7 years. 1912. The Rev. Thomas H. Brown became the Rector. He was a very active worker all through the Parish seeking .always to improve the church property and to give every- thing a prosperous appearance. Through his activities at this time, a mortgage of 61400.00 on the 'Rec- tory was paid and disposed of at a social evening at the Parish. hall when this mortgage was burned. He; also brought about 'the surplice, choir which was introduced into the church on Palm Sunday, March 16, 1913, for the first time. There was also built at this time a passage -Way connecting the Parish hall'and church. This work was done in 1.913.( In 1914 a new carpet Placed in the chancel, This work was done by the Chancel Guild, and the same organ-' ization :assumed all the expense con- nected with this work. Also, at this time, Mr. H. 13. Edge presented to the church the new brass communion or altar rail, a . memorial to Mr'c• I Edge. In 1917 Miss Emily' Cresswell pre -1 sentedto the church a plot of land, west of the Sunday . School to be used for' recreational purposes and part for a Rector's' garden. In' 19211 there was an 8 -day mission held, the services being conducted by the Rev: W. H. -Roberts which com- menced on Sunday,. March 1391', con- cluding March 20th: During an elec- tric storm, on the Tuesday .evening, just as the bell was about to be rung for the evening service, the tower was struck by lightning land although it 'was badly damaged and there were quite a number of people in the church atthe time, not, a single person was injured. 'However • the service continued, and the Rev. Mr. Brown 'offered prayers of thankful- ness to God for having spared all that were present. In April 1921, the contract: was let to ' Mr,• H. B. Edge for $375.00 to repair the tower and $153.00 for repairing damage done to other :parts of the • chureh. Mr. Ralph Cresswell kindly paid this account in full. At this time light ning rods were placed on the ohurch and Sunday School. 1VIr. Harry. Cress- well kindly paid this account. 1922. On the first Sunday after Easter, 1922, the Altar as it stands today was presented to the church by the family of Mrs. Adeline Best, to her blessed memory, 1923. A new heating system was installed in the church known as a E,elsie generator; this heating unit was supplied by Mr. H. 13. Edge, and was installed by Mr. Wm. Smithers and John Cunimings. It was also de- cided at this time to change the seats so as to have a middle aisle in the center of the church, which work was done. The two doors in the sides of the vestibule were removed and the openings closed and new center doors were put in which made a very much improved appearance to the church. The seats and the interior of the church were also painted at this time, and it .might be stated here this work was done by the congrega THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1947 tion in their spare time and even- mgrs. 1926. Mr. Edge, presented 'to the church a leaded art glass window to be placed in the tower. 1930. Rev. T. H. Brown resigned. after ,18 years as hector of St.I Thomas' Church his incumbency was two yeasts longet than the Rev. J. W. Hodgins, 16 years. He retired from the active ministry and went with his family to live in Toronto. 1980. The Bishop 'aPpointed' the Rev, J. F. Meyers, Rector; his -stay was short, only two years, the Bish- op appointing hini assistant to Dean at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, Ont. 1932. The Rev. Canon Appleyard wks appointed as Rector. He was very active in all of the parish work • and his genial disposition made him a friend of everyone during his in- cumbency. A 'new steam heating system Put in the church; the record says work was done under the direction of the People's Warden, Mr. R. G. Parke. Mr. Parke was largely responsible for this effort and deserves much credit for his enterprise, planning and work, the cost was $1165.53 and was raised and paid for in twelve months. Canon Appleyard re- signed in 1937 owing to ill health and retired from the active ministry and went to Hamilton to reside. 1938. Rev, R. P. D. Hurford, D,D.,; was appointed by the Bishop ae Rector and remained as such until Aug, 16, 1944, when; the Bishop called him to London as Rector of. Christ Church and also as instructor at Huron College where he re- mains at these duties at the present time. At this time the Rectory was Warden and Treasurer, at the pre- sent time. The writer of this history to date, Dec. 31, 1946; Richmond G. Parke. Commemoration: 1914-1918 Honor Roll: During World War 1 there enlist- ed in the service of their country from this congregation the following Persons. John Best, Russell Best, Edward Bateman, Wm.. Beattie, Roy Cook, Rollo Cook*, David Colvin, Percy Rolph, William Smith, 'J. H. Hod - gine Wm. G. McCauly, Harry Cress- well, Sidney Deem, Harold Deem, Thomas Edgar*, James Edgar, John H. Earle, Clarence Garden*, Charles Hodge, Charles' Rolph , Geo. Ste- phenson, Manson J. Reeves*, Jas.' Henry McCauly, Harry Kent, Wil- liam Hart, Frank Jackson, Secord McBrien, Ellis ,McLean, Chester Mc- Bride, 3.• Nesbit, Wm. Pinkney, Henry Smith, David Watt, John Wil- son, Nurse Edith Neelin. World War 2-1939-45: Ken Adams, Cecil Adams, Arthur Fraser"', Jas. Brown, Edward South- gate, Arthur Leyburn, George Parke, Jack Moore, Frank Archi- bald, Arnold Archibald*, Harry Earle, Jack Hotharn, William Edgar, Thomas Roe, Thomas Wilbee, Fred Jackson, Louis Jackson, John B. Pinkney, Barbara Best, Betty Sand- ford, Angus McLean, Geo. Kruse, William Wilbee, Jack Fraser, Ger- ald Snowdon, Daniel Grummett, Earle Leyburne, Nurse Mae : Card well, Those marked * gave their dives, for their country. RENFREW SALES AND SERVICE insulated, Miss Emily Cresswell Hand turned and electric cream bearin the cost. A new roof on separators, also repairs for Anker - the wingsof the church, church in- holt separators. Basil O'Rourke, terror decorated, Parish hall inter- Bi'ucefield. Phone 618 r 21, Clinton for decorated. The iron roof on Church proper was also painted. The Rev. Dr. Hurford, as we all knew biro, was Rector for 6 years. 1944. In August of this year the Rev. C. F. L. Gilbert was appointed Rector and still remains. as such at the present date, Dec., 1946. On Sunday, Dec. 15, 1946, there was a special service, the unveiling of a memorial window which had been placed in the church by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. R. Archibald of Tucker - smith, in commemoration of. their son, Arnold R. Archibald; who, while in the service of his country, gave all, his life for our freedom and liberty. Captain Frank Archibald. in the presence of the family and friends, and the congregation pre- sent, acted to unveil this memorial. T. T. Jackson, Rector's Warden, and Richmond G. Parke, People's FOR SALE By tender, 115 acre grass fart; lot 34, con. 14, McKillop. never fail- ing spring creek. Thos. Nash, R.R. 0, Seaforth. IAAARS a n d SEAS BINS B/(_I- See sSee HOUSEHOLD MANCE You may borrow from $20 to $1000 without endorsers at Household Finance, and you may take 12 or 15 months to repay. Or even 20 or 24 months on loans of larger amounts. Household loans are arranged promptly, with no delay. Just decide how much money you need and how long you want to take to repay. Phone first, then come in. Your money can be ready the sauce clay you apply. 29 Downie St., ae Albert Royal Bank Budding Phone 238 STRATFORD, ONT. 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