ANGLICANLife
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May 2011
ANGLICANLife A Section of the Anglican Journal
in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
May 2011
Debt-free in Deer Lake
Burning the Mortgage. Parish Warden, Cassie Moore (left) and Parish Treasurer, Dean Fisher (right) watch as Rector, The Rev’d John Meade (centre) burns the papers representing the end of their debt to the Diocese. The Parish undertook a successful financial campaign to upgrade their Church building. Photo by Kay Moore. Submitted by The Rev’d Canon John Meade Rector
For many years, the Congregation of St. Michael and All Angels, Deer Lake, struggled with accessibility issues. This was made abundantly clear to me upon my arrival in 2005. So, we quickly set to work in an effort to address the problem. Engineering services were secured to provide drawings of potential improvements and all the associated costs, and a congregational meeting was held to present the findings to our people. In 2006 we established our Accessibility Fund. People were encouraged to commit to a monthly offering to the fund over and above their regular offerings to the work and ministry of the congregation. We also accepted many memorial offerings from those committed to
our project. In 2008, at our annual congregational meeting, we decided to undertake the renovation project. Along with a healthy Accessibility Fund, loans were secured from the Diocesan Loan Fund and the Anglican Foundation of Canada. Work began in July and was completed in November 2008. The completion of this $140,000.00 project provided us with a threestop lift, new doors for our entrance, wheel-chair accessible washrooms and a new storage facility. Our people have been very faithful in honouring their financial commitment to the Accessibility Fund, and many memorial gifts have been directed to the fund. Subsequently, the balance of the loan from the Diocese was paid off in early 2010 and the loan from the Anglican Foundation was retired in November. The Vestry and congregation are overjoyed to have
witnessed the fulfillment of their dream, and to have brought this project to its end. What is also interesting to note is that not one fund-raiser was undertaken to achieve our goal, and the total offerings (excluding the Accessibility Fund) of our congregation increased every year during the life of this project. Solid financial stewardship is alive and well in Deer Lake! To celebrate this momentous occasion, at our annual Advent Congregational Brunch, on November 28, we officially burned the loan papers of the Accessibility Fund. Our sincere thanks are offered to all who supported this project in any way and who made our dream a reality!
See Pages 6 & 7
ANGLICANLife 2011 APPEAL
See Page 11
SERVI NG THE DIO CE SE S OF WEST ERN NEWFO UNDL AND + CENTRAL NEWFO UNDL AND + EAST ERN NEWFO UNDL AND & LABR AD OR VING IOCE CESE SES STE WFOUNDL UNDLAND WFOUNDL UNDLAND ASTE WFOUNDL UNDLAND ABRAD ADOR
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How St. Patrick helped Ronald McDonald
May 2011
St. Martin’s in Dunville celebrates 50 years Submitted by Edith Yetman
On March 17th St. Augustine’s Outreach Committee held a St. Patrick’s Day Soup and Dessert Supper. There were Take-outs as well as a sit-down meal and it was a tremendous success. Committee members and guests young and old dressed in green or wore shamrocks as ear-rings, badges, hats, scarves, etc. for the occasion and all seemed to be enjoying the fellowship. Many compliments were given by the guests who enjoyed all different kinds of soups and desserts. The proceeds, of which was $1,006.25 after expenses, all went to Ronald McDonald House. Submitted by Debbie Skeard.
Second annual ‘snowless” snowmobile race
Mother Nature must have a sense of humour towards St. Ambrose Congregation in the Parish of Bay of Islands. For the second year in a row, they celebrated a snowless snowmobile race. , In spite of the lack of snow, the event went ahead and the parish raised more than $1700. The winners were: Shauna O’Neil (first prize), Shauna Kervain (second prize), and the Reverend Nellie Thomas (third prize). The local ACW provided food and dessert for the participants. They are praying for snow next year, however, even without it, they plan to hold another snowless snowmobile race. Submitted by Slyvia Hann.
ANGLICANLife
St. Martin’s Anglican Church in Dunville celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary on November 7th, 2010. It was, indeed, a huge success. The morning started with a beautiful Eucharistic Service lead by the Parish Prayer and Praise Band and their organist Andrew Pretty. Colorful booklets containing the service, a history of the church, and memory pictures were presented to those in attendance. At the beginning of the service a 50 year Anniversary Banner made by Lorraine Gilbert and Edith Yetman was presented. The members of the congregation were delighted to welcome back some of our former clergy: Rev. Morley Boutcher (the first rector of the newly built church), Rev Gordon White, Rev. Carl Major, and Rev. Wilson Tibbo. Also attending were Rev. Roberta Woodman, a former member of the congregation, and Rev. Jacinta Penney, who did her internship at St. Martin, both of whom were ordained into the Ministry at St. Martin’s Church. Our present rectors Rev. Nancy March and Rev. Nelson Chapman officiated at the service. Our special guest preacher for the serv-
ice was Archdeacon Sandra Tilley, who was an inspiration to all who attended. We felt especially honored to have four of our residents who attended the very first organizational meeting fifty years ago on June 7, 1960 with us for that Special Day, Mr. John Hillier, Mr. Sam Newhook, Mr. Lance Morgan, and Mr. Eric Shave. It was at that
meeting that the decision was made to build an Anglican church in Dunville. After our Morning Service, we moved down stairs to our Social Centre for a buffet lunch, where the Anniversary cake was cut by Mr. Lance Morgan. Thank you to everyone who helped with the food for a lovely spread. After lunch, The Honorable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s, brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Our guest speaker Rev. Gordon White, a former
clergy from this parish, addressed those present with an emotional, reflection about the Parish of St. Martin. Gifts were presented to our guest preacher, Archdeacon Sandra Tilley, and our guest speaker, Rev. Gordon White. Also, a gift was given as a small token of appreciation to our dedicated organist of 50 years, the entire lifetime of our church, Mrs. S h i r l e y Newhook. Thank you very much for your years of dedication. The committee for this anniversary was very pleased with the attendance for this special anniversary service and luncheon and was honored to be a part of such a celebration. A sincere thankyou is extended to Archdeacon Tilley, Rev. White, and other visiting clergy. Also, we wish to thank the Parish Prayer and Praise Band and organist, Andrew Pretty for providing such lively music. Thankyou, as well, to Angus Gilbert for emceeing, to Daphne Mercer (Harbour Grace South), the AMA, and the College of the North Atlantic for their help with the Anniversary Booklets, Phyllis Mercer for sewingup the Anniversary Banner, all who helped in any way, and of course, our rectors, Rev. Nancy March and Rev. Nelson Chapman.
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ANGLICANLife
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May 2011
let us pray
What’s all the “buzz” in Labrador West? Submitted by The Rev’d Wayne Parsons Rector
What’s all the “Buzz” about in the Parish of Labrador West? Apriil 9 marked the conclusion of an extremely successful children’s/young families initiative in our parish. Beginning last October, as part of our regular Thursday Evening Eucharist, this program was launched. Buzz was an exciting children’s program for children between the ages of 5-11years old. The program was very successful in capturing and captivating the children on a weekly basis. Other excit-
AWARE DAY Change in Date AWARE (Anglican Women Alive Renewed and Enriched) are having an Event on 25 June 2011 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Women of all faiths are welcome. Lunch will be served. For more Info Call Olive Grunert at
(709) 229 5378 Or email AWARE@eastlink.ca
ing highlights of the program included a “Winter Beach Party,” and outdoor sliding event. Likewise, many young parents participated in the evening Eucharist upstairs while the children were enjoying their program downstairs. This program will resume again in the fall! Anglicanism Course, 5 weeks that turned into 14 weeks! Approximately, eighteen to twenty-two dults faithfully participated in this course on our historic and rich faith tradition, led by the Rector, on T u e s d a y evenings. Originally, the
program was slated for 5 weeks in duration. However, the participants wanted to keep going and we continued for a record 14 weeks! The course covered a wide variety of areas and topics including our church structure, history, tradition, liturgy, pastoral offices, parish administration, and much, much more. Many of the participants now feel more comfortable in understanding our rich faith tradition and being able to articulate it to others. Our group will reconvene again in the fall, as we will explore other areas of interest.
Anglican Outreach Cafe. Our parish has emCafe barked on a monthly community outreach cafe which is held the first Friday of each month. A hot delicious meal is served at no cost and all are invited. The cafe’s aim is to outreach to the wider community and provide a safe space that is open to all. Our cafe will continue until June and then reconvene again in the fall. Monthly Joint Family Service. Our parish hosts a monthly joint family service, the first Sunday of each month. That particular Sunday, both congregations, St. Peter’s in Wabush, and St. Paul’s in Labrador
City, meet at 11:30am at St. Paul’s for the service. The focus of the service is on family and the service is orientated towards that. Afterwards, a time of fellowship including age appropriate games and fun activities for the children take place downstairs.
Faith Sharing in everyday life at St. Mark’s St. Mark’s Church in St. John’s decided to produce a Lenten Devotional Booklet around the theme Faith Sharing in Everyday Life. Parishioners were encouraged to write a short story about a faith event in their lives that they would be willing to share with others. Thirty seven stories were collected that were inspirational and heart warming. Parishioners have been encouraged to take extra booklets and share them with friends and neighbours. The main goal was to get more comfortable talking and sharing our faith in order to build up the faith community at St. Mark’s and beyond. If you like to receive a free copy of our booklet email us at clergy@stmarksanglican.ca or call 709-726-3213. In the photograph are: (L-R) Rick Hibbs, Gail Lidstone, Rosaline Bartlett, G. Wayne Short (Rector). Photo by Denis Peters.
30 Roe Avenue, P.O. Box 348, Gander, NL A1V 1W7 Telephone: (709) 651-4100 Fax: (709) 256-2957 email: info@waltershoffe.com
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May 2011
ANGLICANLife in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
ANGLICAN LIFE in Newfoundland and Labrador is the newspaper of the Anglican Church in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A co-operative effort of the three Dioceses in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is published monthly, except July and August, with an independent editorial policy.
I don’t have all the answers
A section of the Anglican Journal Editor-in-Chief: The Rev’d Sam Rose 8 Croydon Street Paradise, NL A1L 1P7 Email: samrose@nl.rogers.com Advertising Rates and other information may be obtained from: Bishop Donald Young 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL, A1V 2E8 Phone: (709) 256-7701 Email: jointcommittee@nfld.net Subscription Rates: Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.00 Outside the province: $20.00 International: $25.00 New subscriptions, cancellations, & changes of address should be sent to: Circulation The Anglican Journal (attn. Bev Murphy) 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2 (416) 924-9192 (O) (416) 925-8811 (fax) Email: circulation@national.anglican.ca Each parish is responsible for maintaining its own subscription list - please notify your parish office of any changes. Changes sent to parish offices may take months to take effect. Please also send your updated information to Circulation at the Anglican Journal (above) or to Don Young at 34 Fraser Road, Gander NL A1V 2E8. Articles and photographs: Send to the Editor-in-Chief (above) Parish Bulletins and Letters to the Editor: Send to the Editor-in-Chief, Sam Rose (address as above). All letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number. Telephone numbers will not be published. Anglican Life does not publish letters under nom de plume. Letters should not exceed 300 words (one double spaced typewritten page), and are subject to editing at the discretion of the editor. These policies were adopted by the Anglican Life Committee. Layout & Design: Sam Rose Printed by: Signal Star Publishing, A Division of Bowes Publishers Limited, Industrial Park, 120 Huckins Street, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 4B6
Circulation: 23,058
ANGLICANLife
Allison Billard
I know, that may come as a shock to some of you, since I’m such a know it all in this column, but I don’t even pretend to have all the answers. Who am I? A 20 something, newly married, mom-to-be who’s making it up as she goes along. That’s it. No answers here. I leave the answers to God, since he’s got them all. I trust him to lead me along the way and make the path clear to me when it needs to be. But I have to admit, I’m a little scared right now. We are living in scary times and all you have to do is turn on the news to see evidence of it everywhere. For me it started with the unrest in the Middle East. When the old world order started to crumble and
the people began to riot as we saw in Egypt and Libya, to me that seemed like the start of something much, much bigger. It was just a few weeks before all this started that I had found out that our big trip to Israel had been cancelled. At that time I said to my better half that perhaps this was a sign, that in a few months we would understand why this disappointment had happened. And it was a matter of weeks when things all started to come undone. The unrest is unsettling in and of itself. It started with one man and his market and turned into millions of people standing up and refusing to be oppressed any longer. I pray each day that these people will see the freedom they’re fighting for. But it will be a long haul, and it is very difficult to watch, feeling helpless while they suffer. Adding to my fear is the natural disaster that has rocked Japan. Earthquakes and tsunamis have destroyed cities in a country that was most prepared for this type of natural disaster.
And now to have to deal with the nuclear threat on top of that? I read that some of the workers at the nuclear plants are essentially on a suicide mission, venturing in to fatal levels of radiation to try and cool the machinery so it doesn’t contaminate the entire country and other parts of the world. It’s terrifying to even think about. So what do I say to the youth who ask “How can God let this happen?” Is there a satisfying answer to that? I don’t think it is a matter of God “letting” it happen. He doesn’t just step out of the heavens to interfere in the world. We have to hold on to faith, pray for those in need and know that he has a plan for them too. Even if it doesn’t make any sense to us, which it often doesn’t. And I think it’s ok to admit we’re scared. We can bring our fears to our Great Comforter and know that He is with us always.
ANGLICANLife
May 2011
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STEWARDSHIP
How to leave a legacy
Kevin Smith
One of the biggest misconceptions about leaving a legacy is that only the wealthy can do it. The truth, however, is that everyone can plan a legacy gift regardless of their current income or assets. Legacy gifts are often referred to as planned gifts, since planning a gift can often result in a significant contribution to a charitable organization. While a com-
mitment is generally made today, the financial benefits are usually not received by the charity until some time in the future. The beauty of planning a gift is that it enables individuals to match their philanthropic objectives with personal goals of providing for their heirs. Choose Your Church Think about your Church which needs your support. Has your Church sustained you and your family over the years? Have you been an active member of your parish and witnessed the many ministries within and without the congregation. Maybe you or someone you know has benefited greatly from the ministry of the Church. Were you married in the Church and have your children been baptized
Anglicans on Ice
and confirmed there? Have you served on the various committees of your parish? Finally, do you believe in the mission of your Church? Talk to your rector about the needs of the Church and what opportunities are available for giving. If you’d like to be recognized for your generosity (or prefer to remain anonymous), ask them about their donor recognition policy. Talk with your family and loved ones. Be sure your family is aware of your intentions so they can understand and support your decision. Let them know how you would like to be recognized if the gift will be realized after your death. Bequests The most common type
of legacy gift is a charitable bequest or gift by Will. This may be a cash donation or even a gift of property such as real estate, a work of art or publicly listed securities. A bequest to a charity is very easy to put in place and can be modified at any time. In addition, the tax receipt the charity issues may result in a significant tax credit on your final income tax return. (Your estate may claim donations of up to 100% of your net income for the year of death and the year preceding death.) If you don’t have a Will, there is no mechanism in place to make a bequest and your assets may not be distributed the way you would have liked. Types of Gifts:
Securities Life insurance RRSP’s or RRIF’s Annuities Charitable remainder Trusts Real Estate Details of these types of gifts can be provided upon request. Please do not hestitate to contact me as you prepare to Leave a Legacy.
Kevin Smith is a gift planning consultant for the Anglican Church of Canada. He can be contacted at 739-5667 or k_smith@nf.sympatico.ca
Parishioners of St. Luke’s, Newtown, and St. Mary’s, Pound Cove, assembled in late February for their annual road hockey game against the local United Church. Although the tough United team promised “a different game than last year,” the resolute Anglicans were again victorious, and the United churchmen had to attend St. Luke’s the following Sunday as a consequence. Laughs and fun were had by all – most of the Anglicans and United members were related, anyhow! A mug-up followed the game at a nearby shed. Our goalie, Calvin Kean from St. Mary’s, was considered the Most-Valuable-Player for his outstanding saves and counter-offensive passing. The joint service was a joyous occasion with a wonderful sharing of music, preaching and prayer. Submitted by the Rev. Shaun O’Connor.
ATTENTION ALL CLERGY!!! Clergy are invited to call (902) 962-3511 to reserve a Cabin in Iris, PEI (6 miles from the Woods Island Ferry). A donation of $20 per day is requested. To ensure a smooth transition between tenants, “check out” is 10:00 a.m. and “check in” time is after 3:00 p.m. (Please NO PETS) Clergy can also contact Western Diocese Synod Office
(709) 639-8712
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May 2011
ANGLICANLife
Make a Difference in Grace Layman her life and legacy
Born in 1919 in Wigwam House, Grace Layman had never been off Fogo Island until she attended the Parade Street Campus of Memorial University College in 1939. In St. John’s, she felt rather constricted and limited by the buildings and the streets of the city and the regimen of where she stayed - Spencer Lodge, an Anglican Home for young girls. She had grown up free to roam the hills and beaches of her island home. Eventually Grace overcame her culture shock and began, as she says, “to find joy in this strange place.” She also received some good advice and direction and after some assistance from a professor, Marie Coop, continued her education at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. This same college later bestowed an Honorary Doctorate on her in 1983 - the only Newfoundlander ever to receive such a distinction. She went on to study at Columbia University in New York and did research work all over the world in her area of expertise - speech and listening skills. Grace’s teaching career began in 1939 on the day World War Two broke out. She was in Green Island Cove, on the province’s Great Northern Peninsula. From there Grace moved to Cartwright and then onto the Grenfell School in St. Anthony. She told a reporter in 2004 that “one of the first things I did in St. Anthony was to attend Dr. Grenfell’s funeral and that she stayed at the Grenfell House and slept in Dr. Grenfell’s bedroom.” After that, Grace moved to St. John’s where she eventually was hired by Memorial University and developed a curriculum around educational drama- the purpose of which was to improve the speech of individuals who possessed strong dialects. An article in the Evening Telegram in February 1971 had the headline, “New Speech Program Termed “Breakthrough.” Grace retired from Memorial in 1979 at age 60 but not before being honoured by a number of prestigious bodies. She was named a fellow of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education; received a special commendation from the National Speech Association of Canada, holds the Queen’s medal and Citation; the title of Associate of the Institute of Education and a Fellow of the English Speaking Board. In addition, several books have been penned by Grace including one on educational drama for 6 to 12 year olds and another two on her life. Her legacy as a teacher and educator will last for a long time. Whenever Grace attends an event, she invariably runs into someone who says, “Oh Miss Layman, you taught me.” Asked in 2004 why she did what she had done, she replied, “I wanted to go somewhere and do something for somebody.” Dr. Grace Layman has established another legacy - a legacy of giving and supporting issues that are close to her. Scholarships at Memorial are a good example of that. Planned gifts for her Parish of St. Philip’s and the establishment of an endowment fund to assist children of coastal Labrador attend church camps and other activities have not gone unnoticed. Labrador Territorial Archdeacon Charlene Taylor made this comment: “Grace Layman has been a generous friend to the youth of the Archdeaconry of Labrador, especially the youth of our coastal communities. Her gift to our Labrador youth covers travel cost for coastal youth to travel to camp each year. Ms. Layman’s kindness has enabled the continuation of the annual archdeaconry Camp Awesome, held each year during Labour Day weekend at the Labrador Christian Youth Camp facility on Gosling Lake, 25 minutes from Goose Bay.” St. Philip’s Parish Rector, The Rev’d Edward Keeping was equally delighted and grateful: “We defined a steward as a person who is a caretaker of the things that God has provided for them. Grace is an excellent example to all the church about being a good steward. In 1985, she provided land in St. Philip’s to build their new rectory after the parish was divided. She has been faithful in giving regularly to her parish. Recently she gave to our new appeal to reduce the mortgage on St. Philip’s Church. Grace is thankful for all that God has blessed her with over the years. It also makes God’s heart glad to see his children giving with a grateful heart.” What a legacy! Grace resides at a seniors’ complex in St. John’s and is in good health and spirits.
The Rev’d Perry Cooper Executive Officer - Diocese of Central Newfoundland
How do you want to be
Remembered? At the end of the journey of your life, how do you want to be remembered? Keep in mind that your Will is the last opportunity – your final statement – that you will ever make in this world. It is the last occasion you will have in this life to proclaim the Good News and express your gratitude to God for the abundance you have received. If a stranger read my Will, would he or she know that I am a Christian? Many people leave their estates to their loved ones without considering how to minimize the taxes and how to maximize their gift. Every day people’s lives are enriched by our Church and their faith. How do you want to be remembered? By planning a gift to your Church, you can make a difference in the future of your parish. Kevin Smith, the regional gift planning consultant for the Anglican Church, has often said there are many reasons why donors support various causes but the most important one is belief in the mission of the organization. In other words, Canadians support charities that make a difference. And, I ask you: Do we in the Anglican Church make a difference in the lives of our parishioners? In our community? Of, course we do. It’s part of what we do as Christians. I urge all Anglicans in Newfoundland and Labrador to make sure they have a Will and to ensure that they have a bequest in that will for their Church. Let’s all make an effort to leave a legacy for our Church!
ANGLICANLife
May 2011
the Lives that Follow
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Your Will your legacy An Interview with Ms. Stephanie Hillier Lawyer - McInnes Cooper Parishioner St. Michael & All Angels, St. John’s Anglican Life: We have been told that making a Will is one of the most important things a person can do. Why? Stephanie Hillier: Most people have property. Having a will ensures your wealth and assets will be distributed in accordance with your wishes. It is the only way you can make sure your family is fully protected in the event of your death.
The Rev’d Dr. Boyd Morgan Provost of Queen’s College
The legacy of
Queen’s College For 170 years, Queen’s College has played an integral role within Newfoundland and Labrador. Many vocations to priesthood as well as many other ministries have been fulfilled because of the work of Queen’s College. The College has also provided residential life for many students studying at Memorial. From its humble beginnings, Queen’s College has assisted men and women in many generations to reach their potential. The College is continually seeking to meet the needs of the church and our wider society. We help provide welltrained and competent priests for our local dioceses. We welcome students from many different faith communities and professions. Our academic and liturgical life is informed by recent research and scholarship as well as by the depth of our past. We engage students in a creative dialogue with pastoral practice. In this, the challenges are many and our vision is clear. Through your prayers and financial support, you are part of our community and its vision. Your support of Queen’s College is very much needed and very much appreciated at this time.
AL: What is a Will? SH: It is a written document setting out how a person’s property is to be distributed after his/her death. It does not confer any benefits until the moment of death. During a person’s lifetime, it is revocable. AL: What are the requirements for a valid Will? SH: It must be in writing. There is no such thing as an oral will. It must be signed by the testator (person making the will) and that person must have testamentary capacity. Specifically, they must have the mental capacity and not be under any undue influence from others. The testator must also be at least 17 years old. The will must be signed in the presence of 2 or more witnesses who are present at the same time. It is important that a beneficiary (and the spouse or kids of that beneficiary) NOT be a witness or the gift to that person will be void. A will is also valid if it is entirely handwritten and signed by the testator (a holograph will). Further, it is important to know that if a will is partly typed and handwritten, it must conform to all the formal requirements in order to be valid i.e. signed in the presence of two or more witnesses present at the same time. AL: What happens if you die without a Will? SH: The Intestate Succession Act determines who your assets go to and it is based on bloodlines. This depends on a person’s marital status and whether or not they have children and how many. AL: What is the problem with that? SH:This is not how anyone would want to plan their estate. All your assets are generally converted to cash and then divided. These assets/proceeds will never end up in the hands of a non-blood relative (i.e. a common law spouse is out of luck). If there are no blood relatives, or none can be found, the proceeds end up in the Government’s hands! Further, things may go to people you have not spoken to in years.
I want to learn more about Leave a Legacy Please send me: o A free brochure on writing a will o A quote on a Gift Plus Annuity o Information on other ways of giving o I have already remembered my church in my will
Name _______________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Postal Code ___________________________________________ Telephone ____________________________________________ Dates of Birth (for annuity quote) If you are Male ________________________________________ If you are Female ______________________________________
Mail to: Kevin Smith Gift Planning Consultant Anglican Church of Canada
10 Strawberry Marsh Rd St. John’s, NL A1B 2V4
OUR HISTORY
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May 2011
St. John’s, winter 1812 The writer has chosen to use the article below to illustrate a form of historical writing in St John’s newspapers in past years. The column, ‘Offbeat history’, appearing in the then Evening Telegram, was attributed to Michael Harrington. Thanks are extended to The Telegram for permission to publish the document below from its predecessor the Evening Telegram. For the government in London, the principal reason for interest in its colonies was their value as pieces in the chess game between rival powers, the main countries of Europe. At that time (1812), the populations of the colonies were very small and often seasonal in isolated places such as Newfoundland. These colonies tended to be forgotten in peace time and have fortunes of wealth poured into their defences in times of war. The attitudes described in the article would be repeated by British soldiers and sailors serving throughout what became British North America. The main problem was how to keep the soldiers engaged and out of mischief, as much as possible. They were kept active with training and military mock battles. Other activities such as gardening were promoted: if you didn’t grow fresh vegetables and fruit you did without. Church services and church parades were good for the morale of the soldiers and the local people. In a time before the modern conveniences, life was stark. This period was followed by one of even more extreme cold which seems to have affected the fishery with low catches and thus it damaged the economy. Also the economic boom time of the Napoleonic wars would end in 1814-15 and be followed by a bust. Another reason for using this column is to draw attention to Colonel Durnford who was chief officer of the Royal Engineers in Newfoundland and the government engineer in the island, as such he was expected to be available for consultation on government building issues. One of these responsibilities would have been to advise on church engineering works. If one looks at the records of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel relating to
Newfoundland, there are a number of files relating to church building projects and repairs, almost exclusively in St John’s. Elias Walker Durnford, his full name, rose steadily through the ranks and eventually became head of the Royal Engineers and a Lieutenant General in the British army. One of his church rebuilding project was Holy Trinity Cathedral in Quebec while he was head of the Royal Engineers in the Canadas, after 1816. Two of these building files have been used for articles in previous issues of Anglican Life: the issue of December. 2003 and the issue of December 2006. In the first article there was a report(1803) by Colonel Thomas Skinner of the Royal Engineers on the state of the church in St John’s with proposals for how it could be repaired without having to start again from the foundation. It is interesting how he proposed to scarf new sections of the church onto the existing structure. The second article is a file entitled: “St John’s building of Church, 1795-1800" this was earlier than the other article above. In fact, the second article was about building the church that was repaired in the first article. The final section of the document has some information about early churches in. St. John’s which is always interesting and ecumenical.
ANGLICANLife
David Davis
The Document The document is reproduced as it appeared in the newspaper, Evening Telegram, January 24, 1972. Thanks to Ms Gladys Benson for bringing it to the writer’s attention. One of the frustrating things about Newfoundland historical research is the lack of personal diaries and similar accounts of life and times gone by. In this connection, visitors were usually more observing than the natives; and for the most part, these observers, at least the early ones, seem to have been sympathetic and understanding. Take the case of Miss Isabella Durnford, daughter of Colonel Durnford who was in charge of a detachment of the Royal engineers in the St John’s garrison a century and a half ago. Miss Durnford arrived in St John’s 1809 and immediately began to record her impressions of the island and its people. She made note of a very severe winter in 1812, and it must have been severe; for apparently, the previously winters had been more or less taken for granted. To assist in keeping up the morale of the troops during the long, cold winter of 1812, a mock battle was fought on the frozen surface of Quidi Vidi Lake. Also the Irish game of hurley was encouraged whenever the harbour was frozen or otherwise ice-bound. Judging from that comment, ice blockages of St John’s were far more numerous then than now. Her father, Colonel Durnford, took pleasure in studying tactics and then exercising the sappers in his command in these tactics whenever his leisure permitted. He spared himself no fatigue in bearing a share of the garrison duty, often in weather that considered to be nothing short of dangerous to life, even though such duty was not required of him. His daughter stated that he often paraded the troops and told them the latest news from the battlefields of Europe, especially those that Napoleon had lost. Durnford and his daughter were very fond of gardening. Indeed, every soldier of the garrison, if he wanted to have fresh vegetables, had to show some interest in farming in order to get them. The valley below the face of Signal Hill, under Cabot Tower, known as Ross”s Valley, is said to have been used by the troops to cultivate plants and vegetables. It is sometimes called the “Soldier’s Garden.” Miss Isabelle Durnford wrote down some observations of the various churches existing in St. John’s, over 160 years ago. The Anglican Church stood nearly at the southwest corner of the land on which the great cathedral now stands. Its eastern end was near the site of the present flagstaff, and its western end on the ground later taken make Church Hill. The first building was put there in 1720; the second in 1759. The latter had to be extensively repaired in 1800. All these churches preceded St Tomas’s the “old Garrison Church.” The “Old Chapel”, the church of the Catholics, was built by Bishop O’Donnell in 1785 and stood near where the Star of Sea Hall is now located on Henry Street. A Congregational Church rose on a site near the corner Victoria and Gower Streets. It was after wards removed and was referred to for some reason, in retrospect, as Temperance Hall. There does not appear to be any record of a church of any other denomination prior the early 1800s. The first Methodist Church was only erected in St John’s 1816, although Methodism had been established in the colony much earlier than that, by the Rev Lawrence Coughlan at Harbour Grace in 1765. The people of St. John’s, and other communities, suffered many hardships in those early days, although the garrison was probably a little better off most of the time. Fresh meat was very scarce, and completely unavailable in the summer. Some of the dishes in vogue in those days had fascinating names-some of which are still familiar. Despite the efforts to interest the soldiers in gardening, no encouragement was given to the population to promote agriculture. The officers were the only ones really concerned with cultivation of the soil-but with them it was just a hobby, something to pass time. Governor Edwards, stationed here in 1780, had an excellent garden at Government House, which, at that time, was located at Duke of York Street. This garden, say the accounts, “yielded abundantly (both) fruit vegetables”.
ANGLICANLife
May 2011
STRAIGHT TALK
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What are we about? The Rev. Greg Mercer
Whether it’s the Lion’s Club, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the YMCAYWCA, or the Kids Eat Smart Foundation they all have one thing in common. They all belong to the Social Sector and they all, in a general sense, seek to fulfill some desperate craving for meaning in people’s lives. The Church too is a part of the social sector and resonates with the same general sense of mission. But as for any further similarities, that is about as far as it goes. Purity of mission is im-
portant. That is to say, let’s not try to be something we are not. While many churches are doing their part to serve their community, to tithe and support other charities and organizations, all of which are necessary and important, make no mistake we are not the Lion’s Club nor should we try to be. We are the Church and we strive to fulfill this craving for meaning in people’s lives by helping them connect to God. Granted, the means by which we do that will certainly involve feeding the hungry, serving the poor, cleaning up our neighbourhood, or even contributing financially to charities like the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the local Lion’s Club. But it is all part and parcel to Jesus’ mission to heal and to give people back their humanity. The Church is about us being the
Body of Christ and how we as that body of believers represent Christ to the world. We are the living proof of God to a world looking for meaning. “A great organization is one that delivers superior performance and makes a distinct impact over a long period of time,” so says Jim Collins, one time professor of business at Harvard University. He goes on to say, “For a social sector organization such as the Church (emphasis mine) performance must be assessed relative to mission.” It is important, therefore, that we understand and have a clear picture of what we are about, what our mission is if we want to be great at what we do. Moreover, we cannot be something we are not and nor should we try to be. I think the ultimate question for the Church is
whether or not we would be missed. Think about it in terms of your own local town or community. If you were to lock the doors of your church building, board up the windows and throw away the key, would it be missed? Would it leave a hole that could not easily be filled by any other institution in your neighbourhood, or for that matter on the planet? If the answer to that question is “no, it would not be missed,” or even if there is some doubt or confusion over whether or not it would be missed, then clearly it is not having a great impact on its people, the mark of a great organization. The Church has to know what it is about, why it exists, and to have a clear vision of its mission. Purity of mission is important, extremely important. Only then will the Church be free
to focus on what is necessary and in so doing begin to make a distinct and long term impact on its people, its community, and the world in which it is called to be. Incidentally, even if we do have a clear understanding of purpose and we do believe that we are making a distinct and positive impact on our people and community, we must never think we are great. The moment we do, the slide toward mediocrity will already have begun.
During the Annual Congregational Meeting of St. John the Evangelist Church in Burgeo, the Rev’d Maryrose Colbourne presented on behalf of the congregation a gold watch to Mr. Lloyd Skinner. Mr. Skinner has been actively involved in the church fro over thirty years. He has served under fourteen clergy as the Bell Ringer, Rector’s Warden, People’s Warden and the Chair of the Property Committee. Lloyd is willing and eager to help with any maintenance on the Church, Parish Hall, and Rectory. He continues to serve on Vestry and continues to dedicate his talents and time to serving God. For his faithful and loyal service the congregation extends their appreciation to Mr. Skinner. Submitted by George Childs
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COLUMN
May 2011
ANGLICANLife
Poor Aunt Lizzie Ronald Clarke
Years ago news spread fast in Pumbley Cove. All the talk, one sad Tuesday morning, was that poor “Aunt Lizzie” got to go to a “home” in St. John’s somewhere. The whole community lamented. Aunt Lizzie’s fate was sealed, however, because her son and sick
daughter-in-law could no longer care for her. There was, of course, no government-sponsored Home Care then. So Aunt Lizzie went – virtually disappeared – and did not return till her funeral. How things have changed, Thank God! Good homes for the elderly have sprung up all over the Province, particularly in St. John’s. Some of the newer homes are like luxury hotels, with every possible convenience. These might be a bit too expensive for Aunt Lizzie.
One such home that I would regard as typical is Saint Luke’s in St. John’s. Like others in this category, Saint Luke’s is really “homey”. The staff is very friendly, and very caring. The residents mingle, and are like a great big family, and the food, cooked inhouse, is excellent. The calendar at Saint Luke’s, as with the others, is full of activities - physical, emotional, and spiritual. There are exercise and physiotherapy things every day. Various kinds of entertainment block the weekly calendar. Then, there’s the
Chapel, usually filled with worshippers three, or more, times a week. The Chapel congregation functions like a typical church. The services are multi-denominational, with service for each religion. And, you won’t find more sincere, devoted worshippers anywhere. Other extras would certainly please Aunt Lizzie. Nurses are on staff; doctors at beck-and-call. She would, I’m sure, be thrilled by the brand-new, wheelchair equipped bus, that takes residents to outside entertainment, and even shopping expeditions. Lots of visitors, too, come by all
What I don’t believe The Rev. Michael Li
In May 1971, I preached my first sermon in northern Alberta. After my first year at Wycliffe College in Toronto, I spent the summer serving two Parishes in the Diocese of Athabasca. It has been forty years of sharing my beliefs with people in four Dioceses. Today, allow me to share with the readers of Anglican Life a few words about what I don’t believe. I don’t believe that the Bible is only man’s word. I don’t believe that God dictated every word of Scripture to the human writers. I don’t believe in an interpretation of every word of the Bible as literal truth. I don’t believe that the Bible provides a complete system of theology. I don’t believe that other sacred writings are of equal value to the Bible. I don’t believe that we can solve all our biblical and theological problems in this life. I don’t believe that Christian doctrines are problem-free.
I don’t believe that natural theology by itself could lead us to the Christian God. I don’t believe that we can prove the existence of God. I don’t believe that we can know God without revelation. I don’t believe that we can fully understand God. I don’t believe that we can demand that God act according to the scientist’s prescription. I don’t believe that God needs us for anything. I don’t believe that God is changing in His being, purposes, and promises. I don’t believe that all events are determined by fate. I don’t believe that God needed to create us or the rest of creation. I don’t believe that science, education, and progress can save the world. I don’t think that we can believe in Jesus without being regenerated by God first. I don’t believe that we can save ourselves by good deeds. I don’t believe that God is obliged to save us. I don’t believe that
God forces us to accept His offer of salvation. I don’t think that we can explain the mystery of divine calling and human responsibility. I don’t believe that life is fair. I don’t believe that we become angels when we die. I don’t believe that God has revealed to us how He will deal with those who have never heard the Gospel.] I don’t believe that we can always distinguish the “children of light” from the “children of darkness”. I don’t believe that the purpose of prayer is to make God do our will. I don’t believe that we can obey the Ten Commandments perfectly all the time. I don’t believe that it is possible for us to attain a state of sinless perfection in this life. I don’t think that the conflict between our fallen nature and our regenerated nature is avoidable in this life until glorification. I don’t believe that there is a theological consensus about
same-sex unions in the worldwide Anglican Communion. But, I believe that we live in a very complicated world. I believe that the Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. I believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who governs all things according to the purpose of His perfect will. I believe that the existence of so many different Christian denominations keeps us humble. I believe that “for to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
the time, even “bigwigs” on special occasions. And, certainly Aunt Lizzie would enjoy the card games, and the frequent parties. AII-in-all, Seniors’ Homes like Saint Luke’s are fine places to spend your golden years. Too late for poor old Aunt Lizzie.
ANGLICANLife
May 2011
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The story of the Anglican Church in Newfoundland & Labrador is a rich one. Our story has been faithfully told through our beloved Church Newspaper. First with the Diocesan Magazine in 1889, followed by the Newfoundland Churchman in 1959, and today with Anglican Life, we have been blessed to share the Good News of what God is doing right here at home. Each month we read the wonderful news coming from our parishes across our three Dioceses. Anglicans have many great stories to share. We are blessed that Anglican Life is the means by which we can share our stories with one another and with the wider church. As we begin our 2011 Anglican Life Appeal Campaign, we once again respectively ask for your financial support. Your financial commitment ensures that Anglican Life will continue to tell God’s story in our three Dioceses for future years to come. We give God thanks for your support of Anglican Life!
Yours in Christ,
Bishop David Torraville Diocese of Central Newfoundland
Bishop Percy Coffin Diocese of Western Newfoundland
Bishop Cyrus Pitman Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador
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May 2011
ANGLICANLife
YouthLife
youth ministry in newfoundland & labrador
STARVING FOR GOD
30 Hour Famine comes to St. Mark’s
“I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.” Members of the St. Mark’s Anglican Youth Group helped pack food hampers at the Community Food Sharing Association warehouse to be distributed to province-wide food banks. This was part of their participation in the 30 Hour Famine, a fundraiser to help World Vision. Photo by Allison Billard. Submitted by Allison Billard
This February the youth group at St. Marks (SMAC Youth, check us out online and on Facebook and Twitter!) took part in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine. It was a great weekend and we raised over $1,600 for a great cause. We started the fasting on our own at home in the middle of the night, which meant we were all on the honour system not to eat anything until we got together and for some the temptation was great. At noon some of us got together at the church, while others had to work until later in the evening. To help pass the time and help support a great local charity we went to the Community Food Sharing Association warehouse to pack boxes to go out to provincial food banks. Some of the youth thought it cruel and unusual that we would spend two hours surrounded by food when we weren’t allowed to eat anything, but I think they learned a little about being hungry while helping those who are
hungry. We got back to church in time for the 5pm service which was an interesting experience in itself given that as part of the fast we couldn’t take part in the Eucharist. In the evening we went bowling and had a sleepover along with all the associated fun, like playing RockBand, but minus the fun snack. While normally settling down to actually sleep is the hardest part of a sleepover for the adults in charge, this time it was surprisingly easy, everyone was so hungry and lethargic we just had to say the word. In the morning we attended the early service and finally broke the fast with Eucharist. It was definitely the most excited I’ve ever seen a group of young people for Holy Communion. And that paled in comparison to how excited they were for the cereal waiting for them in the kitchen. There was a unanimous round of “that was the best cereal I’ve ever had.” All in all it was a really great experience.
The youth perspective - Leah Genge: All over the world there is starvation, and the youth at St.Mark’s decided to participate in the 30 Famine organized by World Vision. Representing the youth, the others and I took on the challenge to have a little peek into what “hunger” is. The main challenges for me were basically the fact that I was working a 12 to 8 shift that Saturday, at a fast food place. I was tired and constantly surrounded by food while serving it for hour after hour. Temptations were humongous, and my conscience just kept whispering little words of evil like “no one would know!” or “you deserve just a little bit…”. Luckily, my pride was much bigger then my hunger and the hurdle was jumped with class and without looking back. I sipped on my iced tea during my break, and survived on milk and Gatorade when the youth came together for a sleepover at the church. The main thing that helped was the community; all of the youth were in this together. We raised money, took the chal-
lenge and lasted till after the 8:30 service the next morning when we all ate the greatest frosted flakes we have ever eaten. Together, we only got a glimpse of what hunger really is, but we were able to carry the message and work towards the goal together. The clergy perspective – Rev’d Robert Cooke: Here in the West we often say things like “I’m starved” or “Boy am I hungry.” I know I do, never giving heed to the fact that I have no idea what it means to be hungry. Let’s face it we live in wealth and excess. Yes there is some poverty around us but we live in the land of plenty. This is not true of the majority of the planet where finding enough food to eat each day is a major struggle, often an impossible one. I will not barrage you with global stats on hunger, but just know that there are an awful lot of hungry people on this island earth our home. I’ve been thinking about all of this because recently the youth of our parish took part in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine so I
decided to do it too. Our fast actually started in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday. I’m not a breakfast person so it wasn’t until lunchtime that I felt the hunger pangs. At 5 pm I had to preside at our Saturday worship. By this time I was pretty hungry, so much so that I couldn’t really focus on what I was doing. I fumbled my way through the liturgy and was told afterward that I looked quite flustered. We broke our fast together on Sunday morning at our 8:30 am worship with communion. I wasn’t presiding this time but I did sit very impatiently through the liturgy. At this point I was very hungry, and I remember thinking “oh I can’t wait to taste the bread, it will be so delicious.” I actually felt like I was about to be fed. Not too long ago it was common for people to fast before receiving communion in the morning. This meant that often the bread and wine was the first bit of nourishment for the day. It is very uncommon now for us to come to communion hungry. Add to this the fact that what we consume at communion hardly resembles real food. Only the one who has fasted for 40 hours would salivate over a communion host. The Famine experience highlighted for me that communion is a meal and not merely a spiritual meal but one that feeds us physically as well. My thoughts since the Famine have also been with those for whom hunger is a daily reality not just an experiment. Even though I was hungry there was an end in sight. As I watched the minutes and hours tick off the clock I knew there was food waiting for me. I think about our Christian sisters and brothers for whom hunger and worship are inseparable. In all of this I have to ask myself how can I go be fed with the bread of life and the fruit of the true vine while others do without proper nourishment? The Famine for me, then, was a reawakening and a call to action to not only appreciate what I have but to work to make sure that others can share the same benefits that I so often take for granted.