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Orillia church honours Sir Sam
Orillia church honours Sir Sam
ORILLIA is well known for its diversity of summer music festivals, farm-to-table events and celebratory parades. Sunday, June 23 was no exception. After months of planning, St. James, Orillia hosted an historic commemoration of Sir Sam Steele, the Northwest Mounted Police officer and army veteran who was born in Medonte Township in 1848 and baptized in St. James more than 100 years ago.
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The Rev. Colin Bowler, interim priest-in-charge of St. James, welcomed uniformed guests from CFB Borden, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, The Grey and Simcoe Foresters, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Lord Strathcona Horse (Royal Canadians), the Orillia Royal Canadian Legion and the 1st Orillia Scouts. Guest vocalist Jean Miso, a recipient of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for her ongoing work in support of veterans, sang O Canada in three languages (Cree, French and English) while signing for the hearing impaired. Bishop Philip Poole, a retired bishop of the diocese, officiated at the service. Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton attended and Mayor Steve Clarke proclaimed June 23 as Sir Sam Steele day in Orillia.
Clergy walk at the head of the parade with police and military personnel.
Photo by Michael Gollinger
The RCMP chaplain, the Rev. Gerry McMillan, laid a wreath in tribute during the service and offered a prayer of blessing for the bronze plaque to mark the occasion. Alan Cooper, a member of the choir, played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes during the recessional. Sir Sam, who died in 1919, was portrayed by local actor Mike Beresford. In place of a traditional sermon, he spoke about his life during the gold rush and later in the Boer War.
A parade began at St. James, with the church bells ringing, and ended 30 minutes later at the Royal Canadian Legion with a reception for all participants.
Thanks go to Bishop Poole, all parade participants, the organizing committee and Jacqueline Soczka for a memorable event.
Submitted by the Communications Ministry of St. James, Orillia.
