History
A brief history of the Parish of St. John the Evangelist – Smiths Falls
How We Began
The parish of St. John the Evangelist in Smiths Falls began as a mission or outstation of the parish of St. James in Franktown. Permanent settlement in Smiths Falls really began after 1820, and at first there were not enough Anglicans to permit the establishment of a local church. Services during the 1820’s and 1830’s were held in a log building, sometimes described as a Government warehouse or hall, which stood on Strathcona Street.
In 1848 land was donated by William Simpson at the west end of Main Street and construction of the church was begun. Since the building is dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, the intention may have been to open the new church on the Saint’s day, December 27, 1848. But things must have got behind then as they do now, for the dedication of the new building took place on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, January 25, 1849. There is no record of the actual date when services were first held here. It is known, however, that by 1851 there was a resident priest, and his charge included Smiths Falls, Kitley, Montague East, Lombards, Corners (now Lombardy) and Pike Falls (now Port Elmsley). Up to 1881 he was still covering the same territory, except Kitley, which had either been closed, or attached elsewhere. We were in the Diocese of Ontario (Kingston) until 1896 when we became a parish in the Diocese of Ottawa.
In 1878 a recommendation was made at the Vestry meeting asking the Mission Board to provide otherwise for Lombardy and Port Elmsley, and in 1882, this took the form of a formal
petition to the Board, because the parish felt Smiths Falls and Montague East were by then all that one man could properly care for. Apparently this petition was granted, as from that year on the records show no reference to any territory outside Smiths Falls. Later St. James, Port Elmsley congregation was added to St. John’s congregation when the three congregations of the mission were divided with the other two attached to St. James, Perth and St. James, Carleton Place. St James was closed in 1979 and deconsecrated July 2, 1984.
Originally St. John’s church was a rectangular structure which now forms the nave of the present church. The altar stood against the west wall, possibly under a window. Entrance was through a door in a tower which was at the east end of the building, at about the spot where the Gospel is now read in procession. What the town fathers may have said when they discovered the the Anglicans had built their church in the middle of Main Street has not be recorded.
An Addition Was Needed
By 1862 the congregation had increased sufficiently in size and wealth that a chancel, apsidal in shape, was added to the west end of the original building. That space is now occupied by the Canterbury Room. The sacristy of this new addition was on the south side where the back entrance of the church is now located. A gallery was erected as well, above the back part of the nave.
A Radical Change Was Made - We Now Face East
By the end of the 1800’s the congregation had again outgrown the accommodation and a major extension of the building was deemed necessary. An architectural firm from Toronto was engaged and plans and sketches of the proposed work were prepared. These documents were found in the Rectory by the Reverend Fred Allen and are now kept in the Archives — Diocesan Office. The plan was accepted by the parish and work was begun in 1893 and the laying of the Foundation Stone by the Bishop of Ontario was July 4, 1893 (Diocese of Ottawa was not formed until 1896) the reopening of the newly completed building was held early in 1894.
The new building was made in the form of a cross, with the Chancel at the east end forming the top part, and the two wings north and south composing the arms. The seating capacity was doubled by the enlargement and the former Chancel was made into a small Chapel, the Rector ’s Vestry being placed in the angle between the top and right arm of the cross. This brought the Altar to its proper place at the east end of the Church, and the only unusual feature was that doors from the street brought the members into the nave facing the congregation instead of from behind as is customary, something which has frequently caused embarrassment to people entering the building for the first time, or late for services.
Some Internal Changes Were Made
Since 1894 the Chapel and choir vestry were interchanged. Later in the 1960’s the Chapel was moved to the south Transept and re-dedicated as the St. James Chapel (as a remembrance of our Port Elmsley involvement) May 30, 1993. The former Chapel is the Sacristy which was renovated in 1991 as a Memorial for Gladys Rollins given by her husband Earl.
In 1986 the Choir Vestry was moved into the Link and 1989 the former Choir Vestry became the Canterbury Room. The Canterbury Room contains a handicapped accessible washroom; a lending library; and archives cupboard (a Memorial to Edward Purcell given by his wife, Rita); a fan and lights (a Memorial to Earle Williams give by his wife, Doris); an oak coat rack (a Memorial to Harry and Elizabeth Best give by Arthur and Edith Best) and the former Rectors / Assistants picture gallery.
The Tower
In 1894 the tower was raised only as high as the organ loft on the opposite side of the chancel and was finished with a roof matching that of the organ loft but surmounted by a small cupola containing the bell. After the Second World War, in the late 1940’s it was decided that the church needed a more imposing tower. The Memorial Tower was erected and dedicated December 3, 1950 the Centenary of the Church. Bequests came from William Johnston, Richard George Shaw in loving memory of many members of the congregation. At first the upper reaches were left completely open, save for a wire mesh which kept the pigeons out. In November of 1950 a cross was placed on top of the Tower and is a memorial to Henry Phillips Marquette and wife Mary Margaret Murdock; David Steward Trillis and wife Rachel Ford Murdoch given by son and nephew John H. Marquette, many years organist and Choir Director. About 1970 the red and white louvers which no fill those spaces were added; in 1997 Tighe-King Construction Ltd. did a major restoration to the tower.
Introduction of Stained Glass Windows
The window above the centre of the Altar and several of the larger windows have been replaced with stained glass from time to time, usually donated by memebers of the congregation as memorials to departed family members.
Over the Altar: 5 events in Jesus’ live. Birth, Baptism, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. Four of the panels are a memorial to Alfred and Minnie (Wilson) Malcom, 1951 The centre panel is a memorial to Harold S. Nesbitt given by his parents.
Nave:
- Front South Side: “Suffer the Little Children”, “Mary hath chosen the good part”. is a memorial to Minnie Wilson (wife of Alfred Malcom) and their sons Cuthert Keble Mortimer and Alfred John McLaren, 1921.
Middle South Side: “Jesus Calls Us”, “Fishers of Men” are a memorial to Alfred Steine Malcom 1863 to 1947.
West Door: Stained glass from bits and pieces of old church windows — the work of Lloyd Street paid for by the Parish Guild.
Front North Side: “Road to Emmaus”, “Visit to Temple at Age 12″ are a memorial to John Thomas Pearson RIP 1/12/22 and his children James Toby and Margaret Helen 1922.Tower Entrance: “Light of the World” is a memorial to noble women workers of this parish 1931.
Many More Memorials
Sanctuary:
- Light Behind the Altar Cross (no longer in use): Thanksgiving for blessings on Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Roberts
Candelabras: The Honourable James Shaw, Senator and his wife Ellen Forgie, Born 1798, died 1878. Given by daughters Helen Anderson and Annie Shw 1878 (moved to East Wall in 1993).
Credence Table: Memorial to John Polk 1856-1913 and his son Herbert Chillian Polk 1894 - 1917.
Sedillia: Memorial to John Moag RIP December 24, 1903 given by nephew B.F.Moag 1903.
Processional Torches: Memorial to Habaca and Nageeb Aboud given by family 1980.
Sanctuary Lamp: Memorial to Habib Hauraney RIP December 26, 1965 give by wife and family.
Bishops Chair: Memorial to Harry Gray, his wife Minnie, and his son Grant. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ellwood.
Bishop’s Chaplain Chair: Memorial to Earl Porter given by wife Florence and daughter Joan.
Altar Cross: Memorial to Harold M. Nesbitt.
Aumbry and Light: Memorial to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Miller given by daughter Grace Kelso and family.
Chancel:
- Older Processional Cross: (left side): Memorial to Minnie Malcom givn by husband.
Processional Cross (right side): Memorial to Maude Porter give by husband Ray and the Bowen family 10/12/95.
Lectern: Memorial to Mr. and Mrs. Gilroy, given by daughters Sarah and Phoebe Gilroy
Chancel Arch Lights: Memorial to George Patterson, given by his wife.
Nave: Brass and bronze plaques appear on the walls as memorials.
South Wall:
- Lilian Noad, January 2, 1963
Major Sidney Wellington Gilroy - killed in action - the Somme, October 8, 1916, age 42
Mary Letitia Bliss - December 13, 1917 age 63 - 1918
North Wall:
- Charles Vaughan Forster Bliss, Rector 1909 21 RIP December 31, 1924 age 71 - 1925
Trumpeter CB Garton, Active Service RIP February 11, 1919 age 19
South Entrance:
- Last but, by no means least, the composite memorial tablet erected by the congregation as a whole, for its members who enlisted in the first Great War. This occupies a prominent position near the Lectern.A framed list of members involved in the Second World War was dedicated April 27, 1947. It is also in the South Entrance.
Other Interesting Information
- Holder for Bishop’s Staff built by Art Powers 1986Canterbury style lights installed by Harold Marks and Sanford Bennett 1937In 1945 the Church was cool - central was to be installed with steam radiators and oil. The AYPA put on the plan “Busy as a Beave” to raise some money. Admission was 25 cents. Mrs. Stephen Hagan was the Director. This system was renovated in 1974 and was replaced with water and natural gas in 1991.Plexiglass was pt on the outside windows by Gordon Healey in 1982We had our insurance coverage with American Central Insurance Compan, St. Louis Missouri (Elwood and Jones) in 1958. Coverage was $36,666. Premium was $330.65. Today we are in a Diocesan coverage which requested the installation of Electronic Alarm system in 1995.Central Vacuum system was installed in 1993 by Art Best.The Pews were probably installed at the time of major renovations in 1893-4.Floor covering in the aisles and open spaces of the Nave, October 7, 1930 Women’s Guild. Later in 1949 terrazzo floor laid and another complete painting inside and outside.
Special Events
July 4, 1893
The laying of the Foundation Stone by the Bishop of Ontario
October 7, 1930
Dedication of the complete renovation of the interior
April 30, 1944
95th Anniversary of the founding and the 50th Anniversary of the re-opening in 1894
April 27, 1947
Service of Dedication of the Honour Roll. The venerable C.G. Hepburn BA, BD, CBE, Archdeacon of Ottawa former Principal Chaplain of the Canadian Army.
October 28 - November 6, 1949
Centennial Celebrations with the Most Reverend John Lyons, Archbishop of Ontario and Metropolitan of Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario: the Right Reverend Robert Jefferson, Bishop of Ottawa; the Venerable Archdeacon C.C. Phillips, Rector of Pembroke and Archdeacon of Lanark; the Reverend E.H. Costigan, Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, Hamilton, Diocese of Niagara - a former Curate at St. John’s; the Reverend A.T. Carson, Rector of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Ottawa, a former Rector at St. John’s
November 1950
Dedication of the Memorial Tower
1958
Four persons ordained Deacons by the Right Reverend E.S. Reed.
J. Barry Curtis, Harry Preece, Steward H. Clarke and Norman McLeod
November 9, 1969
Memorial Organ dedicated by the Right Reverend Ernest S. Reed, Bishop of Ottawa
1974
The 125 Anniversary Celebration with a number of guest preachers.
January the Bishop of Ottawa, the Right Reverend William Robinson
February the Right Reverend Arthur Creegan, Bishop of Ontario
April the Right Reverend R. Harold Waterman, Bishop of Nova Scotia and a former Rector
June the The Most Reverend Archbishop Edward W. Scott
December Most Reverend Archbishop William Wright, Bishop of Algoma and Metropolitan of the Province on Ontario.
The heating system was updated. Canon Lloyd Bradley was Rector and Brian Gillard was the Assistant and Archdeacon G. Howard Sadler was Honourary Assistant.
1979
The Reverend James Stevenson was priested by the Right Reverend Tom Greenwood
December 7, 1993
The Reverend Dr. Carolyn Langford was priested by the Right Reverend John Baycroft
Celebrating St. John’s 150 Years
The 150 Anniversary was celebrated with a Parish Diner at Lombardy Agricultural Hall in October 1999. Former clergy were present - Leonard Baird, Francis Gooch, Sidney Irwin, Gordon Worden, Wayne Thomas, Ed Attwell and Brian Kauk. The Church Choir, the Rejects (Lyle and Marion Bennett, Elton and Marie Hewett), and Margaret Clifford provided music. Our guest speaker was the Venerable Gordon Worden, Archdeason of Lanark. Other clergy shared their memeories of St. John’s congregation.
A Festival of Music was held November 7, 1999 with musical contributions and Scripture readings from various local churches - Trinity United, Bethel Pentecostal, First Baptist, St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic, Worlwide Church of God, Westminster Presbyterian, Free Methodist, St. John’s Anglican and Rideau Regional Cente Choir. A reception was held in the Parish Hall following the program.
To commemorate the 150 anniversary, the St. John’s Choir, with the assistance of our music director and organist Garry Hoekstra, assembled a collection of favourite hymns in a book entitled, “St. John’s Sings”. Hymns from this book are sugn before and during the service on most Sundays. Included in this book is the “Sesquicentennial Hymn” the words of which were written by Lily Willis. This hym was sung on several occasions during the year.
To have a permanent reminder of our anniversary, it was decided to replace the sidewalk leading to the north entrance of the church. The new sidewalk was constructed of interlocking bricks by Woods Lawn and Landscape. Inlaid in the sidewalk is a pink granite commemorative plaque created by Kincaid Loney Monuments. The design for the plaque was chosen at the vestry meeting in 1999. The sidewalk was finance through memorial gifts from members of the congregation. Sufficient money was received to pay for a second sidewalk at the south entrance. Both sidewalks were completed during the summer of 2000.
The members of the 150 Anniversary Committee were: Karen Bryan, Bob Fairfield, Pat Lee, Rita Purcell and Rick Warren.
Living Accommodation for the Rector
In the earlier years of the parish there was no Rectory. The Rector lived for several years in a rented house which proved to be unsatisfactory. Eventually, a small house was purchased by turned out to be insufficient for his needs, and in 1879 plans were underway for the building on a new residence on the property already owned by the parish, adjacent tot he Church Building on the south side. The tenders were called and the contract given in 1881. A Rectory was built and finished during the next year. For some years it served not only as a residence for the Rector but as a gathering place for various organizations of the parish, part of the large double living rooms on the north side next to the Church building was sent aside for this purpose. The rectory contained a room for the Bishop to stay in during his visits. This was a memorial in memory of Mrs. J.P. Mullarkey presented to St. John’s Rectory by Mr. Mullarkey’s sisters - Laura Ward and Elizabeth Foster and contained the following: birch flooring, enameled wood work, a solid walnut bedroom suite in a pineapple design. 2 pairs of embroidered linen sheets and pillow cases, an embroidered linen spread, a white woolen blanket, a rose coloured spread, 7 embroidered hand towels, 2 bath towels, a bedside table (with crocheted doily), 1 dainty bedside lamp, 365 day clock, 2 straight chairs with cane bottoms, 1 chifrobe with embroidered cover and 1 plain cover, a vanity table with 2 sets of embroidered covers, 2 hand mirrors, 1 cane seated bench, 2 rose parchment lamp shades, 4 wall pictures, 1 silk window panel, 1 set of rose silk hanging for window and 1 large rose coloured rug for the floor.
The Rectory was so close to the church that it woefully lacked privacy for the incumbent and his family. It was also very large and expensive to maintain and to furnish. After years of agonizing on the part of the parish, it was finally decided that the upkeep of so large a house was beond the resources of the congregation and the rector, and in 1980 the building was demolished. Those who pass the church today can scarcely believe the the wide lawn on the south side of the church was once occupied by a twelve roomed house.
After the Rectory was demolished the Rector again lived in rented homes. The proved difficult and in 1986 a bungalow at 190 Isabella Street in south Smiths Falls was purchase for a Rectory.
The Parish Hall
Demolition of the rectory revealed for the first time to passers by the rather fine stone facade of the Parish Hall. By 1910 the people of St. John’s had some to realize the folly of not having built the hall which formed part of the design of 18894. Consequently, they raised the present structure a memorial to Canon A. C. Nesbitt, rector of the parish from 1881 to 1900, who died in office. Though the official name of the building is The Nesbitt Memorial Hall, everyone, both in the parish and in the town, calls it simply the parish hall. Originally the hall consisted of only what is now the upper floors; there was only a small under croft, sufficient in size to house the furnace. In 1923 the Women’s Guild built a modern kitchen in the Hall which was extended and modernized in 1925. The kitchen eventually became the Rector’s office for a number of years. By 1925 the need for more space was pressing and the problem was solved by blasting out a full basement under the building without disturbing the original structure. Later the kitchen was moved to the basement. In 1985 an office was provided for th Curate south of the stage. A new heating system of natural gas and water was installed in 1991. The ladies washroom was beautified in 1988 and the Men’s washroom was renovated in 1999. In 2000 the exterior wood was covered with vinyl to save on maintenance costs.
The Link
The Link provides a passage way between the church and the hall without going outside. It and the ramp were constructed by Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Cote in 1986. The pictures on the west wall are of the Grave of St. John Ephesos and the Home of the Virgin Mary Ephesos these are a gift from Willis and Annette Hagan.
Windows in the lInk are the work of Elton Hewitt and Bill Jones (1990). The “Holy Dove” window is given s a thanksgiving for witness and lives of Eva Jane and W. John Jones and children Robert, Edwin, Roberta, Esther, William, Noreen. The “Good Shepherd” window is given as a thank Offering by Isabel Dillane (1994). Lights are a Thank Offering fromGladys and Ron Anderson (1994).
In the Choir Room the stained glass window is the work of Elton Hewitt. It is given as a Thank Offering for the witness and life of Ormand and Carrie Bass, Fred and Maud Hewitt - a gift from all their children.
The Clergy
St. John’s has had 18 Rectors since its inception as an independent parish. The first one on record was John B. Worrell, Canon 1849 - 1864, later transferred to Oakville, Ontario. It will be of interest to memebers of the parish to know C.L. Worrell, Archbishop and primate of all Canada was a son of our first Rector.
1864 - 1875 George W. White, Priest
1875 - 1881 Charles Emery, Priest, moved to Kemptville, Ontario
1881 - 1900 Andrew C. Nesbitt, Canon, died in service in this parish
1900 - 1909 Walter H. Stiles, Priest, transferred to Ottawa, Ontario
1909 - 1924 C.V. Forster Bliss, Archdeacon, died in srvice in this parish
1926 - 1931 D’Arcy T. Clayton, Canon, Archdeacon 1931 - 1933, retired
1933 - 1937 R. Harold Waterman, Priest, moved to Hamilton, Ontario later Dean of the Cathedral, Diocese of Niagara, later Bishop of Nova Scotia
1937 - 1940 Ernest W. B. Richards, Priest, Died in service in this parish
1940 - 1945 Archibald T. Carson, Priest
1946 - 1966 George Howard Sadler, Canon (later Archdeacon), longest serving Rector, retired
1966 - 1972 P. Sidney Irwin, Canon, transferred to Trinity Memorial Church, Cornwall Ontario
1972 - 1980 J. Lloyd Bradley, Canon Retired
1978 - 1982 Fred W. Allen, Priest, transferred to St. Stephen’s, Ottawa, Ontario
1982 - 1984 Team Ministry
- Francis N. Gooch, Canon,
- Bill Simons, Priest
- Francis Whitten, Priest
1984 - 1991 Wayne S. Thomas, Priest, later Archdeacon transferred to Trinity Memorial Church, Cornwall, Ontario
1992 - 1998 Robert H. Calderwood, Priest, retired
1998 - 2000 Dean K. Purdy, Priest, retired
A number of Curates have served in this parish with its Rectors. These include E.A. Anderson; O.G.H. Lloyd; H. Miller: E.H. Costigan; D.F. Weegan:L. MacMorine: R.E.Osborne: J.J. Bannell: L.B. Adams: R.H. Braman; Leonard Baird; Francis N. Gooch; Stewart Clark; Michael Hicks; R. Lloyd Reaume; Charles Anthony Boole: Fred Allan; Dean K. Purdy; Gordon Worden; James Stevenson; Brian Gillard; William J. Bradley; Paul Lacharite; Jim Collins; Bill Bearance; Edward C. Attwell (Associate); Church Army Capt. Jason Haggstorm; Dr. Carolyn Langford; Brian Kauk.
In reference to the Clergy, no istory of the parish would be complete without mention of men from our congregation who took Holy Orders and entered the service of their Chruch. Of these George A. Field was compelled by failing health to give up his chosen calling and died at a compartively your age. George Code served with distinction in the neighbouring Diocese of Ontario and spent his declining years as Rector of the parish of Lombardy, though he lived here in Smiths Falls amoung his old friends. S. Edward Harrington also served for severl years in the Diocese and later transferred to the Diocese of Brandon where he became Archdeacon and Rector of the Cathdral Church. Upon his retirement he moved east again and lived in Ottawa, died in 943. W. George Swayne, Canon, served with distinction in teh Diocese of Onario. Ernest A. Johnston remained in our own Diocese and was Archdeacon of Lanark. He served the Diocese faithfully for some years as Clerical Secretary of Synod. Albert Hoppins served in the Diocese of Ontario and after his retirement he served John’s parish as Associate Rector. Doug Richards, serves in this Diocese. Allan Box serves in the diocese and was the Director of Programme. Doug Stocker served in this Diocese.
When Smiths Falls, celebraded Old Home Week in 1925, the week’s carnival began with a Church service. Three clergy who came from this area, Messrs, Code, Swayne and Johnston, participated in the Holy Communion and preached the sermons at the special services.
The Laity - Long Serving officers in the congregation
this part of our history would not be complete with out mention of the long and faithful service of Mr. Alfred S. Malcolm, who was first made Lay Reader by Archbishop Hamilton January 28, 1911 and served until 1947
Steward Moag - Vestry Clerk 1863 - 1896
J.A. Houston - Vestry Clerk 1897 - 1907
Robert Hawkins - Vestry Clerk 1908 - 1920
C.B. Houston - Vestry Clerk 1921 - 19??
Marie Hewitt - Organist 1972 - 1992
Steward Woodley - Treasurer 1948 - 1970
Bill Porter - Treasurer 1973 - 1992
Anne Dalton Barber - Secretary 1976 - 1990
Lila Powers - Envelope Secretary 1979 - 1997
These are just some of the people who have served this parish long and and faithfully. For those who should hve been mentioned and have not we offer apologies.
The Choir
The Choir of St. John’s Church has always been composed of volunteers. For many years the organ was played by volunteers as well, talented members of the congregation who placed their abilities at the disposal of the Church and thereby did their part toward making its services more attractive. The increasing number and scope of the services, however, made such demands on the organist’s time that from the early 1900’s professionals have been engaged, and from time to time a paid soloist and choir leader has been used.
The Choir robes and surplices were introduced in 1906 and after the choir vestry was placed at the rear of the Church and the procssional opening and closing of the services was instituted. A section of boy sopranos was added later, the boys also acted as assistant servers during the Offertory.
The Choir members continue to be volunteers and ever so often the gowns or surplices are changed. In 1999 new gowns in burgundy colours were purchased. Some of the Organists have been R. Diggel, John Marquette, Joyce Lawson, Marie Hewitt, Phyllis MckCreary, Gary Hoekstra and Sterling Bennett.
A picture of the Choir in 1944 brings back memories of great enthusiasm and many people. Since 1975 there has been a steady decline in numbers. Today, we have a very faithful Choir of fifteen members. From time to time we have attempted to for a youth Choir or involve youth in our Choir.
The Choir has organized a number of events - February 9, 1938 a Choir Concert; October 15, 1951 a Tea; a Retirement party for the Reverend Ed Attwell and the Reverend Robert Calderwood in 1998; November 7, 1999 a Festival of Music with local Musical groups.
The Servers Guild
For years young boys in the Choir were asked to assist the Priest with the Services. When they became a Guild we do not know but in 1944 there was a St. Simon’s Serviers Guild with 9 members. Many your memebers including girls have served as Servers over the years. We ususally have about 12 members which now includes some adults.
A Sacristan or Head Server is appointed to arrange the duties, Lyle Haskins, Derek Watt, Troy McLean and Kevin Lewis have been the most recent appointments to this position.
The Women of the Church
Any history of the parish of St. John’s would be incomplete with grateful mention fo the involvement of the women of the parish. They have been tireless workers.
Originally known as the Women’s Working Association they were later called the Women’s Home Auxiliary and then the Women’s Guild, these groups seem to be congregation oriented and even when the Women’s Auxiliary to Missionary Society of the Church in Canada were formed in the parish. In the late 1960’s all work in the parishes and diocese of Ottawa came under umbrella of the Anglican Church Women (ACW). We have two branches in our parish and they will tell their stories.
Wait a minute! For many years, in fact until the 1940’s, the women of the congregation took no part in the meetings of the Vestry. It is doubtful if they were even present but the records of the Vestry make various references to the work done by the wormen an sincere votes of thanks for their work.
The Alter Guild
This group of ladie
Group “A”
Originally known as “The evening Branch Group “A” of St. John’s Woman’s Auxiliary”. The earliest records found within the parish begins January 9, 1945. The Woman’s Auxiliary in the diocese of Ottawa was organized in 1896. The Foundress of the W.A. in 1885 was Roberta E. Tilton of Ottawa. Upon her death her home was bequeathed to the Diocese of Ottawa W.A. and was used for some time but was later sold. The money was invested and the interest now pays for the Administration cost of Diocesan A.C.W.
Group “A” served a monthly meal to a few different women’s groups in Smiths Falls.
The 1972 roll shows the names of two members who remain today, namely Mrs. Allan (Betty) Bolton and Mrs. Lyle (Marion) Bennett.
In 1948 the roll showed 34 paid-up members who met in the evenings. In 2000 we up to 20 members met in the afternoons.
In late 1940 to early 1950’s there were bales packed twice a year. In the spring a bale for the north was packed with at least one hand made quilt, usually done over the previous winter. The Christmas Bale contained many items including a woman’s dress and coat which was made by the members.
In recent years Group “A” sends cash to help pay for the shipping. The name of this mission is called “Dorcas” after a woman in St. Peter’s time (Acts chapter 9) who was a wonderful needle worker and in Greek language her name was pronounced “Dorcas”.
The early W.A. held Rummage Sales, and held an Annual Bazaar. They sponsored the “Little Helpers” and “Mothers and Daughters”.
In l965 the Group supported the Annual Hospital Fair which no longer exists.
In 1970 the Group started helping with the newly formed “Meals on Wheels”. People of the Parish continue to deliver these meals to shut-ins.
The group has always kept up their commitments to the Diocese, the Prayer Partner and the Ecumenical commitments in Smiths Falls such as “World Day of Prayer”, which was celebrated at St. John’s, in 2000.
In 1987 Group “A” started packing cookies to take to the shut-ins of the Parish at Christmas time. The practice which is still in place, has grown from 55 dozen cookies to 88 dozen cookies plus 21 dozen especially made for diabetics.
Since about 1950 there has been an annual Bazaar. This event has increased in size each year until the present. The upper and lower Parish Hall are both now a hive of activity.
Group “B”
In 1944, a small goup met at eh home of Mildred Roberts, Strathcona St. in Smiths Falls to organize Group “B” branch of the W.A. (now called A.C.W. Group “B”). Mrs. H.B. Adams, a member of the W.A. was present to assist the group in getting started. Meetings have always been held on Tuesday evenings at first and more recently changed to afternoons.
Our first president was Margaret Robins, who had previously been a W.A. member in Perth. First secretary was Ella Putnam, first treasurer, first Dorcas secretary in chage of the bale, Olive Garrod and first prayer partner, Mrs. Irene Mayhew. Other Dorcas secretaries included Ruth Ellwood, Jean Galloway and Mary Lesurf, as well as Dorthy Cullen, who held this office for twenty-six years.
Ten years later, with membership considerably increased, we had a picnic at Ellwood’s cottage. In 1969 Group “B” held its twenty-fifth anniversary in the Parish Hall. Our thirty-fifth and fortieth anniversaries were celebrated at Mary Ketchum’s. Our thirtieth, forty-fifth and fiftieth anniversaries were celebrated at Jessie Sheridan’s home.
Members attend Deanery days each fall and the A.C.W. Annual Meetings in the spring, and have also hosted these meetings. For many years members assisted the Hospital Auxiliary with their annual fair.
Som of the fund raising activities have been rummage sales, bake sales, catering, smorgasbords, annual fees, donation, dessert fashion shows (hats), sale of church plates, quilt raffles, collections at meetings and a yearly table at the bazaar.
Bale packing for the north has been a major endeavour each year, with the value often being well over two thousand dollars.
Prayer Partnership has also been a priority of this group. A fellowship with the Rt. Rev. Michael and Margaret Gardener was enjoyed from September 1964 at Cape Dorset to their retirement in January 1996 from St. Jude’s Cathedral, Iqaluit. Presently we are in a pray partnership with Capt. Jason Haggstrom who moved this summer from the Parish of St. Mary with St. Mark, Mayo, Yukon to the Parish of Pistolet Bay in the Diocese of Western Newfoundland, home address is Cook’s harbour, Nfld.
more to come ………