northlandThe Newspaper of the Diocese of Moosonee • www.moosoneeanglican.ca • A Section of the Anglican Journal • DECEMBER, 2013 o u r n e w v i s i o n s t a t e m e n t The Diocese of Moosonee – called by God to live and proclaim the Gospel St. Matthew’s 100 Years Young Article by Susanne Mavor, Warden, St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Timmins. n Sunday, November 16th, 1913, the first ser- vice was held at the new AnglicanO Church of St. Matthew in Timmins. The service was conducted by a theological student whose study and living quarters were in the base- ment of the church. The rectory was built in 1915 and in December of that year, the first rector, Reverend J. Douglas Patterson, was installed by Archbishop Anderson. On May 7th, 1916, three years after its first service and with all debts paid, the Archbishop officially consecrated St. Diocesan Bishop, Thomas Corston, Bishop Philip Poole, Suffragan Bishop in the Diocese of Toronto, and Archdeacon Harry Matthew’s Church. In 1961, after Huskins attended the 2013 Clericus for the Diocese of Moosnee along with the diocesan clergy and many lay readers. many years and numerous renova- tions to the worship area and the Article by Richard Moore, Lay church hall, the parish became the Reader, Holy Trinity,Cochrane. Clericus 2013Moosonee Style Cathedral Church of St. Matthew. he diocesan clergy Bishop Philip Poole, Suffragan and loss, giving and receiving, calling This year, the parish of St. Mat- of Moosonee and some Bishop in the Diocese of Toronto, and choosing, praying and working, thew’s Cathedral decided to hold Tguests,met at Camp Bickle in presented a series of sessions on stew- being and doing). The pearls that His several events in celebration of its the second week of September, to be ardship, from the perspectives of a Grace dispensed inspired penetrating 100th anniversary in Timmins. The guided by their Bishop, to pray to- parishioner, a missionary to South reflection. It was heartening to note first of such events was a Mediter- gether, to plan, to listen to the sages Africa, and from his broad knowledge that the Christian experience, unique- ranean dinner in January. St. Paul, of the Church, and to share Christian as a parish priest. His lively, excited ly, went beyond the duality of our aka Reverend Greg Gilson, was even fellowship. It was an amazing week. humour, and his heartrending anec- nature to encompass the tri-unity of seen wandering among the tables! And it was a busy week! Monday dotes from his experience in the Third life, death, and life. The utter silence Of course, Shrove Tuesday is never and Friday were half-days, to allow for World, kept his listeners enthralled. in the room as he spoke, and the con- complete without a pancake sup- necessary travel, but the three days in Bishop Poole challenged us to truly centrated intent postures of his listen- per in the parish hall and in May between were fourteen working hours examine our consciences and change ers, testified to the effectiveness of his we held a pasta supper. In June, we long, filled with learning, prayer (up attitudes, moving from living with lessons. had our first ever wine tasting and to nine times a day), and inspiration. an attitude of scarcity to that of one The third facilitator for the week hors d’oeuvres night which we are The breaks that were scheduled for re- of abundance, and moving from the was our Chaplain, Ed, as he asked us hoping to make an annual event. A flection were well appreciated, as were ‘house of fear’ to the ‘house of God.’ to call him. The Reverend Ed Trevors centennial book, Mana Fest, is also the social gatherings in the evenings. Having worked with us for two days, is a young, Nova Scotian priest, a hus- being published this fall and plans The main focus of clericus was to learn he, and Karin, his wife, traveled to band, and father, a craft-beer sophis- are underway for a turkey dinner in from two challenging and inspiration- Moose Factory, adding a northern ele- ticate, and a joyful disciple of Christ. November. al speakers, and to hear from our own ment to his experience. Originally ‘from the Miramichi’ Centennial celebrations were held Bishop. However, a discussion of the The second half of the week was led (which is like us saying ‘proud to be on the weekend of September 21st. Living Stones program, in which the by Archbishop Michael Peers, former a Northerner’), he was once Bishop Diocese will be taking a learning role Primate of the Anglican Church in Tom’s senior server, and then a pro- An open house on Saturday after- this year, and clergy ‘sharing circles’, Canada. His teaching style is reminis- fessional engineer. He will tell you noon allowed parishioners past and served as change-of-pace activities. cent of a Celtic ‘seanchaidh’ or a Cree that God brought him to the priest- present to reminisce about their Parishes and problems were examined elder, seated with his disciples around hood, with help from Bishop Tom. time at St. Matthew’s. That evening, and analysed in the discussion circles, him, quietly recounting tales from his His openness and stories and lessons, an anniversary banquet and dance and the aims and process of Living vast experience. His topic, “Living in in groups and with us as individuals, were held at the Day’s Inn Ball- Stones, which is designed to assist Ministry” was set in the theme of the touched hearts and souls, and remind- room. As we listened to the musi- dioceses like us who are in transition, duality of our human existence (i.e. ed us all of our missions. cal styling of pianist Steve Kessler, were explained. speaking and listening, accumulation Refreshed and revitalized by our we welcomed our guests and former Clericus, continued on page 2 100 Years continued on page 2 100 Years continued from p. 1 parishioners, some of whom travelled but not to live in the past, and to use the great distances to be with us. The mas- past to move forward into the future. Af- ter of ceremonies for the evening was terwards, Bishop Tom Corston dedicated long time parishioner W. Peter Colbert a beautiful Spirit frontal, burse, veil, and and the saying of Grace was done by hangings created by Valerie Gilson that Dean Greg Gilson. Following a deli- were commissioned to commemorate cious buffet supper, our guest speaker, the centenary and the wardens received Bishop Dennis Drainville of the Dio- a certificate of congratulations on behalf cese of Quebec, provided us with not of the Primate. Lastly, a reception and only words of wisdom but also hu- the Anglican tradition of ‘Sherry on the mour as well. In addition, Bishop Tom Lawn’ followed the service. Corston reminisced about his time as a curate at the Cathedral and his time in the Diocese while Archbishop Co- Bishop Denis Drainville, Archbishop Colin Johnson, and Bishop Tom lin Johnson passed on greetings from Corston presented a certificate of congratulations from the Primate to St. the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario. Matthew’sWarden Susanne Mavor. Lastly, Mayor Tom Laughren present- ed a certificate of congratulations to the wardens on behalf of the residents of the City of Timmins. The evening was concluded with lively dancing to the melodious serenades of the Tim- mins All Star Band. A special service of praise and thanksgiving was held on Sunday, Clericus, continued from page 1 September 22nd. To assist in the mu- week, but with a sense that we wanted it sic we were joined by the Fifth Avenue to go on just a little longer, the participants Strings and the choir of St. Paul’s An- left Camp Bickell and colleagues on Friday, glican Church in South Porcupine. better prepared to face the challenges of the Our guest preacher, Archbishop Colin new church year, and thankful for the gifts Johnson, wisely reminded us to reflect that Clericus and its mentors had brought St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Timmins has been made even more beautiful on the past; to reflect and to remember to them. with the addition of a Spirit frontal, burse, veil and hangings made by Valerie Gilson. Bishop’s Message Article by the Right Reverend Thomas Corston, Bishop of Moosonee ear friends, made from their own teeth, have endeavoured primar- Message continued on page 4 near the end of engraved with the words ily to share my love of Jesus the last war, Eu- from the Jewish Torah, “He Christ throughout. It’s been ropeanD industrialist, Os- who saves one soul saves the a ‘blast’ as I look back and kar Schindler, had to flee world.” In that moment, recognize that I have been the American forces who Schindler emotionally pon- led down paths and taken were pushing the German ders, “Could I have done roads I would never have Army into defeat. In spite more. Could I have saved taken had I not known the of the fact that he had saved just one more?” Lord Jesus. I have met a hundreds of Jews from the While not quite so emo- whole lot of interesting and holocaust, he had, never- tionally, the scene never- wonderful people along the theless, served the Nazi re- theless comes to mind as I way. gime. In the movie version, write this final letter to you These past few years as The Northland Schindler’s List, in a poi- as Bishop of Moosonee. I Bishop have been among gnant scene, as Schindler wonder, could I have done the most challenging of my A publication of the and his family embark on more? life. The need to effect posi- Anglican Diocese of Moosonee Canon Harry Huskins and Bishop Tom their escape, the people For most of the past forty tive changes and restructure A Section of the whom he had saved pre- years, I have thoroughly the Diocese to guarantee Corston relaxed after the collation ser- Anglican Journal sented him with a gold ring, enjoyed my ministry. I ongoing ministry was never vice at St. Paul’s. Editor: George Cribbs Published Quarterly ‘Amazing Moosonee’ Materials may be sent electronically to: Article by Reverend Ed Trevors, week with many of the minis- how faithful and giving you [email protected] Christ Church, Shelburne, Nova ters of Moosonee during a re- are, how brave and strong, and or Scotia treat where we studied, prayed, how traditional and yet power- moosoneeanglican.ca reetings and mediated and shared in the Eu- fully creative. Your testimony or mailed to: love and blessings to charist. I was there to serve as has and will continue to posi- Diocese of Moosonee the amazing people of chaplain, but honestly, I feel I tively influence my ministry c/o Aministration Office, Gthe Diocese of Moosonee, my was the one who was cared for. here in rural Nova Scotia. brothers and sisters in Christ. I cannot tell you how much I I write to you today to share Box 735 My name is Ed Trevors and learned from the stories and encouragement and praise and 113 Third Street, I am the Rector of Christ experiences those ministers, lay to ask you to continue walking Cochrane, ON Church in Shelburne, Nova and clergy alike, shared with this path that you’ve chosen, P0L 1C0 Scotia. Recently, I was im- me. I heard so much about being a bright light to Angli- 705-272-4310 Christmas Moose mensely blessed to spend a you, the people of the diocese, cans everywhere. Published by Webnews Printing, See Amazing Moosonee on p. 3 Inc. North York, ON

2 northland • DECEMBER, 2013 The Revered Deborah Lonergan-Freake, Bishop Tom Corston, and the Reverend Bishop Tom Corston visited at the grave of a former student from Waswanipi. Phelan Scanlon all assisted the people of St. John’s in the closing of their church. Residential School Cemetery St. John’s Longlac Closes Article by the Right Reverernd Thomas Corston, Bishop of Moosonee. Restored at Chapleau BITTERSWEET MOMENT St. John’s was opened in 1947 as an Article by the Right Reverernd Thomas Corston, Bishop of Moosonee. came to the people of St. John’s Interdenominational congregation. Church, Longlac on October It served members of the Anglican, ANY RESIDENTS OF other communities, when a child died, A17th, when Bishop Corston presided at Presbyterian, and Lutheran faiths. In Chapleau at the southern tip she or he was buried in the local com- a final celebration of the Eucharist and the 1970’s, a Pentacostal congregation of the Diocese of Moosonee munity cemetery. At Moose Factory’s then deconsecrated the building. Some also used the building. On May 30th, haveM lived their lives without even real- annual memorial service, community fifty people attended the final service, 1948, Moosonee’s fifth Bishop, Robert izing that it was there. Those now el- members decorate the child graves and joining the faithful remnant in saying Renison, consecrated the building and derly former students of the St. John’s stand in silent tribute. In Chapleau, goodbye to the building that had been dedicated it to St. John. Residential School, located just outside after the school closed in 1947, the so important in their lives. The Bishop The first resident Anglican cleric in town, never forgot the sacred place or cemetery was neglected. In the early was assisted by the regional Dean of Longlac was the Reverend Tom Grang- their former schoolmates who were 1970’s, a group of young people tried Watershed Deanery, Fr. Phelan Scan- er, who moved to Geraldton as a high buried there. Thanks, however, to the to restore the site but the local com- lon, and Archdeacon-elect, Deborah school teacher where he remained un- Chief and Council of the Chapleau munity, including the Indigenous Lonergan-Freake. Visitors and former til retirement. Three other Anglican Cree First Nation and the encourage- communities in the area, would not members travelled from Geraldton, priests resided in Longlac (one being ment of the national Truth and Recon- provide oversight. In the last 65 years, Nipigon and Thunder Bay. Members Bishop Corston in his early ministry ciliation Commission, on a warm and the little burial ground became over- of the congregation shared in parts of when he ministered to nine congrega- sunny morning in mid-August, friends grown, and except to their families, the the service and hosted everyone to a fi- tions in a 2500 square mile area) until gathered on the site to remember. children were forgotten. nal reception at the end of the evening. the decision was made to pair Longlac The Diocese of Moosonee held with- In the summer of 2013, with fund- The Bishop shared some of his own and Geraldton in the 1990’s. In the in its borders three of the now infamous ing from various sources, the old cem- memories and thanked the remnant 1970’s the Presbyterian Church with- residential schools at Moose Factory, etery was cleaned up; the old bound- for their care of the church and for the drew their ministry and the Pentacostal Fort George (Chisasibi), and Chap- ary of the site has been fenced in and hard decision they made. community built their own church. By leau. Unlike the other two schools, graves marked with a granite marker. The decision to close Longlac’s the 1980’s the Lutheran Church also Chapleau’s institution was located out- There are plans to erect a memorial Church of St. John-in-the-Wilderness withdrew regular ministry. In the end side the local community. Across a field cairn. was made by the small congregation only the Diocese of Moosonee pro- from the school, a small cemetery was Bishop Tom Corston, a member who had seen the day coming over the vided regular ministry to the congrega- located where some of the young chil- of the Chapleau First Nation, was on past couple of years. In recent years, tion. When the Reverend Hal Graham dren, who had succumbed to illness hand to open the event in prayer and the local industries ceased operations retired in July of this year, the decision and died, were buried. These children bless the site again. He was joined by in the area. Today, the community is was made to close. have been numbered with so many the Chief of Chapleau Cree, Keeter economically depressed and for little As the forests in the area have be- across Canada who were taken from Corston, Commissioner Marie Wilson St. John Church, the congregation come silent again, communities and their family, located in schools miles of the Truth & Reconciliation Com- dwindled to a faithful half-dozen. At a congregations like Longlac’s increas- from home, who never returned. mission, and members of the local in- meeting with Bishop Corston in Sep- ingly come to moments of hard deci- Unlike the other communities where digenous communities. The site is now tember, the congregation voted to close sions. Longlac’s congregation will join the schools were located, the Chapleau a significant memorial and a reminder their church and put it and their prop- that of St. James’, Geraldton. school had its own cemetery. In the that this site is a sacred space. erty up for sale. Amazing Moosonee cont. from p. 2 Jesus tell us that to follow such a marvelous example of Jesus empowers His Church peared?” His answer struck me voices that demean and shame Him we must be willing to give true discipleship. You came to- to make real and significant as both simple and profoundly our people and communities up all that we are (Matthew gether to do what was right for changes in our communities. fundamental. He said, “With- into believing that they are in- 19:16-30); that we must love the community even though Thank you for your leadership. out the Church there would be ferior and to offer the freedom, Him more than everything the individual costs were mas- There is an entire genera- no voice to speak against the love, and joy that God desires and everyone (Luke 14:26). sive. It is a great example to an tion out there that has never message of the world.” for all of us. This is the cost of discipleship Anglican Communion that heard Jesus’ Gospel of mercy, We Christians have an im- With your new footing and - to put God first, ahead of is struggling to adjust to their hope, and eternal life; and this portant job to do. We are to outlook, you are being called to our expectations, our anxiet- surroundings which seem to be generation, perhaps, needs this stand up against the negativity continue to walk bravely into the ies, and our perceptions of self in states of perpetual flux. You message more than any other and hopelessness of messages future. You have leaned down and community. When I heard set aside egos and traditional that has come before. At a that tell us what a ‘good’ life to your fighting weight, and it about how you had decided to ways of doing things, and you meeting last night, my friend looks like; what wealth, happi- is time to step into the ring. I restructure your diocese in or- stepped out into a model of and colleague, Reverend Ian ness, and success look like. We pray you will continue to march der to save it and the lengths to ministry that few have ever Wisser (Mahone Bay) spoke to are called to combat these fairy boldly into the stuggle and that which you went, the sacrifices seen - this is the edge that Jesus the question of “Why would tale standards with the truth we would be courageous and you made, I was amazed. It is asked us to walk. This is where it matter if the Church disap- of Jesus Christ; to silence the wise enough to follow.

northland • DECEMBER, 2013 3 H Articleonours by the Right Reverend & Thomas F Corston,arewells Bishop of Moosonee

Canon Harry Huskins, Bishop Tom Corston Reverend Cliff Dee did not let the and Archdeacon Deborah Lonergan-Freake weather dampen his spirits at Clericus. relaxed after the collation service.

Bishop Tom Corston was surrounded by the failthful clergy of the Diocese of Moosonee in St. Paul’s Anglican Church in South Porcupine during the collation service held there on November 5th. ollowing a day-long worskshop, to carry on as effective witnesses to as- the clergy and layreaders joined sure that the Church in this part of the with the representatives of par- north “burns bright with new light.” Fishes across the Diocese and the local He ended his message repeating his congregations for a liturgical celebra- wish that they have “no peace.” tion at St. Paul’s Chuch, South Porcu- Following the sermon, the Bishop pine with Bishop Corston as Presider. then collated Dr. Harry Huskins, our The celebration included the ‘collation’ outgoing Archdeacon, as a new Canon of two clergy into positions of Dioc- of the Diocese. In doing so, he ex- esan leadership. plained to the congregation that Har- The occasion was also the last time ry had provided extensive assistance to that the Bishop could be with all of the Diocese throughout the transition the Diocesan clergy before his im- program, often behind the scenes, and Lay Reader Richard Moore and the Reverend Deborah Lonergan-Freake took pending retirement. Using the oc- making him a Canon was an expres- part in group work as part of their 14 hour long working days at Clericus, 2013. casion to bid his farewell, he shared sion of the thanks and respect the a moving and stirring message in his Bishop and the Diocese has for him. sermon. In an unusual expression of The Bishop then installed the Rev- thanks to the Diocese, Bishop Corston erend Deborah Lonergan-Freake as told everyone that while he asked that the new Archdeacon of Moosonee, they would be blessed and cared for, explaining to the congregation that he wanted for them “no peace.” In his he was doing so in recognition of her message, he spoke of the need for the new ministry as the Diocesan admin- Diocese to be restructured indicating istrator following his retirement. He that it was a surprise for him to discov- explained that Deborah is ideal for the er the crisis situation when he became new position as she has lived in the Bishop. He expressed gratitude for the Diocese since 1979 and served in both assistance so many had provided as he the Church and secular fields. believes they were guided by the Holy Numerous presentations were made Spirit. He told the congregation that, to: Canon Huskins, Canon Edna while he was sorry to leave, he felt that Murdy, and the Bishop. Ruth Cor- Reverend Deidre Roach and Dean of the Diocese, the Very Reverend Greg Gilson it was the right time to step aside so ston shared some of her memories of enjoyed a tea break and a laugh at Clericus, 2013. that the new restructured configura- her ministry with the Bishop and then tion of the Diocese can move forward. presented him with a ‘Honey-do’ list The Bishop charged the congregation and a blank journal for him to use. Message continued from page 2 something that I would have thought I to you. The evidence of our efforts will would need to do. I first served in this only be realized by you and your own Diocese when life was much different. continued faith and convictions. I pray But, I believe it has all been part of the that the Church in Moosonee will con- grand call of God and by His leading tinue to witness to the life-changing and guidance what is being accom- and fullfilling message of Jesus Christ. plished is a new way of doing ministry Keep active in worshiping our Lord, in these challenging days. Neverthe- and serving Him and His people with less, the question persists, ‘could I have gladness. “The joy of the Lord is your done more?’ strength!” (Nehemaih 8:10). Well, yes, I suppose there is more Ruth, Andrew and Stephen join that could have been done. To be sure, me in expressing our thanks for your in the restructed entity, I will continue fellowship in this journey and in ex- St. Matthew’s Cathedral celebrated its 100th anniversary with a service that included: to be involved after retirement. But, tending to you best wishes for a hap- Dean of the Diocese, the Very Reverend Greg Gilson, the Reverend Deidre Roach, for now, I think I have done my best py Christmas whose blessings will Archbishop Colin Johnson, Bishop Thomas Corston & the Reverend Dr.Marilyn van with the help of a dedicated staff and strengthen you in the years ahead. Duffelen. I am ready to step aside. The rest is up Every blessing ... Thomas Corston

4 northland • DECEMBER, 2013