HISTORIC SITES & ARCHIVES Dedicated to preserving our religious heritage OURNAL Millennium Edition

Native Missionaries Make a Significant Contribution to Western Culture THE STEINHAUER BROTHERS: TWO FIRSTNATION METHODIST MISSION WORKERS IN THE NORTH WEST MISSION FIELD In the summer of 1879 Egerton and Robert Steinhauer arrived in Cobourg, a small port on Lake Ontario, with a population of about 5,000, located immediately east of Toronto. Egerton, then twenty-one years old, and Robert, nineteen, came from White Fish Lake, a

farming community just south of Lac La The Steinhauers: from left 10 right· Henry B. Steinhauer, Biche, in the distant North West Territories. Robert Steinhauer, Egerton Steinhauer. Probably taken in Cobourg, 1881. The Provincial Archives of /Ernest These two sons of Rev. Henry B. Brown Collection B. 9485 Steinhauer, the first First Nations Christian minister in what would later become Alberta, travelled 3,000 kilometres to attend THE FORMATION OF THE Cobourg Collegiate Institute, in preparation UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA for their future entry into Victoria University. The Ontario-born Rev. Steinhauer, one of the The spirit of fellowship, which has Methodists' early Ojibwa converts, had always been distinctive of Canadian life, himself attended Upper Canada Academy in found expression in the political union of the late 1830s, the predecessor of Victoria Canada in 1867, and in a succession of University. The veteran minister, who had unions within various branches of the spent over twenty years at the mission he Christian church from 1817 to the early founded at White Fish Lake, wanted two of years of the present century. The four his younger sons to follow his example; and, The three Alberta Indian Chiefs in Toronto. between August sections of Presbyterianism then existing, and OClOber 1886. Left to right - Rev. John McDougall: chief after graduation from Victoria, become Samson (Cree). Pakan or James Seenum (Cree). Jonas united in 1875, taking the name, "The Methodist mission workers in the North Goodstoney (Stoney) and standing behind James GoodslOney, Presbyterian Church in Canada" the four West. RobeI'I Steinhauer. Photographer: J. Fraser Bryce, 107 King Street West. Toronto. Glenbow Archives/NA - 4216-33 sections of Methodism united in 1884, The Rev. Steinhauer, and his Cree wife, forming "The Methodist Church"; and the Jessie Joyful Mamanuwartum, from various Congregational Churches organized Norway House, just north of Lake Winnipeg, "The Congregational Union of Canada," in where he served as a Methodist teacher and 1906. The desire for wider fellowship and interpreter in the 1840s, raised a large family closer church relationships was expressed in of seven girls and five boys. Egerton was the 1874 by the Quebec Diocese of the Church middle and Robert the second youngest of England in the appointment of a son. At home Henry and Jessie encouraged committee to promote Church Union and by amongst their children a strong sense of The Congregational Union of Ontario and spirituality, a belief in a higher power. Every Quebec in a resolution in favor of union with morning and evening they held family other churches; in 1885 by the Ontario devotions. ., Provincial Synod of the Church of England Education was extremely important to The Rev. Robert and Charlotte Pruden Steinhauer s jamily. Photo taken at Whitflsh Lake, Alberta, bejore they left for inviting the Methodist and Presbyterian the Ojibwa minister and his Cree wife. With Hobbema. around 1910, From left to right - Gussie Churches to conference the following year, great difficulty they secured for several years Sieinhauer (/895-1975). Rev. Robert Steinhauer (/861- I 941) in 1892 by the Presbyterian General Harry Sieinhauer (/899-1990).Mary Steinhauer (/902- teachers for the White Fish school. Years 1972). Caroline (1901-1921). seated - Charlotte Pruden Assembly approaching the Congregational later Egerton recalled his early school days: Steinhauer (/869-1952). Holding Ruby (/909- ). later Ruby Conlinued on page 2... Steinhauer Erasmus. The photo appeared on the cover of The Missionary OUilook. 31.6 (June 1911). Glenbow Archives/PA/33-6 CONTENTS Formation of the United Church, continuedfrom page 1 church is the body of Christ; that Canada's Church, and in 1893 appointing a committee deepest need could be met only by Christ's 75th Anniversary U.C.C.(1925-2000) to confer with other churches on the general gospel, and that, being by their very & Native Missionaries: Steinhauers 1 subject of Church Union; and in 1894 by the constitution and history uniting churches, Church Union Continued .2 Methodist General Conference proposing a their task of preaching his gospel and A Senior Remembers Church Union 3 plan of federation of local congregations. building his kingdom throughout the Mount Royal College's 90th ..4,5&6 These developments deepened the sense of Dominion would be more effectively How Can Churches & Museums Collaberate7 accomplished through organic union than as John Niddrie Missionary Adventurer 8 &9 Christian fellowship, revealed more clearly Society's Artifact Project & Museum the hindrances to the Christian fellowship, separate religious bodies. The Committee Program 10 revealed more clearly the hindrances to the further commended the whole subject to the Victoria Home Guard Master Plan 11 Christian church through unnecessary sympathetic and favorable consideration of Rundle's Mission Site Plan 12 overlapping in the work of its different the chief assemblies of the Churches McDougall Stoney Miss Society 13,14&15 branches, and prepared the way for various concerned for such further action as they Royal Canadian Legion History Wall forms of co-operation. might deem wise and expedient. Following & Service as models 16&17 Heritage Resources Conf. Committee 18 The actual negotiations leading up to this meeting a friendly letter was sent to the Alberta Conference Archives News 19 the consummation of Church Union on lune church of England in Canada and the Baptist St.Andrew's UC Cochrane's 100th 20 10th, 1925, began twenty-six years earlier Churches in Canada, explaining the Methodism in Lethbridge & South Alberta when the Presbyterian General Assembly, on decisions already reached by the loint union Celebration 21 the request of its board of Home Missions, committee and extending cordial invitations Who was AB's First School Teacher? 22 appointed a committee "to confer with to them to send delegates to participate in the Canadian Methodist & Presbyterian representatives from other evangelical further discussion of Church Union, should Societies 23 Carmangay United Rededication .24&25 churches, having power to enter any they consider it advisable to do so. These Steinhauer ArticleContinued 26 arrangement with them that will tend to churches replied in courteous fraternal Newly Formed Heritage Community bring about a more satisfactory state of terms, but did not appoint committees to Foundation 27 things in our Home Mission fields, so that participate in the negotiations. Books,Books & South Alberta History 28 the overlapping now complained of may be The loint Union Committee met year by Nose Creek Historical Society's 29 prevented." The General Board of Missions year to consider the reports of its special Caledar of Events for our Society 29 of the Methodist Church appointed a similar Committees on Doctrine, Policy, the Conference President's Comments 30 Society's Directors for year 2000 31 committee. After three joint meetings an Ministry, Administration, and Law. In 1908 Memberships & Donations 32 effective plan of co-operation was adopted. it agreed upon a Basis of Union. This was The next step was taken by the sent to the supreme Courts of the three SPONSORSHIP Methodist General Conference in 1902, churches with the recommendation that they This Historic Sites and Archives Journal is when it was declared that in its opinion the submit it to their lower courts and to the pUblished by the Alberta and Northwest time was opportune for a definite movement, membership of their respective churches. Conference (United Church of Canada) concentrating attention on, and aiming at the The Basis, as then prepared, was approved in Historical Society. This issue is made possible by the Conference Committee, the organic union of the Presbyterian Church in general by the Supreme Courts in 1909, McDougall Stoney Mission Society, the Canada, The congregational Churches of 1910, and 1911 and referred to the lower Calgary Presbytery Historic Sites and Canada, and The Methodist Church. It also courts and to the membership, according to Archives Committee, Rundle's Mission, St. resolved that it would regard with the constitutional procedure of each church. Stephen's College, Royal Canadian Legion, gratification a movement with this object Under this plan the vote was taken #284 Chapelhow Branch and private donors. in view. Would facilitate the formulation of throughout these churches. In the All photographs used in this journal - a Basis of Union, and would educate the Presbyterian Church, 50 Presbyteries voted acknowledged or not have been reproduced with permission. people interested into that deeper spirit for approval, and 20 Presbyteries non- of unity and mutual concession on which approval (793) votes for, and 496 against); in Editorial Board is the Society's Board of Directors (see pg. 31) the successful consummation of such the Methodist Church, 11 conferences voted movements ultimately depends. A approval, and one conference non-approval ERRATA committee on Church Union was appointed, (1579 votes for and 270 votes against). • Our apologies for omitting George Dutchik on "to confer with committees that may be The vote of the elders, office bearers page 21, Vol. XI, No. I, bottom right. appointed by such churches, and report to and membership in the respective churches • Page 32 Vol 12, line 2 celebrating 75th Anniversary should have been June 10th 1925 the next General Conference." was as follows; In the Congregational Each of the churches named appointed Church the vote was on the Basis, when of COMPREHENSIVE INDEX committees. The first meeting of the loint 10,689 members, 2,933 voted for, and 813 The 1997 Tenth Anniversary Edition of the Journal carries a comprehensive Index of all ten Union Committee was held in Toronto, on against. In Presbyterian Church two previous editions. We have a special offer while April 21st, 1904. [t reached the unanimous questions were submitted, seeking the quantities last. to purchase a packet of all 13 conclusion, "that organic union is both attitude first towards organic union, and editions for $25.00. desirable and practicable." The experience second towards the Basis. The vote on the CONTACT of the Canadian churches, which had united first question was, of 9,675 elders, 6,245 Please direct all inquiries to: their own various branches was vitally voted for, and 2,745 against; of 287,944 Dr. Robert MacDonald related to certain positive spiritual communicants, 106,755 voted for, and 613 - 25th Ave. T2M 281 convictions. Among these was the belief, 48,278 against, of adherents, 37,175 voted Phone: (403) 282-1014 held by these churches in common, that the Continued on page 3... Grace Susan Black remembers Grace came to the west in 1994 and By Rev. Dr. Neville Smith lived with her daughter Susan and her husband Ernie Oleskiw in Stoney Plain, Grace Susan Black was born in Alberta. Some months ago they came to live Branford, Ontario in 1913. She attended in Barrhead, Alberta. Grace Black feels that Sunday school at Ebenezer Methodist much impetus was given to the union by Church. She remembers the events that Churches in the West. She said: "In rural surrounded the birth of the United Church of Churches, people of various Church Canada on June lO, 1925. Though she did backgrounds were worshipping together. not attend the actual service that marked the There was not enough money to put up a merger of most of the Methodist, building for all the traditions represented. Presbyterian and Congregational Churches, This must have made it easier for union since she experienced the excitement that this the grassroots were already coming together event engendered. In her own church much for religious purposes. discussion took place and it was given much From left to right - Rev. Robert B. Steinhauer with his What does she like about the united classmates. J.RLStorr and w.H. Granham. Victoria publicity in the newspapers. Grace Black church? In her own words, "What I like University, Toran/a, April 1937, 50 years after their commented "I heard the first Moderator, the graduation from Victoria. The members of the class of '87 about the United Church is that it is not cut Reverend Pidgeon preach at Trinity United. had assembled to honour Robert Steinhauer, who was given and dry. The Church is open to people and the degree of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Cause).April 27. As a young girl [ was very impressed. I /937, by Victoria University. Archives of the United Church ideas. The United Church includes people." experienced him as a very open and kind ofCanada/Acc. No. 87.052 PI/24 Thanks to Grace Black for sharing her person." thoughts and experiences of the United Formation of the United Church, continued from page 2 Church of Canada. • for, and 14,174 against. The vote on the second question was 5, I04 elders voted for, and 2,197 against; 27,756 adherents voted for, and 10,316 against. In Methodist Church the vote concerned the Basis only.The result of the vote was, of 29,820 officials, 23,475 voted for, and 3,869 against; of 293,967 (LtIRt) R.C.MP from Cochrane Div.. Rev. Bob Sellie members 18 years of age and over, 150,841 Missionary at Morley. Rev. Dr, Gerald Hutchinson oj voted for, and 24,357 against; of 29,373 Left: Grace (Brown) Black /925, Right: Grace (Brown) Rundle's Mission. Rev. Dr, Don MacMahon. Ralph Black 1999 Steinhauer, his wife Isabel. Chief Lazarus Wesl"': Rev John members under 18 years of age, 17,198 PotlrufJ . voted for, and 2,615 against; of adherents, Native Missionaries continued from page' 42,115 voted for, and 7,234 against. Although he never graduated from Victoria, Subsequent to these plebiscites the "Sometimes I had the pleasure of going on a he used to say that while Robert received his Supreme Courts of the respective churches buffalo hunt with my parents, who B.A.; "[ have my B.A., too (Born Again)". adopted the following resolutions: accompanied the band on their annual hunt, From the 1880s to his death in 1932 The congregational Union, whose the school teacher going as well, and holding Egerton served in several Methodist mission membership had voted some months school in the open air when circumstances stations. He worked at Morley from 1885 to previous to the vote in other churches, stated: permitted". One of the most gifted, and 1894, at Fisher River in Manitoba from 1894 "We consider the action already taken as well-trained was Elizabeth Barrett, a to 1907, Hobbema (Battle River) from 1907 sufficient and will now wait until the other Methodist worker from Ontario, a trained to 1911,Morley again from 1911to 1919, negotiating bodies have had an opportunity teacher, who served for two years in the Saugeen on Lake Huron in Ontario from 1919 of testing to a corresponding degree the mid-1870s (see, "Elizabeth Barrett. A to 1924, and at New Credit in Ontario from feeling of their constituencies." Forgotten Indian Teacher", Journal. Historic 1924 to 1926. He married Toronto-born The Methodist General Conference Sites and Archives, May 1997, pp. 5-7). Elizabeth Helliwell, a Methodist church Special Committee declared, "That the From 1879to 1883the brothers prepared worker and teacher at Morley, the year of his Methodist Church is now prepared to for their university entrance at the Collegiate ordination, 1889.They had one son, Wesley. proceed towards the union of the three Institute. Both Egerton and Robert Egerton and brother Robert prepared a hymn negotiating churches on the Basis of Union maticulated. To support their studies both book in Cree syllabics which was published heretofore agreed upon." brothers had worked in the summers, to in Toronto in 1920.After his wife's death in The Presbyterian General Assembly supplement the little assistance their parents 1928 Egerton joined his brother at Saddle resolved, "That in view of the extent of the could provide. But by 1883 the Steinhauers Lake where he acted as a missionary. minority, which is not yet convinced that could no longer afford to keep both at Robert's diary entry on his brother's death in organic union is the best method of school; moreover, a teacher was desperately 1932 attributed it to overwork.: "This sudden expressing the unity sincerely desired by all, needed at White Fish Lake. Egerton demise must have been caused by his putting the Assembly deems it unwise to reluctantly agreed to come home. His too strong an effort in trying to bring his immediately proceed to consummate the responsibilities would greatly increase the hearers {to} see what Christian life is". union, but believes that by further following year after his father's death. [n contrast to Egerton, Robert entered conference and discussion practically Independently Egerton would continue his Victoria, In sports the tall 6' Cree excelled unanimous action can be secured within a theological training, leading to his ordination as a football player and runner. He was also in 1889. Egerton had a sense of humour. Continued on page..J4 ... reasonable time." • e Iihtiil MOUNT ROYAL Celebrates 90th \\;11;' COLLEGE Anniversary (1910-2000)

Opened for classes September 8, 1911

A High class and residential college for boys and young men, for girls and young women. Teaching staff of highest qualifications. Students in attendance from all parts of the Province and Western Canada-122 registered, and more coming daily. Departments-Academic, Commercial and Shorthand, Expression and Physical Culture, Conservatory of Music, etc. Staff.-Rev. George W. Kerby, Principal; John H. Beazley, BA., Science; W. T. Broad, LLB., Mathematics; Margaret M. Graham, MA., Modern Languages: Nora Power, MA., Classics: Gordon Bennett, C.E., Head of Commercial Department:: Miss Marion Taylor, Typewriting and Shorthand: Orra Patrick, Primary and Elementary Work; Christie Elliot, Expression and Physical Culture; W. V. Oaten, Director of Conservatory of Music and Teacher of Piano and Organ: Miss Lena Christie, Piano: Mrs. Dudley Smith, Violin; Miss Bruce, Vocal: Mr. O'Neil, Physical Director.

Credit all photos to MRC Foundation Archives Native Missionaries continuedfrom page 3 1903 to 1911, Hobbema (Battle River) from would pick up an important letter in a recogonized as a gifted singer, with a deep 1911to 1919,and at Saddle Lake from 1919to Council Meeting, written in English, read it bass voice. Very popular amongst his fellow his death in 1941. In 1937, the 50th to those present in Cree, and then explain in students he was elected by them, "Senior anniversary of his graduation from Victoria, clear, simple terms what it meant. In church, Stick", or class president, at the end of third his Alma Mater, now affiliated with the with the English version of the Gospel ofSt. year in 1886. That August and September he University of Toronto, and relocated from Luke directly in front of him on his lectum, accompanied the Rev. John McDougall and Cobourg to Toronto, awarded him an he would, as he was reading, translate it three Methodist chiefs from the North West, honourary Doctor of Divinity, he being the directly into Cree for the congregation. • the Pakan and Samson, and the Stoney first First Nations person in Canada to be so Jonas Goodstoney- all of whom had been honoured. Memory of the Steinhauer brothers now is loyal to the Canadian government in the Ralph Steinhauer, the first First Nations faint. In their day they were giants in the North West Rebellion ofl885- on a tour of Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta (1974-1979), Native mission field. As exemplary First Ontario towns and cities, as well as knew both his great-uncles Egerton and Nation Christians they deserve to be Montreal. At one of the Toronto meetings Robert well. In a talk to the Historical remembered by a church to which they gave Robert sang a hymn before John A. Society of Alberta at in 1955, so much. Macdonald, . He recorded by Alberta historian Hugh graduated in the spring of 1887, the first Dempsey, Ralph Steinhauer recalled This text is adopted from an essay prepared Status Indian in what would become Alberta Egerton. whom he had known around 1930, for the electronic history project, CANADA, to obtain a university degree. After eight after Egerton moved to Saddle Lake to help CONFEDERATION TO PRESENT, a CD- years away he then returned home. Sent Robert at the mission. Ralph, then in his ROMI Web publication, for use as a almost immediately to neighbouring Saddle mid-twenties, remembered that Egerton, textbook/reader in colleges and universities, Lake, he reported in the Methodist once himself a great athlete, encouraged and as a reference workfor high schools and Missionary Society Report for 1887/88 that athletics among the young people. Often he the general public (more than 150 scholars he found "the people ready and anxious to would tell them: "Never let yourself think are participating). Project Manager: Bob receive the truth". that you are not as good as the white man". Hesketh, Dept. of History, University of As did his brother Egerton, Robert gave Whenever he could, Egerton, in the same Alberta. No footnotes appear in this text, but his life to Methodist mission work. He had spirit, challenged them about seeking they will be included in the longer version numerous postings throughout Alberta. further education: "Can't you become for the CANADA. CONFEDERATION TO Shortly after his return from university he doctors, lawyers or businessmen? You are THE PRESENT project. The author thanks, married Charlotte Pruden, a Native woman just afraid that you can't compete with the in particular, Neil Semple of Toronto; and whose father had worked for the Hudson white man". Stephanie McMullen, of Owen Sound, Bay Company at Lac La Biche. They had a While certainly a devoted Methodist, or Ontario; for their assistance with the family of six daughters and four boys. rather United Church member (church union research in Methodist publications for this Robert served at Saddle Lake from 1887 to having occurred in 1925), Egerton believed article. For all historical work on the 1890, White Fish Lake from 1890 to 1893, the that there was a basic similarity between Steinhauer family the starting point remains Red Deer Industrial School in 1894, Morley Christian teachings and Native beliefs, He Isaac Kholisile Mabindisa s invaluable from 1895 to 1903, White Fish Lake from did not dismiss Native spiritual concepts as Ph.D. thesis, "The Praying Man: The Life superstition. Speaking of the Sun Dance he and Times of Henry Bird Steinhauer" told his great-nephew: "There was a bit of (, Department of torture there, but it was no worse than Educational Foundations, 1984). Many training for the commandos. They also had thanks to Hugh Dempsey for making the ceremonial dances. There was a good available his notes on Ralph Steinhauer s deal of paganism, whooping and hollering talk to the Historical Society of Alberta at but you know, I'm still an Indian. Actually, I Edmonton in 1955. I am most grateful to the can't say too much against it. There were Steinhauer family for their assistance with some great prayers said- heartfelt and my research: Ruby Erasmus of Vilna, sincere. The Sun Dance was a form of Alberta: Herb and Marg Steinhauer of worship". Edmonton; Caroline Jackson, Edna Shortly after his appointment as Quinney, Henry Quinney, Larry Steinhauer, Alberta's Lieutenant-Governor writer and Marvin Steinhauer, all of Saddle Lake; Madeline Freeman interviewed Ralph and Hope Steinhauer Trommels. Dale City, Steinhauer for the United Church Virginia (telephone interview). publication, Mandate (January 1975). He remembered well his great-uncle Robert, Donald B. Smith who had been a very important influence on Department of History him. In the pulpit Uncle Robert was a thunderous preacher, his "arms, hands, feet Calgary, Alberta and head all going like mad as he made the T2NlN4 points in his sermon". Robert Steinhauer was completely bilingual and bicultural. Phone: (403) 220-6401 Ralph recalled to Madeline Freeman that he Email: [email protected] J roof; discovering a ton of powdery prairie sand in the attic which had blown in over the year where there was no insulation. The restoration crew tried to shovel out as much as possible, and then blew insulation in with the sand. The basement was partially refinished, including drywall, when a water line in the kitchen burst. The crew was greeted with two feet of water, which had to Following is a list of faithful leaders be pumped out in the middle of winter. This through the ninety years: was quite a heartbreaker! • Restoring the building to its original Rev. Prosper H. Neville design has been an act of love, which 1910-1912 included untold voluntary hours of labour. Rev. Solomon W. Hahn Grants have been received from the 1912-1914 Community Facility Enhancement Program, Rev. Robert J. Merriman Historical Resources Foundation, and the 1914-1916 local Lions Club, together with Memorial Rev. Douglas H. Telfer donations, and many private donations. 1916-1920 • The original Historical Restoration Rev. Radcliffe Clegg Committee were: 1920-1923 • Darrel Garceau, Garth McFarland, Mary Rev. H. M. Horricks Johnson, Jim Gray, Colleen Annable, 1923-1927 Lorraine Teskey, and Frank Johnson. Rev. Fred Chapman • The present members on the Historical 1927-1929 Restoration Committee are: Rev. Myron G Garabedian • Colleen Annable, with Lloyd Annable as 1929-1931 an honorary member, Lorraine Teskey, Rev. RE. Finlay Dennis Benci, Rob Jones, Sean Schneider, 1931-1935 ~ Derrick Annable, Keith Harris, and Rev. Don Rev. Horace G Smith '" Watt (until 1998). Other community 1935-1938 members have been faithful in raising funds Rev. Tom Taylor and helping with work parties, including the 1938-1940 Lions Club. Over $131,000 has been spent Rev. R T. Harden on restortion to date. • 1940-1942 by Rev. Lorraine E. Powell. Rev. Peter Dawson 1942-1961 Information taken from The Carmangay Rev. Wm. Morrison United Church by Wallace Miller, in 1961-1963 Bridging the Years, minutes, Year books and Rev. W. Bruce Fyke local knowledge. 1963-1969 Rev. RM. Bateman 1970-1972 Rev. John T. Wood 1972-1976 Rev. Florence Wilkensen 1977-1978 Rev. Ian E. Munro 1979-1985 Rev. Phillip M. KeUaway 1985-1986 Rev. Ian E. Munro 1986-1988 Rev. Wilbert E. Frey 1989-1990 Rev. Frank Johnson 1990-1994 Rev. Don Watt 1994-1998 Rev. Lorraine Powell 1998 -