~ --- lIIission on Grape Island

illustrations by steve cam~oell

INTRODUCTION In 1966. two beauttfui aWe islam1S This is a striking contrast to 140 years rest peaceiully and quletly in the waters ~ When some 200 lnc1ianmen. women Of the Bay of Qumte. near the mouth of and children lived on Grape island and Marsil Creek. Sawg'Uinis nowa farmer'S cultivated Sawl5tun.These were Chrtstian .field. connected to Huff Island by a Indians who had moved to the lslancis . causeway. G~e Island. lies silent and under the ausplces of the .YIethodist alone all wtnter. but is awakened Lnthe Church. The life of this Mission lasted sprmg as one family comes to spend the only 10 years. but it was a decade of -summer months .in their cottage there. fascmating history. 1824 . Altbougn the establisi1ment and set- Case was transierredfrom :tlement of the Grape Island. Misslon did Distrlct to Bay Qutnte as Presiding ~net wee place until 1826-27. its b~- Elder. succeeding the rebellious Henry .ninp can be traced to the year 1824. Ryan. Elder Case soon became person- . In that year the first seSSlon of the ally inVolved With Indian misslon work C.macia Comerence of the Methodtst in this area. This was an involvement that EoiscocW Churcn was held in Hallowell lasted aU his life. (Picton). begmnmg August 25. WUliam 1825 A s8CoDdindividual. who had a lasting of the Caoacia Comerence was held in usociatton wtth the Grape Island Mission Saltfieet Township. Niagara Distrtct in ··was Peter Jones. the son of AugustUS 1825. The Canada Auxiliarv MisslonaZ'" Jones. a Welshman. and Thucenannee- Soctetv presented its firSt innual re"ort quay. da~ter of an Ojibway COlE!!. Con- to Conterence. Thomas Davts. a.~lonawk verted at :l MethOdist camp meeting at. Chief. and Peter Jones addressed the AJ:x:aster inJW1e.182~.he was beirlenaed assembly anct"therewas much JOyamong -by WUllam Case am1became a mtsSlon- the brethern because a great and effectual ary to his ownpeep!e. The secona seSSlon door unto the heathen had been opened." I I II RARY °1 A- A\nwie-t<. -tvvt (05- o:v

im~ressed by the work at celved your letter or' the :r..;th tnst•• and concerned about the spiritual well- and in answer. ,nIorm you that it gave being of the Ojibways or me much satisfaction to hear from you, in the Belleville and Kingston area, Wil- and of the openIng prospects of do~ Ham Case enlisted Peter Jones' help. the Indian tribes good in your Dlstrtct". In a letter dated York, 4th December, I intende to VIsit you (If it be the wtll 1825 he wrote to Peter Jones. "We are of PrOVidence,) some time in February. very deslrous that you should make us that I may meet your wishes. I will a visit some time this winter or sprmg. endeavour to be down at one of your There are a number of Ojibways at Bel- quarterly meetings .•. leville and the Bav Quinte, who would I am your unworthyfriend andbrother probably be profitect as well as Mo- Peter Jones. haWks."2 Before the month was over, To the Rev. W. Case. 3 Peter Jones replied tothi.sinvitation. Mission House, Grand River, Thus the stage was set for a fascin- Dec. 28th 1825. ating decade of Methodist mission work Dear Brother, -- Yesterday I re- in the Belleville area. 1828 True to his promise, Peter Jones, Where they met Elder Case and attended accompamed by Chief John Crane, left the quarterly meeting inSwitzer's Chapel the Grand River January 31 or February on Saturday and Sunday. Peter Jones 1, 1826 and headed toward the Bay of spoke to the white people at these meet- Quinte. They ar=-ived in the village of ings and also addressed a congregation Belleville on February 9 and had the in Kingston Sunday evening. The next goodfortune to meet a young Indian,Pe- two days were spent contaCtingsome of ter Jacobs, Who was being educated by the Indians back of Kingston. ThenJones some benevolent people. QUite likely it and Crane retraced their steps, holding- was Jacobs who let the other Indians of meetings in Ernestownand inthe Mohawk the area know about the arrival of the Woods, arriving back in Belleville on two Christian Indian Chiefs. Planning Friday, February 17. to return to Belleville later for an ex- That same day they met about twelve tensive perIod of work. Jones and Crane young Indian men and boys whohadcome continued on the same day to the Tyen- thirty miles to see them. These OJib- dtnaga settlement of Mohawks. Not con- ways were rbady to hear about Jesus fining themselves to work among the Christ. The follOWingthree days· were pagan Indians, the two travellers de- spent instrUcting the Indians and attend- sired to preach their message to these ing the Quarterly Meeting in Belleville. Anglican Indians as well. Apparently The message they tried to impress on Peter Jones did not have too high an these inquirlng Indians was interesting. opmion of the influence of the Church of Elder Case asked Peter to tell them: England, for he remarked in his diary That we are all brothers by creation. that "they (the Mohawks)appear ignor- that God was our Father. that-he made ant of experimental religIon, for they one man at the first, and that all nations still drink and dance." 4 sprung from him: that the difference in Jones and Crane wentonto Ernestown our colour arose from circumstances. such as the climate and our mode of Hvtng: that the Great Soirit whomade air _...•... Sutherl:md, The Methodist Church first parents. was no respecter of per- &. :\1isslons. Toronto. Dept. of Mission- sons. and that Whatever he promiSed to ~. :'~terature or' the lvlethodistChurch, one person he said to all nations: that all had a rtght to share in his love, and ~. Peter Jones. Li.fe a.nd .journais of the biessmgs of His Gospel. ; Kah-Ke-wa-quo-na-by. Toronto. Wes- Messages such as this certainiy pre- leyan Prtntmg Establishment. 1860.p48. ::. Ibici.p49. ..;.·Jones. ·jou:.-~. p53. pared the ground for later harrests. Two :-:"1e:-:1essage:: ::1e ,~osDe: '::.:.s ,:1aeed. - -" more lndians arrlved on ::lunaay,~avmg maKmg :':lDlC :;r-og-ress ..:.;:;or.:':,::E: 3ay travelled some distance. One at these ot Wumte:1atl~'es; was John Sunday who was destmed to -",::;L:..~E:: ". :je'l:: -;;~!":' .:~ -.:..::~. :::r - ..- become an lmportant Chrlstlan leaaer of praver :lna atter 'JreaKIas: '.::' '::~idren his people. of the Chrlstlan lndlans '.vere J:lotlSea- ~,. On February 21. 1826 the twOChris- by Elder Case. Peter started :or the wn tian Chiefs left for .their home on the Credit that mornmg. but belore going ?r~ Grand River. They took with them two he left this little flock some sound ad- foI' Indian boys to attend school. Thelr stay v.ice ---"not to neglect praying to the me had been short -- less than twoweeks -- Good Sptrit. to live in peace one with fou but apparently they decided "to leave the another. be industrlous. and never more "-'10 seed sown to vegetate. consignmg it to taste the fire waters."- William Beaver eo:t Him who watches over the crop in the and John Sunday were left 10 charge as ba"f: ground while the frosts of winter bind it. class leaders. mo and the snows of winter cover it." 6 Camp meetings were an lmportant for part of early Methodist life. George F. After assisting the '. in•.•. Indians of the Grand Playter gives an interesting descrlption wel of the site for the Adolphustown Meeting ,. River to move·to the .' in mid-June, 1826. 5 It was situated on " ",' new settlement at the- ~ Gr~ Carnahan's Bay, west of Adolphustown•. Credit. Peter Jones. ~ pro with a sweeping view of the Bay ofQUinte~ ,'" visited Belleville ag- ~ and ain. Arriving on May There was a good landing place for ":" wis boats. A high fence enclosed the grounds 26. he began holding for to keep out unwelcome intruders. Near- -.'f meetings with the sell Mississaugas of the by was "an overflowmg spring of water, :~ "or area. It was soon ev- which running from a sandy soil was to sweet and good." The whole area could is: ident that his earlier efforts and the in- ~~. fluE' terlm work of local people made the be llluminated at night by burning pine "~ the on six foot high platforms. Those attend- "9t. Indians ready to hear more ofthe Gospel ...: hop message. The day after his arrival he. ing would pitch their tents in clrcles ~,..... non .the Rev. J. Reynolds. and some 50 around the worshipping area. Suchidyllic .,;,~:- ana surroundings must surely have been con- Indians travelled by canoes across the ~,F.; Bay·to the Hallowell Circuit for a Quar- ducive to truly meanlIl~aiulreliglous ex- and terly meeting. Several of the young In- periences. l lnci; dians made their decis ion to become Filled with enthusiasm like all new i· felt Christian at that meeting. included in converts. the Belle-· ~" ter: this group was John Sunday. Back in ville Indians wanted gen Belleville again, May 29 and 31 were a to attend the Adolph- strange jumble for Peter Jones of in- ustown Camp Meet- strUcting the indians and searching for ing and they were 9. his lost horse! His "poor animal" was encouraged to go by 10. finally found several miles up the Moira the mmlsters or the EPl: :4. Can River. area. ~lost of the Wednesday, May 31. 1826 was amost Whitepeople were already• settled inWhen significant day. At 2:00 p.m. the MisS1S- the indian canoes approached the en- :J.•... saugas assembled in Belleville :vletho- campment, Withthe ivIisslssauga Chrlst- , ians bringmg thelr friends and relatives dist Church for the of those who ~ had been converted. Elder Case and Peter with them. -- Jones both preached. explaming the What a stirring Sight it must have meaning of baptism. Twenty-two adults been as two mmisters led a single file I-z received this sacrament. This solemn procession of 58 Indian men, women and '" service was followed b:,-'a class meeting" children into the camp ground. As soon - Where 50 to 60 more Indians indicated as they had laid down their provislons .- their interest in oecommg Chrlstians. ,- 7. ·Jones. JournaL pp68-69. 6. Jonn Car::-ol:. ;::'asc ane. hlS Contem- 8. G.? Playter. The History of :\Iethod- porarles. Toronto. Wesleyan Conierence ism III Canada. Toronto. \\".P.E.. 1862. Office. 187l. \"01.3. D7:. p279.

;" 1 and campmg equipment•.. they all knee.l.ed and groups wnowould be more reaay to down and silently prayed for the blessmg give if they knew thelr help would have of the Great Spirit. to the surprise and lasting value. for increased delight of the plOUSwhites". 9 G.F. Playter in his book. History of dren The Camp Meeting had a profound in Canada. has recorded the :ised effect on the Misslssaugas. Indians and legal t:.-ansaction in full. The intrOduc- . the whites met separately except for the tory paragraph and one or two other 'Oing preaching. William Beaver translated pertinent parts are worth quoting here. ad- for the Indians. On the weekend.. the THIS INDENTURE. the meeting grew until there were three to made at Bellevtlle. with four thousand people attending! On the in the Midland Dist- :lore Monday when the Sacraments were cel- rtct, of the Provtnee lver ebrated. another 21 Indian adults were of Upper Canada. the eas baptized plus 10 children. In four short 16th day of October. months this tribe had heard the Gospel in the year of our 'taDt for the first time. were stirred by its Lord' (1826) betweeIL e-F. invitation and· 43 adults and 21 children the chiefs. warrtors Ition were baptized into the Christian faith. and. Indians of the Mississauga tribe. :ttng" The permanent settlement for th& of the one part. -- and John Reynolds. don Grand River Indians at the Credit was Benjamin Ketcheson, Pannel G.Seldon. )wn. proving such a success that Elder Case James Bickford. and WUliam Ross. nte~ and other concerned Methodist leaders all of the town of Belleville ... 11 for wished to nrovide similar advantages In the Indenture, the nomadic 11£eof lDCis for the Belleville area Indians. They the Indians is described with its resul- ~ar- selected beautiful little Grape Island. tant difficulties for education and rel- tar, ••on which to collect the Indians inorder igion. Because they desire a permanent was to bring the adults under religiOUS in- settlement with church and. school and Juld fluences and to instruct the children in on receipt of five shillings. the Indians pine the rudiments of an English education. agree to lease: lnd- hoping to induce them to abandon their -- all that certain tract of land. sit- ::les nomadic habits and take to agricultural uate in the township of AII"ellasburgh. 'Hie and mechanical pursuits". 10 in the said distrlct, being composed :on- The :vIethodists leased Grape Island of a certain island inthe Bay ofQUlDte. ex- and the adjacent Sawgum Island from the near the mouth of Marsh Creek. here- Indians for the Indians. Appa·rentlythey tofore generally called and. knownby felt that if the land was held on a long- the name of Logrlm's Island. contain- term basis that they could expect more ing by estimation 50 acres of land••. generous support from benevolentpeople a certain other island.within described. and which is commonly called and known by the name of Grape Island. 9. Playter. op.cit., p279. containing about 11 acres. 12 10. T.Webster, History of the Methodist Included in the agreement was the Episcopal Church in Canada, Hamilton. right of the Indians to live on these Canada Christian Advocate. 1870, p199. islands Without paying rent and··an in- rhen teresting conservation regulation that en- shOWedmuchforesight: tst- that they themselves shall not. neither .ves shall they suffer or permit any other person or persons to cut down or .ave destroy the trees or underwood of the tile said island, except so much as may mci be requtred to be cleared away for the pU11Josesof cultivating the soU. or Which may reasonably be reqUired .-....: ... for building for ourselves. or for =...-,.. fencing our clearings. 13 ;•.:~~.:.:.· •...•·:·.·•·...::;.t~: 11. Playter . .Ylethodismin Canada. p292. --...... _ c· '.~':'.:'."'."'" 12 Ibid. 0293. 13. Plavte:-. .:vietnodlsmIn Canaaa. p293. On behalf of the·indians. :he rollow- ':Je :lotee :hat J. '.Ii n:.. ?OS s SIgnee ~e .' ' ing SIgned the agreement:Jonn Sunday, a.J;Teement:or :he wnltes ana a Wm. .:1.0S5 Wm. Beaver. Nelson Snake. Jonn Simp- ror the Indians! .-'.pparentlv ',lim. .:1.oSS of son. Mitchell Snake. Jacob Ylusauasn.•. Belleville was :l :nan :ll~i'" :"esnected cum. Joseph Skunk. Paul Yawaseeng. oy the ~i.an5 ana 30 ,Jne 'JI :hese was Jacob Nawquashcum. John Salt. Isaac baptized tn ::'15 name. :'he a.greemenr Skunk. Wm. Ross. Potta Skunk. Jacob also indicates that ?eter Jones had Sheepegang. and James Snake. The whole VIsited Belleville for the third time thar was signed. sealed and delivered in the year. presence of Tobias Bleaker and Peter Although the islands were not leased Jones. untll October 16. 1826, some of the the The name Logrim's Island wasprob- Mississaugas moved onto Grape island no: ably given by an English surveyor. All that fall and spent the winter there in ver modern mans label the island Sawguin. their bark wigwams. The main settle- wa~ suggesting that it quickly reverted to its ment of the island took place in 1827 pre original indian name of Sahgeen. It will however. It. rig. hat;

seh 1827 ed. to ; The quiet months of wtnter on the in May. after the quiet of the winter, on island were spent in and in the island suddenly burst forth intO a learning about the new faith. Methodist beehive of activity -- some land was 25 EniscO'Dalministers from the area viS- broken and planted. buildings begun. ena ited them Whenthey could but the main Peter Jones arrlved from Credit andthe tea. work was left to Indian exhorters such. Indians of the Kingston area came to was as William Beaver. Scripture passages hear the Gospel preached. nun were taught by rote with the meaning Peter Jones arrived May 13 for his una s1mllltfied in order to be understood. only vlsit to the Grape Island Mission ten in January they all attended a several in 1827. He stayed for 12 days and par- of ' day meeting'in the Belleville Methodist ticipated fully in the various on-going The Church Where they were given further actiVities. He led in several services eigr basic ChriStian instruction. Before the of worship and showed concern for the year was over, Solomon Wa.idron was Indians from back of Kingston Whowere isla appointed as first missionary on Grape then on the island. The Mission House in f: Island. and the Uttle flock then had a was under construction and Peter asS1S- wnc trained leader to re em!guidethem. ted Mr. Ross (possibly Wm. Ross of des' Belleville who had partiCipated in the. thr~ leasing 'of the two islands). The Belle- lurn ville , Rev. W. Atwood. was am: over to the island and he and Peter me! Jones found time to go fishing. catching on about 50 catfish. EPl On Sunday, May 20. in addition to me: the regular services. Peter conducted inci worship on Big Island at 5 p.m. for the Car: Whites. In his descrlptive way. he wrote in his diary that "the congregatiOn listened with attention, and a few tears were shed. but most of them appeared gospel-hardened"! 14 According to G.F. Playter. the tribe numbered 130 and all the 90 adults were members of the Methodist Socletv. In- deed. on Wednesday. May 23, Elder Case conducted HOlyCommunion for about 90. In a.ddition. he baptized ~O newiy con- verted Indians. PrObably these were from the Kingston group. Peter ·Jones worked all the next day and then left with Elder Case for a Quarterly Meeting at Cobourg. He wrote that he was "thank- ful to witness the progress these poor people have made. both in chrlstianity and clvilization" . 15 In July the first death occurred on JW1r the island. John Moses had been an ex- horter Whohad worked among his people very effectively. Nearby Grave Island AND was an Indian burymg ground. but it was probably used in the pre-Christian era. It is likely that Christians were buried right an the island. as skeletal remains have been found there. 16 By July a building to be used as a school and meeting place had been erect- 198 MAIN STREET - PICTON ed. In a letter that Elder Case wrote 476-7086 to Zachariah Paddock of Rochester. N.Y. on October 15. 1827. he described it as YARNS TO KNIT AND "a house there for schools and meetings CROCHET. NEDDLEPOINT 25 x 3D, With a room finlShcd in the CANVASES, TAPESTRY chamber for a bed and a study for the WOOL AND AcceSSORIES FOR teacher." 17 Besides this building, there was a small parsonage completed and a ALL NEEDLEPOINT PROJECTS. number of homes for the Indians were under constrUction. "The Indians have ten houses 15 x 20 on the foundation. 7 ) of which are about to be com'Oleted." 11 These were log houses. and beiore Winter eight of them were shingled and enclosed. Richard Phelps was liVing on the island now and he instructed the Indians in farming and otheruseiul skills. Indians Whoa few short months earlier hadbeen destitute now owned a team of oxen. three cows and farming tools besides lumber, nails, etc. for their homes. The amazlOg thing is that all this improve- ment was accomplished without drawmg SUPPLIES FOR; on the general funds of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The entire cost was RUG HOOKING WALL HANGINGS met by private gifts from interested MACRAME CREWEL indiViduals in the and Upper Canada. KITS FOR: 15 Ibid, p8S. NEEDLEPOINT 16. Interview with Frank Belnap. RR7 RUGS Belleville. by Richard Boenme. 17. Carroll. Case &. Contemporarles. p155. 18. IblC. ~155

NE:::- ISSuE; Par~ :::ot the Gra'OeiSland Misslon. oelrlnmntr With the first or the yea=. :..g~~ ialic ~ot:e- arc::: next deC~5 eraJ.. llission on Grape Island renol,; come of En ment was differ askec He r= D: said to as: situa1 thelr resp( strUc if thE Chur· them count Estat 1828

Grape Island Mission grew and pros- early as 1828. There was not enougn pered in 1828. Very early in January acreage on the two islands to support Peter JODes arrived at the island. He the grOWingcommunity. The Indians held. must bave been a particularly welcome a council to discuss the situation and guest at that ttme of the year. He re- they decided to request the Governorfor ported that conditions were much im- additional land as a source of firewood proved stnce his last Vlsit. "They now and pasture. Those appointed to approach have 8 log houses. 18 x 20 which have the Governor were John Sunday. John :been buUtprtnei'P&!ly by their ownlabour. Simpson. William Beaver. JacobShippe- Some beneVolent white people kindly sub- gaw and John Pigeon. Peter Jones ac- scrtbed to purchase brick for chimneys, companied them and acted as interpreter. glass. nalls. ete." 19 In addition. deputations from Rice Lake Elder Case joined his good friend. and the Credit went With them to York Peter Jones. at Grape Island. One even- to .place their petitions before Colonel ing after a day of chopping firewood on Givens, the lnciian agent. John Sunday' Sawguin Island. they examined the work- spoke on behalf of the Grape Island maDSbtp of the Indians. In a two-week Missions. He pointed. out that his people per10d they had manufactured I 172 axe after convers ion to settled --- haDiles. 6 shovels, 57 ladles. 4 trays. on the Bay of QUinte but now realized 44 broom handles. and 415 brooms. Mr. their lands were not su:ff1cientto support aIK1Mrs. Waldron. Elder Case and Peter them in the future. 20· He asked that they Jcmes were very pleased Withthis display might be granted. additloD8.l land nearby. aDd a few days later William Case gave He also wtshed. to have the Misstssaugas' rewards to those who had shown the claims to Big Island clarified. for the greatest im1ustry. This was to encourage white settlers were giving them only a them to coDttnue their effortS. token rent -- two bushels of potatoes Although the Mission was flourlshing, for 200 acres ofland. Accordlngto Jones. h1nta of Lts doom began to appear a.= "This chief spoke wtth much freedom and energy." ~l ditton. Zlr~s ,earnea oraC~lC::l.3.lKl11ssuch The initial res!l0nse to the Gra!le is- as :allttmg. land Indians' request was friendly and The .\letnodist Soclety on Grape Island hopeful. However when Peter and his had now grown to 172. tor the tribe had. brother. John Jones. were called..in the been increased by Indians fromKiIlgstcm. next day to receive the government' s and Ganonoque Whosettled on the Islam1. decision. Dr. Strachan. the Attorney Gen- They were now divided into six classes. eral. i.niormed them that the indians must each with its own leader. The class lead- renounce their Methodist leadershi!l and. ers were Indians and it was their duty come under the influence of the Church "to instruct. warn and encourage the of England if they were to receive govern- little flock." 15 ment help. AGovernment Committee that William Case spent was later investigating the state of the some time in the Uni- different denominations in Upper Canada ted States inthe spring asked Peter Jones about this incident. of 1828 in order "to He replied: enlist sym!lathy and to Dr. Strachan s!loke to us first. and obtain subscriptions in said His Excellency did notfeel disposed behalf of the Indian to assist the Indtans under their present missions in Canada." situation With the Methodists. because 26 While there he at- their present Christian teachers were not tended the ninth anni- res!lonsible for their proceedings and in- versary of the Miss- struction to the Government; but that. ionary SOCiety of the if they could come under the care of the Methodist Episco!lal Church inNewYork. . they would assist; This soclety and interested New York them; because His Excellency could not individuals had made contributions to countenance any persuasion only the the Grape Island Mission. William Case EstabliShed Church. 22 and his two Indiancompanions. John Sun- Peter Jones chose not to influence day and Peter Jacobs. spoke to the con- the Indians in any way; but to let them gregation about the progress of the Gos- make their own de- pel among the Indians. John Sunday. cision. Wnile the unable to use English. spoke inChippewa.. Chiefs were dis- "It is related that. though the congrega- a!lpointed by the tion understood not a word. yet his ges- Governor's ac- tures. expresslon at countenance. energy tion. the words ofJoim and. appeals to heaven -- parts of the Sunday gave them de- natural language of man -- so indicated· termination. He said. his lively affections. the smcerity of his "We have heretofore religion. and the power ot the Indian made out to live from eioquence. that Sighs were heard and. year to year even When tears seen m every part of the crowded we were sinners. and church." 17 Elder Case was g1venmuch Shall not the Great Spirit whom we now materlal for use at the Mission. G.F. serve take care of us and preserve us Playter tells us that there was enough from all harm 1" 23 ticking for straw beds to provide twenty The children attending school on families with their first beds!-- Gra!le Island were making progress. Whenthe travellers returned to Gra'D8 Peter Jones reported in Maythat "seven Island In mid-May, two women accom- read the Testament; nme easy lessons; panled them. The women came to devote six S!leU in three syllables; SiX in two their lives to the Indian work and their syllables; seven are in the alphabet and leadership was a source of much goodfor abs. Some of the Testament class are the natives. Miss Eliza Barnes was a learnmg to write. " 24 Such were the gifted preacher andshe became a teacher subiects of an 1828 report card! in ad- at Rice Lake. (Later she became William Case's second wife.) Miss Hester Ann Hubbard settled on Grape Island. married 21. Jones. Journal. p105. ~~. Playter. Methodism. p338. 25. Playter. Methodism. p342. ·22. Jones. Journal. pIO';'. 26. Carroll. Case& Contem!loraries.168. 2~. ,;ones. Journal. p138. 57 27 Plavter. Methodism in Ca.na.cia.p341. William Case and died . an early death to the ones :-ecelvea DV ~:le.3. -r:loe~S!ami :lOC there. indians ... ::':J.c~::laD :-ecelvea cwoolan- :in£ Peter Jones was at the Mission when kets. :::ioth ::0::- 'Jne coat. :loa Jne :Jalr J,C,n,'" his friend Elder Case returned from the. at :rowsers. ~o smrts. :3ever:ll smail :0 states with the women workers. The in- artlcies. ana 0..150 several. guns. :J.mmunl- otnE:· dian women of the Island now had an tion. kettles. etc." JO assu opportunity to display their hanciiwork. The Canada Conierence ofthe Metho- bus'\; mainly, maple sugar and baskets of dist Episcooal Church met in SWitzerS" crop various sizes and colours. Miss Hubbard Chapel. Ernestown on October 2 to 8. in il and Miss Barnes 1828. WithBishop Heddingfrom the Uni- diviC gave the Indian ted States presiding. Statistics from the C women sewing year show that there were now 118 sche supplies, -- members in the Societ'Von Graoe Is- aMi Willi needles and land. 31 William Smith. a preacher-taken thimbles. into the work on trial. who had been led demt June 26-30 indians from Grape Islam asSisting at Grape Island. was appointed gres attended a Camp Meeting near Haldi- as missionary succeeding Samuel Wal- then mand. in addition to the usual program dron and Richard Phelps. During the had ' of preaching, the children from Gra-pe' Missionary SOCietypresentation at the ~ Island put on a display in order to show Conferency t Indian school children from their educational improvement. They Grape Island and Rice Lake demonstra- old. th .recited parts of the Ten Commandments ted their abilities. A most significant in fath. and sang. Peter Jones, who was at the deciSion was made at this Conference. Meeting also. reported that "thecongre- It now seemed in the best interest of gation appeared greatly interested. and it the Church in Canada to become inde- must have been a great satisfaction to pendent of the parent body in the United those who contributed to aid this good States. This separation was achieved wtth cause." a complete harmony on both sides of the The Indians new-found joy in their border, and so in 1828 the seoarate and religion was not something they wanted independent Methodist Episcopal Church to confine to themselves. Early they of Canada came into being. showed a concern for others. especially in the future, no bishoos from the their brothers ofother tribes. InSeotem- United States would be coming to pre- ber, the much-travelled John SUnday Side at Conierences. Therefore it was attended anlndianCamp Meeting onSnake necessary to choose "some one to be Island in Lake Simcoe. He sooke to the bishop or superintendent of the church" . assembly and brought greet~ from the 32 The choice of the Conierence was its Grape Island Indians. He said that "-pre- oldest member. Rev. William Case. Thus' vious to his leaVing Grape Island. his after a total of 18 years as a Presiding brethern spent one day in praYing for a Elder, he was elected General Super- blessmg to rest on his labors amongst intendent. "which comorised all· the the Indians whom he was about to visit. duties of a bishop, except conferring Thus you see my brethern at Grape Is- Orders. ,. 33 This appointment was meant land made up my pack and sent me off to be temporary until a bishop could be in the name of the Lord to this olace. "'29, chosen, but in fact William Case held September was the month for receiv- this position for five years. At the same ing goods from the government, -- their time he was Superintendent of Indian treaty "gifts". The presentation was Missions. Thus it was that the head of-- made in Belleville by Mr. Clench. the the M.E.Church actually livedonbeauti- Indain Agent. Peter Jones interoreted for ful little Grape Island in the Bay of him and showed much pleasure at their ~inte! progress in Christianity. Peter Jones Immediately after the Conference' went up the Trent River with Clench to Rev. William Case returned to the Island give the Rice Lake Indians their ore- sents. Peter Jones has recorded the ~ 30. Jones, Journal. pl7i. that were made cothe indians from Rice 31. G. Corntsh. Cyclopaedia of Method- Lake. and theSe were probablv SimUar ism in Canada. Toronto. Methodist Book & PubhshlOg House. 1881, vol.l. 0339. 28. Jones, Journal. pIS•. 32. Playter. Methodism in Canada: p324. 29. Jones, Journal. pIn. 58 33 Carroll. Case & Contemporarles.:::11 and to the very practical tasks ofopera- mother ~s deaa. She ?rayea When she ting a Mission. He and Peter Jones wno was dymg. :\"Iy father lives and senas me accompanied him there set the Indians to school at Grape Island, Where 60 to work, "some in digging potatoes and children are learnmgto read the Good. others at ploughing, and the whole island Book. My Chnstian friem1s. in.the-Wig- assumed the appearance of a hive of bees wam was cold and hungry: Nowwe-have busy at work." J4 There was a good plenty to eat, and live in good houses- crop that year, for Peter Jones records like our white friends. The good people: in his Journal.that he helped the Indians in Belleville they help to build them. We- divide up about 300 bushels of potatoes, thank them very much for all they dofor On October 16, the mission family, poor Indians. and wepray Kezbamunedoo school children and Peter Jones attended to reward them an hundred fold in this a Missionary Meeting in Belleville. Rev. life. and in the world to come - Ilfe William Case preached and Miss Hubbard everlasting. 35 led the school children in singing aJ1d Although the words of an eight-year-old demonstrating their educational pro- may have been slightly colored by Peter gress. Three boys spoke briefly about Jones When he- recorded them later. their Uves. Here is what one of them nevertneiess this is the type of wttnesa had to say: ami.testimony being made by the Indians. My name is Allan Salt. 1am 8 years of all ages. What a profound effect this old. I was born in the-wigwam. and lived kind of statement must have had on the in the woods till two years ago, whenmy white people who heard it! father and mother began to pray. My 1829 In late February of 1829, Miss Barnes not too generous! ••Acollection was taken and Peter Jones came to Grape Island up for our Missions amounting to $7.50. to join a party that would make a tour I suppose this might be called a large in the United States. OnSunday, February collection from the Dutch. I hope they 22. special services were held. Anumber Will have their reward." 31 Besides of Mohawks were there and the Indians money, other gifts such as books and filled the chapel. The Whites worshipped clothing were received. Durmg the.tour, in the Miss ion Houseand were addressed. Hester (Betty) Hubbard.and WUliamCase by Miss Barnes. There may have oeen were married in New York City on May a number of Whites from the nearby 4. By mid-May the group was back at mainland Whoregularly attended Church Grape Island in time for the spring on the Island. 36 The sacraments were planting. administered and both Mohawk:and Mis- The General Conference of the Meth- sissauga children were baptiZed. odist Episcopal Church.met arAncaster Miss Barnes, Miss Hubbard, Peter Jones. Rev. William Case and a number :'i~;:'~J2..·.··.··~Zi;,ifi~~;· of Indian children crossed mtothe United States on February 26. The purpose of was a candidate for their tour was to raise funds for the· Deacon's orders . Indian Missions. This was an ecumenical that year. Statistics vemure. for the little touring group spoke for .the year-showed .':::·~~'~~"i:-·...;:'.. to Presbyterians and Baptists, as well that Gra"De Island :., . . as Methodists. They presented their work had 120 members and 56 scholars:attezi;': .~..·.".:c,:.~:: in an interesting way through story, song ding the two schools. In addition. there . and personal Witness. and were well re- were three white members.31 Conference ceIved wherever they went. although Peter Jones seemed to feel the welcome 37. Jones, Journal. p203. of the MohawkDutch of Schenectadv was ·38. The Minutes of the Annual Comer.-··· 34. Jones, Journal, p182. ences of the Wesleyan MethOCUSt~Cliu1'cb:,. p.184. 35. Jones. Journal. in Canada. Toronto. Con1ereDC8'.Offlae~·"...... : 36. Boenme. Belnap intervIew. 1846, p25. ··:·,;";t " .:..'~ was not able to settle a. misSicmary-on instructors tn ~US1C . .lna .;one5was able the Island. However, Peter Jones men- to Write that :n 3ln~ln~. ··':he Children at tions a Brother Benham a& part of the thiS ;Jlace excel :n05e ·,)1 ~heother sta- Mission. fa.m1lywhen he:visited there- at tions. "40 the end of September. ?eter ·';one5 ~atnerea 30me :nter- Peter- Jones spent two weeks at the: esting statistiCS aurm~ hiS short VISIts: Graoe Island Mission in October_ He- The Population of Grape Islana noted progress in the CODStrUctton.of BELLEVILLE Indians ~5 116 buildings in the village. the IDOIn im- KINGSTONIndians 20 92 portant of which was a work-house 40 x TOTAL 45 208 28 feet. This was designed as. a "voca- In addition, there were certain· Indians tional school" Where the Indians could visiting at the Island who were not . be taught various trades. While he was included in this early census. The King- there. Peter visited· all the houses ami ston and Belleville Indians received was impressed bythe improvement ofthe- $2320 in gocxis annually as payment for Indian house Wives. He observed that the surrender of their lands to the "many of the houseswereneatand.clean. Crown.• \ This did not include the yearly ami the dishes washed ami placed in. gift of "King's presents". order. like as the house aDd cupboard of a white squaw." 3' As always•. he showed a keen ~ in.the' progress· of education. The publishiDg" of some. Scriptures in the-Ind1aD.laDguageprcmJC1. 1830 a., good incentive- to euaOU%'agepeople' -to learn to read. Often Peter Jones. com- .~ detailed account of events at Grace mented on the singing ofthe Grape Island Island Mission is not available for 183'0. people. Mr. am Mrs. Case- were able although the life of the Mission itself is described in great detail by two visi- tors. Peter Jones once again visited his good frlends on the Island. staying from August 6 until September 'j. He was warmly welcomed to the Island by Mr. and :.irs. Case and the Indians. He immediately noticed the continuing im- provement in the lot of the people. "The neatness of their houses. the luxurlant growth of their crops. and everything else showed that our Grape Island bre- them had made great profiCIency in the arts of the civilized life." 42 Therewere now five Whiteworkers on the Island. -- Rev. and Mrs. Case. Mr. Robinson. the blacksmith. Mr. Thomas Hale. teacher of the boys' school. and Miss Nancy Brink. teacher OI the gtrls' school. A distinguIShed vtsitor from the Un- ited States. Bishop Hedding, spent three days on Grape island prlor to the open- ing of the AnnualConference. The Bishop visited the schools. He preached onSun- . day. with Peter Jones translating his sermon. The Indians of the Island felt highly honoured to have him VIsit them. The purpose of Bishop Hedding's vis it to Canada was to conduct the Service at the Conference which met in

40. Lac cit. 41. Jones. Journal. p262. 42. Jones. Journal. p279. Kingston August 18-:;:3. On Sunday, .-\ug- ust 2:. the Bishop oraamed twenty-one Deacons. including Peter .Jones. The adjourned Conference reassem- inter- bled on August 25 in Belleville. During Visits: the Missionary Society Meeting. the Grape Island school children again showed their improvements. this time 'Is demonstrating their knOWledgeof Geo- graphy and English grammar. Confer- ence closed onAugust 30. NoappOintment had been made to Grape Island. but itwas to be supplied from Belleville. Statistics for the year showed that there were now 125 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church on Grape Island. On September 3. Rev. Peter Jones went on an inspection tour of all the homes on the Island! He recorded a re- port of the condition of each home. He "took the Indian Sisters all by surprise" and claimed that his reason for going around and making remarks was "to stir Grape the Indian sisters in cleanliness and in YARNS TO KNIT & CROCHET, . 1830. industry." '3 He does not say Whether NEEDLEPOINT CANVASES, itself any of the Indian women objected to his TAPESTRY· WOOL AND ) visi- intrusion into their private matters! His ACCESSORIES FOR ALL :ed his report is interesting and helps to paint NeEDLECRAFT PROJECTS! ~·£rom a picture of what life on the Island was really like. e.~. e was Supplies for: )y Mr. JACOB SNOWSTORM's. -- Floorand cupboard poor -- bed tolerably good -- Rug Hooking Wall Hangings s. He Macrame Crewel . 19 im- one table no chairs -- hearth poor -- one "The woman making baskets -- one sewing -- uriant. one idle. ything PoTTo SNAKE's -- Table and floor 1 bre- dusty -- beds pretty good -- three old in the fashioned chairs -- cupboard poor -- no Gift Certificates !Were one at home. net. -- JOHN PIGEON's -- floors good -- n. the good tables. but dusty -- chairs good -- Christmas Kits acher 1 good pamted cupboard -- 1goodcurtain * :-laney bed -- 3 painted chests -- a . Hymn Book. ete.• on a shelf -- everything looked e Un- like industry, and improvement in the three house. The floor was occupied by an old open- woman. who sat in the middle of the ,ishop floor making brooms. THE FUN lSUn- MISSIONHOUSE -- Abounds with the ig his good things of this world. and plenty of CONTINUES :i felt help to keep the things of the house in :hem. order. The MiSSion familv now consists ~sitto of William and Hetty Case. Daughter, AFTER lation Mary Cooley. Eumce Huff.Thomas Hale. :let In the blacksmith. Mary Crawford. Sarah M. Ahznanwonce. .-\.llenSalt. and BenJa- CHRISTMAS min Jonns .•• 43. Jones. Journal. 9287. 44:.lott. pp2S5-~. .:--loteven the two school houses es- :,leettnz .;:' .::Ot: t:-· caced Peter Jones' careful scrutmv! -.:;.;:J.. '::J.ss :,ieettngs . The other vtsitor to the Island in 1830 :;;..-n. ?:-:Lyer .Vleettn~ who left a detailed account of life there In addition. eacn tamlly haa three times was Rev. Philander Smith. Elder Smith of prayer daily, USUallyled bythe father. had been seriously ill and was nowdoing'- some travelling for the improvement"of his health. He was so imeressed bv the work at Grape Island that he wrote a "lengthy letter describing its general 1831 ·appearance. the farming, carpentry, Because Peter Jones spent most of SChools. Sabbathobservances. homes·and the year in England. Grape island did hoseital. This letter was cublished' in not see its most frequent and most The Christian Guardian on N'ovember27, interested visitor. Consequently, re- 1830.