/d'/,f - /.9,[1.7 /7-ld . '/',,,,,;,r,Jr,,y 'INSIDE! :! Gollgratulatory ',.Me~sages 2 • Historical , QvetVi¢'W 4 • St. Peter's Today 10
i~" The <::hurch ' Tomorrow 16
A supplement to the Cobourg Daily Star, June 9, 1994. MESSAGE FROM THE. .• Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada
600 Jarvis Street Toronto Onlario M4Y 2J6
(416)924-9192 Fax: (416) 924·021 l. Telex" "065-24128 Marluria, Toronto
Message from tbe Primate for the Commemorative Insert in the Cobourg Star
An anniversary is always a time to reflect, to celebrate, to look ahead. If it is an anniversary of a marriage, we will pull out the wedding pictures, talk about the higbs and lOWS; we will go out for dinner, or celebrate it with family and friends; and we will no doubt speak of the years to come, the goals we have set, the hopes we bave for our children.
The anniversary of a parish family is not substantially different. It is an occasion to reflect:"What have we learned from the past?" It is a time to celebrate: "What is happening in our life together that brings us joy?" And it provides an opportunity to look ahead:"Where is God calling us? What dreams are we being called to realize?"
From my perspective, the l75-year history of St. Peter's is one that is rich and alive.It is sometimes all too easy for a congregation to retreat from the world around it, to look inwards and hide behind a false piety that says "We are about the things of God, not the things of the world." That is a congregation that has no sense of real mission, let alone of the purposes of God.Scripture says "For God so loved the world ..." And we find that we experience life in God as much in the world as we do in the Church. St. Peter's has been alive to this truth from its earliest days. It has sponsored the development of schools, been a centre for recreation, enabled the building of retirement home bungalows on its grounds, added much to the musical life of the area, and been a home to those who served their country in the Royal Marines. The nurture and strengthening of young people has been especially close to the heart of this family. And its buildings have been open to all sorts of programmes, and all sorts of people. This is not a parish which has withdrawn from the world; it has engaged it and cared for it in the community, nation and beyond, in th" name of Christ.
That gives cause for celebration, and I hope there will be a wide rejoicing in the whole community of Cobourg. But I want to add that I rejoice particularly that St. Peter's has a vision of its future. At the core of the life of the family of St. Peter's, is a statement of clear purpose: it is ..to glorifY God through prayer and praise; proclaim the gospel by word and humble service; and love 'and support one another in our daily Christian walk". Here is a community alive to God and to God's world. I am encouraged by it, and pray for its continued journey in faith.
+Michael\ G,~5 Peers -~ Archbishop and Pri mate
H is Excellency Ramon J9hnHnatyshyn MESSAGE FROM THE. .. Governor General of Canada
I am plelilsed to extend warm greetillgl> to the clergy and parishioners of St. Peter's Anglican Church on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of its foundation.
On behalf of all Canadians, I congratulate you for the important contribution made by St. 'Peter's Anglican Church to the religious and moral life of your community. In a world searching for long-lasting values, your dedication is vital to the spiritual well-being of our nation.
This anniversary, along with the spirit of unity and good will that you have demonstrated, is eloquent testimony to the achievements of those inspired by faith and spiritual values.
May those who follow in your footsteps enjoy the same kind of success that you are celebrating this year. MESSAGE FROM THE ... Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
As representative of Her Majesty The Queen in the Province of Ontario, it is a pleasure to congratulate the parishioners of st. Peter's Anglican Church in Cobourg on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the founding of their congregation.
The history of this congregation demonstrates the concern, caring and contribution of one group whose influence has made a significant difference to the development of the community which it serves. As the years have passed, st. Peter's Church has grown to meet the changing needs of an expanding area. Ever-mindful of the influence of the Christian faith in the lives of its adherents, it has striven successfully to keep its ministry relevant yet adaptable. (..,.•••••.~·~pr~~••··••••~·I·)~·•••2k~.~~J.·••••••..
MESSAGE FROM THE ... Mayor of Cobourg II ~~
Office of the Mayor VICtOria Hall Town of Cobourg 55 King Street West
Telephone (905) 372-4301 Cobourg. Ontario
FAX (905) 372·1533 K9A 2M2
It gives me very great pleasure to offer congratulations and heartfelt thanks to St. Peter's Church for its service to our community over the past 175 years. As a member of St. Peter's I also derive personal pride from my own association, and that of my family, ~i~h St. Peter's. , Over the years we have been blessed by the min~stry of hundreds of dedicated priests and lay people who have provided leadership, guidance and selfless service to help· our citizens, and many elsewhere as well, to lead meaningful lives to the glory of God.
TO all members of St. Peter's I offer, on behalf of the Town Council and people of Cobourg, my hopes and prayers that the church will continue to flourish and meet the needs of our citizens and the wider world for another 175 years. Even though it will be a world very different from the one·St. Peter's has served in the past I am confident that the basic values for which the church stands, and the importance of St. Peter's to Cobourg, will remain unchanged. By Arthur Broadbridge 1818, the Bishop of Quebec, Jacob Mountain, whose jurisdiction The Church of St. Peter of Cobourg has encompassed Lower and Upper Canada, been part of the community almost since felt the growing community of Hamilton - settlement began here in the late 18th now Cobourg, - needed a permanent century. Following the American church. The Rev. William Macauley came, Revolution, around 1795, settlers began to he saw, and he conquered. The first arrive. They settled here, rather than along services of the new parish were held that the St. Lawrence, because this stretch of same year in a less than magnificent Lake Ontario shore was then little more building that served both as courthouse than a cedar swamp. Thus, it required a and gaol, on land donated by the Burnham few intrepid souls with a vision of the family and now the site of the Golden future (or perhaps a sense of sheer Plough. The settlement in 1818 was desperation) to lead the way. For some known _as Hamilton, but the obituary of years after the first arrival, people William Macauley-(1874) says it was he continued to trickle in. By 1825, there who suggested changing the name to were still no more than 100 inhabitants in Cobourg in honour of the marriage of the settlement - variously know in its early Princess Charlotte (daughter of George IV) years as Amherst, or Hardscrabble (the to Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg. The farmer's version), Buckville, Hamilton and extraneous "0" in the new name, say some finally, Cobourg. historians, crept in through ignorance of - Besides some settlers who lived on the the correct spelling (see Cobourg - Early site of the present day Cobourg, the area Days and Modern Times). north of the settlement towards Rice Lake was slowly being populated after 1795. Isolated farms and tiny villages in Upper Canada mostly lacked any religious Walter Macauley had his work cut out in organization until the Society for the those early years for, in addition to Propagation of the Gospel (SPG) began to providing services and pastoral care in sponsor travelling missionaries from fhe Cobourg itself, he regularly visited other Church of England. These missionaries communities - Carrying Place, Belleville, spent most of the year travelling by boat, Presqu'ile, Haldimand and many others - on horseback or on foot from settlement to that lacked a Church of England priest Yet, settlement, holding services, offering in spite of all the hard labour of travelling, communion, services for baptism, marriage he was determined to see a proper church and burial and generally bringing the building in Cobourg. The land for a church consolation of religion to the hard lives of was donated by John Spenser, an early settlers. They served not only Anglican; settler, who deeded a gift of four acres - but all Christian affiliates. half to be set aside for a rectory - to Robert and Walter Boswell, church wardens. The First Services in land lay not far from the shore of Lake Courthouse and Gaol Ontario, on the north side of the dirt track that then served as a main street for the As settlement in Upper Canada grew, the little community. By 1820, thanks to the labours of the travelling missionaries industry of the first parishioners and the became more arduous and inadequate. In driving leadership of Macauley, a little wOQ~n church stood on what is still the site of St. Peter's. The church measured 56 feet long by 44 feet wide and, four years later, a modest rectory was built nearby. Cobourg continued to grow, and so did the congreg-ation, and it wasn't long before the little wooden church was bursting at the seams. In 1829, not long after Macauley was succeeded by the Rev. Alexander Bethune, the church was enlarged. This first church can be seen in one of William Bartlett's prints showing a view of Cobourg from the harbour. The church was painted bright white and had a tower and spire that were added in 1844. Services Held in a Brewery As the population of Upper Canada increased in the late 1830s, the diocese of Quebec became too large for one bishop to Capt. Walter Boswell, R.N., born 1770, handle. In 1840, the new diocese of was churchwarden during the founding Toronto was formed, with the Church of St. of St. Peter s Peter in Cobourg falling under its jurisdiction. By this time, it was also clear present one - was constructed for the rector that an even larger church was needed. of the day, the Rev. Walter Stennett, and his New construction began in 1851. To family. In the late 1880s, further increases minimize inconvenience to the in the congregation, especially among the lt congregation, the new church - designed young, made it necessary to construct a ?, by architect, Kivas Tully and measuring 134 permanent building separate from the it feet by 52 feet, with a 150 spire and church for the Sunday School. It finished in white brick - was built around The year 1904 marked the 50th It the existing one. In the last stages of anniversary of the present church building e construction, the old building was removed and, to celebrate the occasion, a chime of n piecemeal, and services were held for a ten bells had been ordered from a n . while in the malt room of a nearby company in West Troy, New York. IS brewery. (There is no record of wheth,er: Unfortunately, they were not ready for the )f church attendance increased during this October celebrations. These bells, finally e - period!) The new church - the one we dedicated on May 7, 1905, and still heard o know today - was completed in 1854 and each Sunday, have been calling the faithful )f opened for divine service on October 15, to prayer and worship for over 90 years. I) 1854, with the Rev. A.W. Bethune Following this, the St. Peter's church presiding. buildings remained essentially unchanged A larger church for the living meant less for many years, except for the addition of accommodation for those who had gone to memorial gifts, including stained glass their heavenly reward. Once again, the windows and some beautiful pieces of Burnhams came to the rescue and ten acres church furniture. In 1927, however, the of land, near what is now known as Pratt's Sunday School and the church were joined Mill, was purchased for a cemetery from together, and new space was created for a Mr. Asa Burnham for 50 pounds sterling an guild room, kitchen, gymnasium and office. acre. While the debt was not immediately Also, a memorial tower was built. Yet paid, provision had now bee~ made for a another room in the new wing was used for cemetery that would serve for many years some time as a men's club before being to come. dedicated, in 1957, as a chapel to St. Paul. Changes and improvements continued to Thus, St. Peter and St. Paul, the two greatest be made. In 1879, a new rectory - the of the apostles, were linked in this parish.
St. Peter's around the turn of the century. The spire was dismantled in 1904 to allow the tower to carry the weight of 10 new bells. By Arthur Broadbridge 1818, the Bishop of Quebec, Jaco Mountain, whose jurisdictia The Church of St. Peter of Cobourg has encompassed Lower and Upper Canad. been part of the community almost since felt the growing community of Hamilton settlement began here in the late 18th now Cobourg, - needed a permaner century. Following the American church. The Rev. William Macauley caml Revolution, around 1795, settlers began to he saw, and he conquered. The fir~ arrive. They settled here, rather than along services of the new parish were held tho the St. Lawrence, because this stretch of same year in a less than magnificer Lake Ontario shore was then little more building that served both as courthoU! than a cedar swamp. Thus, it required a and gaol, on land donated by the Burnhal few intrepid souls with a vision of the family and now the site of the Golde future (or perhaps a sense of sheer Plough. The settlement in 1818 Wi desperation) to lead the way. For some known .as Hamilton, but the obituary ( )'ears after the first arrival, people William Macauley·(1874) says it was ~ continued to trickle in. By 1825, there who suggested changing the name t were still no more than 100 inhabitants in Cobourg in honour of the marriage ( the settlement - variously know in jts early Princess Charlotte (daughter of George 1\ years as Amherst, or Hardscrabble (the to Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg. Th farmer's version), Buckville, Hamilton and extraneous "0" in the new name, say som finally, Cobourg. historians, crept in through ignorance ( Besides some settlers who lived on the the correct spelling (see Cobourg - Earl site of the present day Cobourg, the area Days and Modern Times). north of the settlement towards Rice Lake was slowly being populated after 1795. Isolated farms and tiny villages in Upper Canada mostly lacked any religious Walter Macauley had his work cut out i organization until the Society for the those early years for, in addition t Propagation of the Gospel (SPG) began to providing services and pastoral care i sponsor travelling missionaries from the Cobourg itself, he regularly visited oth, Church of England. These missionaries communities - Carrying Place, Bellevill spent most of the year travelling by boat, Presqu'ile, Haldimand and many others on horseback or on foot from settlement to that lacked a Church of England priest. Yt settlement, holding services, offering in spite of all the hard labour of travellin communion, services for baptism, marriage he was determined to see a proper churc and burial and generally bringing the building in Cobourg. The land for a churc consolation of religion to the hard lives of was donated by John Spenser, an earl settlers. They served not only Anglican; settler, who deeded a gift of four acres but all Christian affiliates. half to be set aside for a rectory - to Robe and Walter Boswell, church wardens. n First Services in land lay not far from the shore of La~ Ontario, on the north side of the dirt trac Courthouse and Gaol that then served as a main street for t~ As settlement in Upper Canada grew, the Iittle community. By 1820, thanks to t~ labours of the travelling missionaries industry of the first parishioners and t~· -~~~~~~- became more arduous and inadequate. In driving leadership of Macauley, a littl wdoden church stood on what is still tf site of St. Peter's. The church measured: feet long by 44 feet wide and, four yea later, a modest rectory was built nearby. Cobourg continued to grow, and so d the congreg'ation, and it wasn't long befa the little wooden church was bursting the seams. In 1829, not long aftl Macauley was succeeded by the Re Alexander Bethune, the church w; enlarged. This first church can be seen one of William Bartlett's prints showing view of Cobourg from the harbour. n church was painted bright white and had tower and spire that were added in 1844. Services Held in a Brewer, As the population of Upper Canac increased in the late 1830s, the diocese Quebec became too large for one bishop Capt. Walter Boswell, R.N., born 1770, handle. In 1840, the new diocese was churchwarden during the founding Toronto was formed, with the Church of : of St. Peter's Peter in Cobourg falling under i SPORTS MARKETING CORPORATION
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We pray God's richest blessings on St. Peter's Anglican Church as they continue to serve the Lord in our Town of Cobourg. HAPPy 175TH ANNIVERSARY!
CJ~··<''''''·~ 11!fi~~~\. GlAD TIDINGS ~ PENtECOS~ALCHURCH~_~.
Congratulations St. Peter's Anglican Church on your 175th Anniversary!
A.M.liall Jewellers Ltd. First minute of inaugural meeting of the Church Women's organization (CWMA) on September 22, 1896. Resolution 2 @rlfullJ~®lfu~t\fUf~~d~~1t$1f _----____--- ~~~_~~----.·~-_.--r;::::;=------_~~~~ -_.•._--- ..'-'-:.I- =..~~~~~.;.~.~of.-".;.-:'.::.--~:_"-~~~-.--~~_ REV. ABRAHAM CITES EDITORIALS FdtY.f"dth Wedding Anniwnuy They Were In Church Sunday The Lean Dog And The Fat Cat Banker, Doctor, Parent And God ~.sig~=~E;i~i~:~ '< -.::'['·~ .....-.-::=5 ..· •.---- -..--.. - -- .-. :.•:-_.._~ •.-~--- :...-==:::::-:•...='.-~..,--_.:.==:_-_:-.oo::..-=..--..:.=.
.•..~~•. j~;i~...•.•.•. ---...-,-~~J~~[5~... 1----,_-_ ------.--- ..._--..-- --.~--,..- A sermon by Rev. Duncan Abraham - -- 01 :.::~-=.':.-=I~'"~=;==:= ':~ceived front page treatment after he took --,:'~ - ~I~;;g:; issue with two editorials in the Cobourg Star on the role ~'f.g~ of the church in commenting on political issues in January 1966. ~ ;;
A Social Experiment 1977 and February 1978 at an approximate cost of $365,000. It seemed a large In 1967, St. Peter's became part of a commitment, but such was the dedication social experiment. Concerned that a large of the conq,r~gation that by October 1982, expanse of church land was lying idle the full amount of debt had been paid off. around the church and rectory, the In 1989, still further alterations - including congregation proposed to build St. Peter's reconstruction of the gymnasium, a new Court - a complex of small houses for the Sunday School and an elevator - were elderly or disabled or for those with small made at a cost of more than $800,000. The incomes. Initially, 32 units were built and, result of all this work has been to renew in 1969, another 32. These compact homes this fine old historic church building of St. have been fully occupied since their Peter; ensuring that the walls will stand for completion and have gone far towards many years to come and continue to meet meeting the demand for low-rental the needs of many future generations. accommodation in the area. Of course, the real life of a church Action to Avoid transcends mere bricks and mortar. Behind the historical facade of St. Peter's stand all Abandoning the Church the women and men who have sustained By 1977, it was evident that the Church the church, the rectors who have brought of St. Peter, now in its 125th year, stood in leadership to the congregation and comfort urgent need of repair. In fact, the to the thousands of people who have foundations had begun to crumbie and it prayed and worshipped in the Church of was clear that, unless drastic actions were St. Peter from 1818 to the present day. taken, the building would have to be Truly, the Church of St. Peter is a legacy in abandoned. Accordingly, major stone "to those who come from those who renovations were undertaken between June come no more." On May 27, 1904, the newspaper was abl~ to report that about $3,000 had been By Arthur Broadbridge promised towards the purchase of the chimes: As the bells were to cost only As the Church of St. Peter approached $3,500 and, since other expenses related to the end of the last century, there was a installation had been covered by a legacy, quiet placidity in the town of Cobourg: the church committee decided to go ahead. An article in The Cobourg World in The congregation looked forward to 1896, brings that peaceful, pre-war town to having; by October 16, 1904, a full peal of life again, telling us what is was like before ten bells for its anniversary. the frenzy of-technology and accelerated Unfortunately, there was a hitch. The change had put its stamp on the century. New York company responsible for the manufacture and installation of the bells liSt. Peter's Rectory grounds presented was unable to meet the deadline, and the a picturesque and inviting appearance bells were not installed for another eight on Wednesday afternoon last when the months. Finally, however, the bells arrived m.embers of the congregation and and, on"May 7, 1905, they were dedicated many visitors in town assembled by in solemn ceremony. At the. service of invitation from the Rectory to meet the dedication, the Rev. Albert Spragge Lord Bishop from the Diocese. The proclaimed that: velvety lawns and ancestral trees illumined by the bright beams of the "By virtue of our sacred office, we do afternoon sun highlighting the lights solemnly set apart from all profane and and deepening the shadow gave a unhallowed uses this peal of ten bells sense of refreshing rest and composure now dedicated to the Clary' of Cod for the benefit of the Church of Peter. I do after the glare and heat of the busy St. thankfully receive these bells as a sacred street. The bright costumes of the fair trust committed to me as the Minister of ladies added much to the beauty of the this Church and Parish of Cobourg and I scene. Pleasant faces, light laughter do take heed that tHey shall ever after be and the constant murmur of only used in Cod's service and for His conversation indicated the thorough glory. " f'ntnvmpnt nf thn~p nrp~pnt whn neartily joined in thanking their kind It was a great moment. In the years since host and hostess for a delightful then, these bells have rung out on afternoon. II momentous occasions - especfally to celebrate the end of World War I and It's like a scene out of a novel by World War II. Even more importantly, they Anthony Trollope, one of his Barchester have rung out Sunday after Sunday, week books. There were many such occasions in, week out for some 90 years, to call the celebrated at St. Peter's in those days - for parishioners of St. Peter's to worship. The example, the Diamond Jubilee of Queen bells are an intrinsic part of Anglican life in Victoria in 1897 and the' British "victory" - Cobourg, and a debt of gratitude is owed to as it was considered at the time - over the those who at the turn of the century made a Boers in 1901. In that same year, special gift of such lasting value to the parish. services were held on the death of Queen (The single bell that tolled for man"yyears Victoria. before the installation of the present peal of These great events hardly stirred the ten is still in service at St. George's placid surface of life in Cobourg except, Anglican Church, Gores Landing.) perhaps, for the ringing of the bells. In " " celebration or mourning, the bells used to ring out all over town - firebells, the bell in Story of the Rented Pews the town hall, bells in all the town's In its early days, St. Peter's, like other churches and, at St. Peter's, a single bell in Anglican churches, followed the English the church tower. custom of renting pews to families that In 1904, the church of St. Peter was to could afford them. The pews were closed celebrate its jubilee, and the congregation with a door. Fees varied and those best was determined to honour their church placed for seeing and being seen were the with the gift of a new peal of bells. The most expensive. People unable to afford Cobourg World,_on November 6, 1903, the rental would sit at the back or stand had this to report. where, in the days before the loud liThe Jubilee Committee of St. Peter's speakers, they were lucky if they could Church are greatly encouraged by the heat much of the service. offer of bells which have been made by Pew rental was an important source of present and former members of the income. In 1875, the two front corner congregation. In addition to two or three pews rented for $35 each and 22 other belfs previously promised, an offer to pews neat the chancel for $30. Twenty-five contribute the cost of the largest bells of pews on the side aisles rented for $25 and the set at $850 was- received this week half pews for $15. The total collected for from a former resident. This leaves a little pew rentals in that year was just under more than half the cost of the whole to $1,800. be provided for by smaller subscriptions . There were always a few defaulters. so that the success of the chimes project Some people who sat in the front pews
may be considered as certain .. , II "forgot" to pay, while pews at the back of the church were usually not fully The Violent Story Behind subscribed because of poor acoustics. In fact, church wardens of the late 19th the Altar century wanted to drop pew rental altogether and adopt a freewill envelope Religious passions sometimes ran high in system, but met stiff opposition from the Cobourg of old. In fact, on the night of pew holders, and no changes were made. November 4, 1854 - only months after the In 1894, during Canon Spragge's time, doors of the new church opened to the closed-in pews were -replaced by the worshippers - the silence' of St. Peter's was long oak benches we know today. This seemed a good time ~o abolish the rental broken by the sound of axes violently system - a move Canon Spragge strongly wielded by angry men. In the morning, the supported. He pointed out that out of 34 rector of the day arrived to find the altar Anglican churches in Toronto, 24 had free defaced and broken. seats. "Was it right,tI he asked, "in the sight, The altar of the new church, which had of God to have the seats rented, or should only recently replaced the smaller, older the poor have as much right to a seat as church of 1820, was presented to the the rich?" Canon Spragge received some congregation by a group of theological support, but there were also many people students. Unfortunately, the religious views who would not hear of a change. Mr. of the donors - they were much influenced Dainstry, a strong supporter of the church, by the ultra-conservative' Tractarian pointed out that he had sat in the same Movement that swept out of Oxford in pew for 52 years, and he did not believe in those years - enraged certain members of "knocki ng about" from one seat to the other. If he lost his pew, he said, he would the congregation. The. Tractarians, in going leave the church. back to the Catholic symbolism and Canon Spragge appealed to the theology of the original Anglican church, congregation, explaining that of 300 was in full opposition to more Protestant- families in the parish, only 120 were pew- leaning liberal forces of the time. It was the holders. Free seats would mean more passionate struggle of "High Church" people could attend. Anyway, he argued, versus "Low Church". so many people failed to pay their rents Some of the most violently defended that, as a source of revenue, the system differences had to do with church was a failure. Even so, Canon Spragge did decoration, the vestments of the priest, and not persuade his congregation to change the use of incense. Anglicans also and pew rental continued. In 1914-15, pew rentals yielded a mere disagreed on the nature of the altar - was it $800 a year but, though this was not much a true altar, in the Old Testament sense, an compared to other sources of giving, the almost magical site, or was it merely a rector at that time, Canon Sawers, made table where the faithful gathered for a no attempt to change the system. By 1920, commemorative celebration of Christ's life the rental income had dropped to $600. and death? The difference in thinking was Clearly, pew rentals had ceased to be an symbolically expressed not only in the economic proposition; still, nothing was form of the altar, but also in its decoration. done either during the incumbency of Thus, when the students offered a new Canon Sawers or that of his successor, Dr. altar to St. Peter's to replace the plain Stannage Boyle. wooden table that had been used in the By 1937, when Philip Dykes was rectpr, old church, they Iiaa it decorated lavishly. economic aspects of the matter had The rector welcomed the gift, and so did become irrelevant: by then only 12 pews many of his parishioners, but the, altar was were rented for an annual income of $300; also, the 'political clout of the 12 renting an anathema - literally - to others in the families was negligible. The church parish. Some felt strongly enough to break Advisory Council took a firm stand, into the church that night, armed with insisting that all pews in the church should axes, to destroy the offending decorations. be free. Personal interviews were held with The rector may well have suspected the remaining pew holders, and free seats for identity of the culprits, but they were never all at St. Peter's were established on named. Instead, at a hastily convened January 1, 1937. meeting of the rector and church wardens, Only 59 years hav'e passed since the it was decided that discretion was the abolition of pew rentals, compared to the better part of valour. The defaced altar was 120 years the system was in place. It's returned, with apologies, to the donors - it clear that there was no heady rush into later went to St. Mathias in Toronto, where new ways at St. Peter's, and no wish to it remains to this day - and a plain table offend the loyal core':" even a relatively small core - of parishioners. Perhaps that was substituted. is the strength of the church: its ability to The rectors of St. Peter's, havi ng had effect change slowly, without giving great some important feedback from the offence. Thus, it has survived over the community on its religious preferences, centuries. However, with an issue that had learned a valuable lesson: in years to seems to us so clear in terms of the COme, the religious life of St. Peter's kept Christian life, 43 years of debate does to the middle road of orthodoxy, and axes seem a little excessive. were heard no more at St. Peter's. WILLIAM MACAULEY ALEXANDERBEfHUNE (1818·1827) (1827·1867)
Appointed to mission at Hamilton Under his direction, the present (now Cobourg) aged 24. His priority church was built. He left to become was to build a small wooden church Bishop of Niagara and was for his pioneer congregation. subsequently Bishop of Toronto.
FREDERICK SAWYERS TEMPLE BOYLE (1915·1925) (1925·1935)
Former chaplain of Trinity College An urbane and cultured man, he was School. While here, 8 of 111 men from first president of Hatfield Hall. In the parish in World War 1 never returned. 1929, the press reported St. Peter's Laterhe becameArchdeacon of York. had the best year in its history.
! HUGH BEDFORD.JONES EDGAR BULL (1948-1958) (1959·1965)
Ensured that St. Peter's grew, as Obtained additional staff to share Cobourg itself grew, during post-war educa.tion and increased load of years. Completed the chapel of St. ministry. Sponsored plans for low- Paul within St. Peter's church. cost housing on church property. WALTERSTENNETf ALBERT SPRAGGE (1867·1889) (1889·1914)
Added the present rectory and organ An austere churchman who chastised (since modified). Retired due to parishioners for self-indulgence. illness but left an active, forward- Added a church school, peal of 10 looking parish. bells, and the mortuary chapel. .
PmLIPDYKEs ROBERT SEABORN (1936-1941) (1941·1948)
Served during depression but managed Work here interrupted by service as to keep St. Peter's relatively solvent. A chaplain to Queen's Own Rifles. Won former World War 1 chaplain, he left Croix de Guerre for D-day heroism. to be a chaplain again in World War 2. Later he became Maritimes Archbishop. . " DUNCAN ABRAHAM TERRENCE TARLETON (1965·1970) (1970·1992)
Oversaw completion of St. Peter's Entered priesthood following successful Court project. Vigorously tackled business career. Achieved badly parochial work. Later became dean needed major renovations and much of St. James Cathedral, Toronto. improved the church buildings. Rev.William Macauley held the first Anglican service in the area, probably on the site of the present-day Golden Plough. Parish of the Church of St. Peter formed with William Macauley, first rector, under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Quebec. A substantial wooden church, 56 by 44 feet, erected on the site of the present church. 1827 Rev.Alexander Bethune appointed rector. 1840 Church enlarged to accommodate 18 more pews. Parish transferred to jurisdiction of the new Diocese of Toronto, of which John Strachan was the first bishop. 1844 Brick tower and spire added to the church. 1851 Construction commenced on a new brick church, designed by Kivas Tully, to replace the smaller timber church. New church completed as a shell around the old one, which was dismantled. First service held in the new church in October. Rev.Walter Stennett became rector when the Rev.A. N. Bethune was appointed Bishop of Toronto as successor to Bishop John Strachan. 1874 Organ installed. 1878 Rectory constructed. 1889 Rev.Walter Stennett died. Rev.Albert Warburton Spraggeappointed rector. March: Mortuary Chapel in cemetery completed. November: formal opening of the new Sunday School. 50th anniversary of St. Peter's present church building. A new chime of tpn hpllc:;j<:; rrlprprf hIlt nn~ rt:lo:l "in tirno fr\r t n ,... In •...."t:rt. •...• 1905 Dedication of a new chime of ten bells. 1914 Death of Canon Albert Spragge. 1915 Appointment of the Rev. Frederick J. Sawyers as rector. 1921 Gift by Mr. G.S. Hayward from Gores Landing of the 17th century painting, Madonna and Child, that now hangs in St. Paul's Chapel. February: Rev. Sawyers leaves St. Peter's for Toronto. April: Rev. Dr. T. S. Boyle appointed rector. Sunday School building is linked to the church, and a great deal of new space is created. 1929 Hatfield Hall, a school for girls, is established with Dr. Boyle as president. ." 1935 Dr. Boyle resigned as rector.
By Rt. Rev. Terence E. Finlay, Bishop of Toronto Most of the Incumbentsand Curateswho evangelism, not "over the seas ana far have served in 5t. Peter's have had an away", but in their own and neighbouring important place in the wider history of the communities. From its beginning, the diocese. The same is true of lay people. ministry at 5t. Peter's was a missionary Not as well documented, perhaps,for it is enterprise into the local area. Clergy, easier to keep track of a few priests than seminarians and others from the parish hundreds of people, but people from St. served an enormous area from the Bay of Peter'shave servedWith distinction on the Quinte into the Rice Lake area and west. committeesand boardsof the diocesefrom The gospelwas proclaimed,the sacraments even beforethe formation of the first Synod celebrated, children and adults taught the and they havehelpedshapeits future. faith, and new churches founded from a r At a period of time when the young missioncentredat St.Peter's. 2 colony had begun to grow rapidly, 51. As the nature of the ministry changes i Peter'sactively undertook the challenge of with sociological and economic tl ~••·.·~•••••••II.II••••••••···I.II·••·;••"".I ••••••••····.·.·.·.1 •
1936 Rev. P.J. Dykes appointed rector. 1940 , Rev. P.J. Dykes left Cobourg to become chaplain to the forces at Petawawa. Canon W. L. Armitage appointed priest-in-charge. 1941 Rev. Dykes resigned, and the Rev. R. L. Seaborn appointed rector. 1942 July: Rev. R. L. Seaborn became chaplain of the Queen's Own Rifles. Rev. H.R. Deering came to Cobourg as locum tenens. 1945 Rev. R.L. Seaborn returned to Cobourg. 1948 February: Rev. R. L. Seaborn departed Cobourg for Quebec. April: Rev. H. M. Bedford-Jones appointed rector. 1-952 Hatfil;ld Hall closed. 1957 Men's Club room converted into a chapel dedicated to St. Paul. 1959 Rev. Edgar Bull inducted as rector. Kathleen Warner completed 50 years as organist and choir mistress. 1965 Departure of Rev. Bull. May: Rev. S. D. Abraham inducted as rector. 1967 32 units of low-rental housing, built for senior citizens or the ,disabled, on idle church land around the rectory. 1969 32 more units built in St. Peter's Court. 1970 SeptemJ2er: Rev. Abraham left Cobourg. November: Rev. T. A. Tarleton' inducted as rector. 1976 Remembrance Day Service attended by 11 holders of the Victoria and George crosses. St. Peter's became the Garrison Church of the Royal Marines Association. 1977 Major renovations of the church undertaken at an approximate cost of $365,000. )f 1978 Februarv: renovations completed, 1982 Cost of renovations paid in full. 1984 Further repairs made to the church and rectory for a cost of about $130,000. 1989 Furt~er repairs and modifications - including a renovated gymnasium, enlarged office, additional Sunday School rooms and an elevator - made to the church for the amount of approximately $800,000. 1992 May: Rev. Tarleton retired and took over the parish of Keswick and Point Roche. In his place, until a new rector was appointed, the Rev. Donald Doritty, who had retired as vicar of St. James Cathedral ofToronto, 'w served as interim rector until a new appointment could be made. 1993 January: the Rev. Peter Walker was appointed ~~Ctor of St. Peter's. lent. October: the church began a celebration of 175 years of existence with activities in church and parish continuing into 1994.
conditions, we are again exploring the idea I of regional churches, larger central churches which can provide ministry resources to a wide area and, perhaps, I serve several smaller mission congregations. The experience of St. d far Peter's, both historically and in the present, uring could be a source of learning for the rest of , the us. Today, the religious context calls, once Inary again, for that same missionary zeal. Many ergy, people on our own doorsteps have not arish heard the gospel or found a life-giving ay of faith. We look to the founders of this parish Bishop Finlay west. for encouragement in'the task as we move nents into the next decades. Bethune established a theological seminary lt the Part of that missionary task in die 1800s in the parish to provide a local training am a required a body of trained people, ground for young men. As the first principal articulate about their faith and well-formed of the school, he guided the curriculum mges in prayer and spirituality. Recognizing that omic the situation required indigenous solutions, St. Peter's, in 1994, is a church that is learning, fellowship, community service, changing fast to meet rapidly changing recreation, parishioner support and care to circumstances and increasingly urgent people of all ages. Others are in the needs. Its current membership is about pr_ocessof formation. 600 families' and growing. Most members One of the growth areas of activity is in are within the town of Cobourg where St. music, in which St. Peter's is fast Peter's is the only Anglican church, but it developing a reputation for excellence far also attracts regular members from a beyond the boundaries of the parish. The number of surrounding communities. rector, Peter Walker, was a founder and Ironically, St. Peter's, like so many other director of Toronto's well-known Tallis churches, was probably never more Choir, and the organist/choir director, needed than today and, yet, this need is Randy Mills, is widely known for his choir- often not recognized or even understood building skills. by socie.ty as a whole. Churchgoers have During this anniversary year, several become a minority - albeit a dedicatE;d significant musical events have taken minority. Also, materialistic pursuits and place at St. Peter's. Alsq, the junior choir secular attractions, especially on Sunday has sung in St. James' Cathedral, Toronto, mornings, have cut deeply into regular the Teen Handbell Choir has performed in church attendance for adults and Sunday Montreal, and the five St. Peter's handbell School attendance for their children. choirs performed together at a handbell The challenges posed by these new concert here. St. Peter's offers a fine realities are well recognized at St. Peter's acoustic and aesthetic setting for such and are being systematically addressed. events and for regular services in which And few churches are better equipped to the various choirs participate. . meet them than St. Peter's - both in human Shown here are some of these activities and physical terms. based on material collected from many A legacy of previous generations is the sources by Ken Ledgard. architectural gem that comprises the physical church of St. Peter's' overlooking \ if~tH~?a Dr:JJY~'Ul, th~cPC~!l oJ, r~Jl.9JIJV~~ST: . PETER'SCHURCH SCHOOL downtown area. Though somewhat costly Equipping the children for life to maintain due to its age (the tower is currently in need of expensive repair" the Instructing young people in the Christian church and its associated buildings faith is seen as an increasingly important provide an excellent base of operations activity in today's world. For this reason, from which a dedicated laity, covering all considerable emphasis is currently being socio-economic groups, can work and placed on developing St. Peter's church worship under the leadership of an school as an inviting and challenging experienced ministry team led by a highly centre of learning so that the children of qualified and energetic rector. S1, Peter's will be well equipped to base The real church of St. Peter's is its their lives on the important and timeless people. The basis for their involvement in teachings of the Old and New Testaments. their church is the recently-developed The formal lessons of the church school mission statement, composed and are supplemented by a variety of social approved by broad consensus of and musical activities. parishioners, and again.st which the ThE! children of St. Peter's palticipate as relevance Gf all the church's activities can full members of the parish family through be assessed. (see box) music, prayer and communion, and instruction both within worship services and in classroom settings. Supplementing the religious education is a significant We are part of the whole family of God; - created and loved by the Father, thrust towards musical learning through - redeemed and called by the Son, junior choirs of singers and handbell - guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, ringers. As followers of Jesus Christ, our purpose is: - to glorify God through prayer and praise, Active Groups Within - to p~oclaim the Gospel by word and humble service, and St. Peter's Today - to love and support one another in our daily Christian walk. WOMEN'S GROUPS We invite others A vital source of fellowship, work to share in fu1fllling this Mission. and funding
All women members of St. Peter's are Much of the on-going work of St. Peter's automatically members of Anglican and many of the activities are conducted Church Women (ACW). A nationwide under the sponsorship of some 25 lay-led organization, ACW aims to be "a focus for groups and associations within the church. Christian community for all Anglican 'These provide excellent opportunities for women by affirming their gifts and ?n lir 0, St. Peter's reputation/or excellence in choral liturgy is maintained by today's adult in and junior choirs and handbell groups. . ?II dl encouraging ministries through worship, EPIPHANY GROUP learning and service." Active for about 20 years, this small At St. Peter's, the ACW activities are a group specializes in fundraising through vital part of the work and fellowship of the the sale of crafts associated with the church and of its funding. These are cutting and drying of flowers for bouquets, undertaken within a series of SUb-groups pictures, note paper, etc. dedicated to special interests and projects NAOMI GROUP as well as on a general basis. Five This group of som.e 20 women has its specialized groups are: origin in providing a social focus for those DORCAS GROUP with young chirdren and in-service activities such as helping mentally This group, active for over 75 years, meets weekly with an emphasis on challenged adults. In addition, it is a source of funds for the work of the church fellowship, learning and the craft of qUilt- through book sales, craft sales, etc. making. The quilts, which take many different forms and find a variety of uses, MARY AND MARTHA GROUP are produced entirely by hand on an old- Up to 30 women of this group meet fasRioned quilting frame. monthly for a variety of service-related activities such as collecting and CHANCEL GUILD distributing used clothing to people in Ever since the founding of St. Peter's, need and making clothing items for use in women of the Chancel Guild have hospitals. Making items for sale in the faithfully and meticulously prepared and annual fundraising bazaar isalso an beautified the church sanctuary for ongoing actfvhy, as is preparing and worship. Today, sOple 30 women arrange serving meals for church dinner meetings. flowers (and deliver them to shut-ins), Personal service and close fellowship polish brass and silver, and maintain within the group has kept it strong and embroidered items, linens, etc. resourceful. SCOUTING SIDESMEN Long a major tradition at St. Peter's Holders of an ancient and honourable office The first Cobourg Scout Troop has been a charter member of Boy Scouts of Canada The sidesmen are dedicated to helping since 1915. Initially serving boys aged 11 ensure that attendance at all St. Peter's to 14, it now spans ages 5 through 26 and services is an enjoyable and rewarding is the only local group to offer scouting experience within a caring community of programs in Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, worshippers. yenturers and Rovers. Annual registration St. Peter's has over 80 sidesmen - far in the five sections has risen from 29 more than most churches. They are holders scouts in 1921 to over 100 today. of an office recognized by Canon Law With emphasis on development of which governs the affairs of the Anglican character, resourcefulness and responsibility, Church. While originally known as Questmen, whose duty was to report on a variety of programs, ranging from sharing the conduct of the clergy, they today and games to community service work, are include a number of women and are offered. involved primarily in catering to the needs The success of Cobourg's first swuting of the congregation and taking up program is depicted in illuminated . collections during church services. addresses in St. Peter's which name 51 Duties of the sidesmen (or sidespeople) boys who won King, Queen or Chief have include the greeting of worshippers, with Scout Awards over the years. Last year, two special attention to newcomers and of the most recent Chief Scout Award visitors, and assisting the elderly and winners, Derek Joynt and Peter Mouncey infirm, such as the distribution of hearing were presented with their parchments by aids. In recent years, duties have also Governor General Ed Schreyer at the included the eviction of stray dogs, birds, Victoria Hall rededication ceremony. and bats and the tactful handling of inebriants! GUIDING Caters to wide ranges of ages ALONGSIDERS Daily prayers for concerns of the Girls from the Guiding movement have met at St. Peter's since the 19205. Today, parish guiding at the church consists of three Some twenty-five seniors, younger groups comprising of Sparks, which covers parishioners and shut-ins comprise a ages 5 and 6, Brownies, which covers ages community of prayer which offers daily 6 to 9, and Pathfinders, which covers ages prayers for the sick and troubled as well as 12 to 15.Guides also met at St. Peter':, for concerns of the parish and beyond. until two years ago. Recently, a prayer chai n was establ ished Each group has a program based on by the Alongsiders for use in emergencies. weekly meetings at the church for the The group also gathers for corporate development of character and creativity communion services and fellowship and through crafts, service to the community participates in educational activities for the and a variety of group activities such as further development and understanding of games and songs. prayer.
Alongsiders provide prayer-based support, especially to shut-ins. Most of the Alongsiders team are shown here. MEN'S CLUB For learning, service and fellowship The philosophy of this program is to All the men of St. Peter's are reach out in a Christian spirit to others, automatically members of an informal especially those in our own community. group that has met for educational and Several of the local programs, such as the social purposes since about 1938 and three shown below, are undertaken jointly which also undertakes a number of service tasks on behalf of the parish. with other denominations and have helped Each month, about 45 men of all ages build bridges between Cobourg churches. meet socially and enjoy a church-cooked The energy, zeal and friendships created by dinner prepared by the ACW's Mary this larger pool of resources is signifi-cant . Martha group. This is followed by an and rewarding. address and/or discussion on an interestin'g and topical subject. The Men's Club members themselves become the cooks for NeighbourLink of Cobourg and otber events s.uch as the annual pancake District is run by volunteers from 10 local supper, summer barbecue, ladies' night, churches and St. Peter's plays an active etc. role. It is a clearing-house to match people Service is also a major thrust of the club having needs to those who can help them. which provides a valuable pool of The aim of the program is to enable people knowledge, skills and labour for the wide to move from crisis to personal growth. variety of day·to-day needs of the church. Collective Kitchens, initiated by the The wider community is served from time to time through such activities as the Salvation Army, uses St. Peter's kitchen packing and distribution of Christmas facilities.Each week, St. Peter's hampers for the needy. parishioners bring specific foodstuffs for the menus scheduled for that week. St. Peter's BIBLE STUDY ACW also ~ontributes to it financially. Understand;ng the scriptures and sharing insights Youth For Christ, an interdenominational Each week, two groups of adults come organization directed to helping teenagers together at St. Peter's, or in participants' lead meaningful lives, is also supported by homes, to study the Word of God and to St. Peter's Outreach Program in various meet the challenge of relating it to the ways. Christian life in today's world. The study groups involve women and To help fund joint Outreach Programs men having a wide variety of life's with neighbouring Anglican parishes, St. experiences, education, and talents. They shal'e day-to-day experiences with each Peter's, together with four other churches, other over a cup of tea and, by studying is organizing in the fall of 1994, a dinner God's actions and words to His people theatre based on local talent playing liThe throughout history, attempt to discern what Last of the Red Hot Lovers". the scriptures have to say to us as individuals, as well as a parish and as part of the whole family of God.
Over 100 boys are involved in the five St. Peter s Scouting groups which offer a wide variety of activities such as those enjoyed by these Rovers. St. Peter ~ has five handbells choirs. Here, music director, Girls from the Guiding movement met at St. Peter ~ from Randy'Mills, leads the junior ringers in practice. the 1920l. Shown here is a 1989 gathering at Rotary Park.
Four of Cobourg's downtown churches Bible study, especially in terms Qf application to daily life, including St. Peter~ led a walk of over is held both at the church and in parishioners' homes. The 100 people behind a cross on Good Tuesday group, shown here, meets at the church. Friday this year. Members of the Chancel Guild clean sanctuary brassware.
Nearly 40 people share the task of delivering scripture readings during regular services at St.Peter's. Here, Beth Marlow prepares to read the lesson for a Youth Service earlier this year. Sparks, a group for 5 year old girls, have met at St. Peter's since their inception in 1988.
Elderly people, such as Alber" and Myrtle Ling, two of the longest-time members of St. Peter's, are able to attend church with the help of the church transportation network. Ten local churches have combined to provide assistance to needy people through Neighbour~ink of Cobourg and District. St. Peter's has played a major role in the development.
Sidesmen playa vital role in making attendance at all St. Peter's services a rewarding experience for each member of the congregation. Here, Helen Dear is Mo~thly dinner meetings of the St. Peter's Men's Club are a longstanding tradition whIch draws 40 members. The group provides a significant resource for fellowship welcomed by Peter Chrisomalis, and many types of service in the name of St. Peter's. one of over 80 sides men. '¥ill!!ltlllll(.II!_1I1:1_ •• 1lIIIIIt1l1lll\1IIlII:\l1!!IIIIIII~
Official launch and a social highlight of the 175th anniversary year was Octoberfest bash at the Moore apple orchard. Tape-cutting was by St. Peter s dignatories.
175th Anniversary Committee
Seated: I to r Doris Frankowski, Rod Baker (chm.), Peter Walker, Brenda Stahera. Standing: I to r Doug Beauchamp, Tom MacMillan, TC~" T ~A~~rA ~::;::,,'.• ;"'-6"'. A.'''- •.•J... .,,~
from your friends at the 'other· end' of King Street
Calvary Baptist St. Andrew's, Presbyterian
(~rtqur'$ SUNDAY Restaurant BRUNCH 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Reg. $10.95 $3.00 OFF • not to be combined with any • one coupon per guest other offer • please present to server • Expires July 4/94 when ordering
Reservations Recommended 372-2105 \ Trinity United Church
Blessings to St. Peter's Church ·ftll~ for 175 years mission to Cobourg. We send support and encouragement _ for many years ," ~) to come.
, •... /' '
True Happiness
Happy are those wh~ know they are spiritually poor- the Kingdom of h~aven belong~ to the~! Happy are those who mourn' God will comfort them! ' Happy are those who are humble' They will receive what God has j;romisedf appy are t ose nose - . greatest desire is to.do what God requires; God w'ill satisfy them fully! Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them His children. • "
Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! Matthew 5:3-10 TEV
RAISE to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation; Po my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation: All ye who hear, Now to His t~mple draw near Joining in glad adoration.
ST.PETER'SCHURCH _1818-1994 Keeping faith for 175 years. This article is based on a recent interview No longer male-dominated with Bishop Douglas Blackwell, area Another trend is that we are moving bishop for Trent-Durham, whose rapidly from a male-dominated church and responsibilities include Sf. Peter's, culture to a sexually inclusive one. We are Cobourg.Jhe interview was undertaken discovering, in some cases, for the first and edited by Jim Weller. time, how men and women can share 'leadership, power, creativity, and ministry A whole new cultural environment in the building of Christian community. I As we look to the future, the church know it's a difficult area for a lot of people, must operate in a fearful, anxious society but I think it's inevitable. rather that in a powerful, self-conscious and confident one. There is a shift in the Less quantity and more quality culture and it means a shift for the church We are moving away from quantity. We as well. used to talk about six million Anglicans in We have to get our message across in a Canada. We are moving, I hope, more culture of increasing austerity, so we are towards quality - towards the realization learning to do more with less. The new that smaller can be beautiful and more culture is unlikely to support religious helpful. Indeed a small congregation, or a institutions as in the past, so we'll have to smaller congregation, with a focused vision find other ways of doing ministry. It's not can have an enormous power of quality to new for the church, of course. Many times it. In other words, generating larger in our history, we have had to live with numbers of nominal Christians is not really austerity. significant. What we need are more people with a deep sense of commitment and if Fewer professional Christians: BishOp Douglas Blackwell, (centre) whose forecasts about the future of the Anglican the numbers are smaller, they can still be more Christian professionals Church in this area are given here, receives a momento of St. Peter's 175th anniversary far more significant than large numbers from Bruce Brooks (right). At left is St. Peter's rector, the Rev. Peter Walker. who are not sure where they are going. We are also moving from centralized Some of the fastest growing con-gregations i:ni:ti:ati:ves to local pari'sh or~I~'~~~ in the world are in Korea, built entirely on initiatives. More home cooking and less the small-group movement with people Some of our people see this with despair, Church to give community- who grow in commitment, faith, study, restaurant meals and pre-packaged food! but I think it can be very healthy as we purpose and vision. After building up their Resources won't drop down from on high building leadership equip people to live their lives as a witness little group to a certain ooint. thev break uo because we won't be able to afford t:lem. ..~ •. 1- __•. 1•.•• __ 0 •• , .1 ..., Some of the fastest growing congregations initiatives to local parish or '~I~';t~~ in the world are in Korea, built entirely on initiatives. More home cooking and less the small-group movement with people Some of our people see this with despair, restaurant meals and pre-packaged food! Church to give community- who grow in commitment, faith, study, but I think it can be very healthy as we Resources won't drop down from on high building leadership purpose and vision. After building up their because we won't be able to afford t:lem. equip people to live their lives as a witness There is going to be more need for little group to a certain point, they break up We will have to rely on local initiatives and to the culture around them rather than solidarity and less for the individualism and form others. There is enormous power the resources of local people. people who just blend iri to what is out in that. I'm encouraged by that fact that in rampant in today's culture. Social there. New patterns of professional ministry the so-called Dark Ages, relatively few There will also be less emphasis on legislation enacted in the Western World, are, no doubt, going to evolve - in fact, we people in the Christian west managed to "professional Christians" - or clergy - at following the great depression, always are already seeing some. The old model of keep the lights burning in the monasteries centre-s~age in the gathered church. reflected the mentality of solidarity which full-time clergy in every place won't hold and such places for learning, prayer and Instead, more "Christian professionals" came out of the depression."We're in this up much longer. We are seeing some part- liturgy to stay alive. from laity will minister in the world and the together; we all have problems; and we'll time ministers; we are seeing amalgamated workplace. In other words, laity will come out of it together". Then, after World New ways to pass the message on become the "leaven in the lump" that the congregations, more lay leadership and a War 2, the richer culture produced Every parish church is now going to New Testament talks about - all very fresh emphasis on volunteers and all of the individualism and, with the growth of have ask the question "How do we pass on biblical! Assuming the priest was to do it skills such people bring with them. What I individualism, a fortress mentality so the mes~age to our children?" We can no all has been a mistake. Renewed lay call "indigenous ministers" will be called people are now double-locking the front longer expect the schools to do it because ministry is going to help the new church. out by some congregations, ordained and door and putting in alarm systems. It's time they won't. In fact, the schools' message equipped, so we don't always have to rely for solidarity and community again. The will often run counter to the message and Morepower to the people on a full-time, professional priest. church knows about these things, and ethic of the gospel. So it will be up to us to We' are going to see, and are already We have a model north of here in offers these things, and has 2,000 years of do it, working together in small groups. beginning to see, a shift from hierarchical Apsley (between Peterborough and experience in it, so I look for the church to We will need a renewed Sunday School leadership and organization to BancrOft) where for the last 10 years the lead and give encouragement in building using people prepared to learn and share participatory models - and I say that as a incumbent of the parish has been a local community and solidarity. their knowledge. They don't have to know bishop in a, hierarchical church! The school teacher. He is ordained, has slowly everything but they must have a people in the pews must participate in the accumulated some theological education Strength in recognizing we are a commitment and a clear vision to share with children either during the week or on life and ministry that surrounds them; by correspondence, and is doing a very minority Sundays. Christian education - and not just people more and more want to be involved good job. To me, that's an example for The sooner we recognize we no longer for children - is one of the key jobs facing in decision-making and leadership and I many other places. live in a Christian nation but in a multi- us. Increasingly, adults don't know the think that's healthy. cultural, pluralistic country, where Therf are other congregations where, if I stories of their faith. In fact, we are committed Christians are a minority, the ask "Is Hlere somebody in this congregation approaching a generation who are really at better. Now there is strength in that. The New kinds of professional ministers who is a priest or a deacon, but who has "square one". So we have to talk in simple early Christian church was a minority We will have to help our people live in never been ordained?", they nearly always -terms, and do some basic stuff, both movement and it turned the world upside a culture that is increasingly antagonistic to know a local postmaster or somebody who theologically and scripturally. For example, down. If we cling to power and privilege of the Christian faith and gospel. We no has been an on-going symbol of faith and simple techniques about prayer are almost the past, we will be defeated. But there is longer live in a culture that affirms our life.We need to be ordaining such people unknown in a lot of congregations. We strength in recognizing who we are and position and our beliefs. We are no longer and letting them minister. I think we will really are back at the beginning and have that we are a minority. Then we can tread to recognize that. in the business of "blessing the battleship". see more in the future. boldly into the future. I SAV 51. Pele. The parish of St.Pe1 altered 90 years a~
St. Peter's ... an important player meet the need of the growing (continued from page 9) community, it was torn down and something else, more suitable to the and the formation of clergy coming from parish at the time, was constructed. We the province itself to serve in the rapidly hav~ .•become very attached to our growing church in the ne.wly established buildings, much more so than the early Diocese of Toronto. The theological settlers. Perhaps we, in the whole school, which soon became the faculty diocese, need to recapture that element of theology of Trinity College, provided the training ground for dozens of future of "sitting lightly" to the structures, leaders in the expanding "church in the assessinghow well they meet the needs new province. of the worshipping community, shedding Today, education and formation of what has become a liability, and people for effective ministry, both priests building what is most helpful to sustain and laity, is critical. New models of the mission and ministry of the church training that are relevant to the today. contemporary situation need to be As you celebrate 175 years as a parish, developed. St. Peter's led the way in the may your recollection of the past be an mid-1800s. Such creative leadership is occasion for re-commitment to the needed today. essentials of the Christian faith that have The history of St. Peter's and many of marked this church and for looking the other old p'arishes reveals how forward to renewed vision to a futu re important buildings were in order to that is God's. May you continue to grow establish a presence and to be a place in God's grace, and by the creative where the church could gather for power of the Holy Spirit find revitalized worsh ip, instruction and social activity. faith and energy to follow Jesus Christ The buildings were, first of all, and go "out and proclaim good news functional. When a building ceased to everywhere". (Mark 16). IELP!!! I,.11 ,.OWER "s-Anglican Church of Cobourg er's celebrat~s its 17Sth anniversary this year. Sadly, the church tower, ;0 to accommodate an outstanding carillon, has suffered significant' environmental damage and now requires extensive restoration by specialists. The work must begin at once and it will be expensive. The exact cost is not yet determined, but will be at least $30,000. But ... YOU CAN HELP Send your contribution to: 1r------ST. PETER'S TOWER RESTORATION.------, FUND 1 1 Name 1 1 ------1 1 Address 1 1 ------1 1 1 :Am--0-un-t-O--$2-S--0-$-S-0--O-$-1-0-0--0-0-th-e-r -$=====~_ : ~-----1 ------~-~~~I --~ Congratulations St. Peter's ~ on 'l~ 175 years of worship
The 64 small homes of St. Peter's Court, completed on church property in 1969, have gone far towards meeting the demand for affordable accommodation in the Cobourg area for seniors.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ST. PETER'S COURT APARTMENTS, PLEASE TELEPHONE (905) 372-1572. ~ Office hours are Monday and Thursday mornings 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ~ What 81. Peter's can expect in the future Denominational "brand names" (continued from page 16) mean nothing The age of denominationalism is coming to an end. We live in a time of No Name Sf. Peter's must'become.an Products and President's Choice. People "equipping centre'" don't trade under the standard brand names today, so they don't care much whether you There are important implications in all are a Presbyterian, Anglican or whatever. this for places like Cobourg and its What they want to know is "Is there any surrounding parishes. Statistics indicate we meaning here, any vitality, anything that I are going to have to take a very clear look need?". If you've got someth ing to offer, at regional parishes. Other denominations they will come in out of the cold. People, have done that, of course. In some areas, and especially the younger generations, our biggest problem is that we have too don't automatically attend an Anglican many buildings. If we are going to offer Church even if they've always been Anglican. If they are out church-shopping, I quality work and try to meet real needs, don't think they give a hoot about that. We then I think churches like St. Peter's must have to offer something; we have to know become equipping centres, centres of what our business is. If we're not clear growth of learning and modeling where about that, people won't buy. Brand name people can be prepared for service Dutside. loyalties don't mean anything. People drive for shopping, they drive for entertainment. If we offer something fcumenism at the grass-roots worthwhile peap'le will come, but we have I believe in a kind of grassroots to be able to compete with the media and ecumenism like you have here. I am more television. /t's life-changing, but it's life- hopeful about that kind of thing than about energizing if it gives meaning and vision. efforts at the international level such as dialogue with the Pope. I can't see much coming out of that in our lifetime, but I can A touchy time for church buildings see things working at the local level. All thes;::-hanges will mean some Our own backyard is a mission field churches will close. But then 50% of the Much of the future mission field is in our buildings in the Anglican Diocese of ow'~'b-;;~ky~'~d:We -Ii~';'i~ a 'culture thal Toronto are over 100 years old, That, in very much needs to know the Christian itself, indicates a'major concern - how do message of the saving love of God and I we keep them all going? I want to keep as think we have to approach the culture as if many of them going as I can but, I realize it were a mission field. We're back in the that in the long haul, we can't keep all of first century in terms of the life of the them. If we can develop local ministry that church, but I hope that doesn't mean we meets so:-neneeds, then fine, but if we face are going to become isolationists who don't give a hoot what happens to the rest of the repairs of up to half a million dollars and world. The Anglican Church in Africa is support from a dwindling number of growing extremely fast and I'm sure they people, then I think we have to face reality have a lot to share with us. But we still have and close some of them. No doubt, some things they need and I hope we'll be open will be closed and some torn· down to sbaring too. In terms of evangelism, our because they are in a stelteof disrepair that own' culture needs what we have to bring as makes them dangerous and a liability. It is much as anyone in any south sea island. becoming' an increasingly touchy time as Ministry of baby-boomers far as church buildings are concerned. A quarter of the population ar now seniors. Soon the baby boomers are going to Local leaders determine be seniors too. They are living longer; they denominational cooperation are healthier; they have more resources; they are interesting; they are interested. But Cooperation between various how do we minister to them? How do we denominations in tackling common issues provide the programs that will help them to is happening in some places and not in grow - that will bring them into our others. I wish I could say it's a sweeping fellowship? They don't know much about pattern. In some parts of our diocese there the church but they are open to it as perhaps is almost no cooperation at all and in other never before. Here is a very obvious mission parts, there is - such as NeighbourLink field. Instead of moaning about the "graying here in Cobourg where nine denominations of the church", maybe we should be celebrating it and saying "How do we turn it work together to offer hel p to those in to our advantage?". Are we getting.a need. It depends on local leadership and message here that we've neglected? I am not attitude. In the Anglican Church, we try to saying "don't work on young people" '- I adhere to, what is called, the Lund think that's important, but it takes seven Principle. This means we will only do baby-boomers to replace one senior adult separately what we cannot do together member of a congregation in terms of with other denominations. energy and commitment. That's incredible!