An History of the Anglican church at
Christ Church, Hillier
Compiled by
Michael Korn
Member of St. Andrew’s Church, Wellington
August 2007
Introduction
Although there is not much known about the beginnings of the church and
cemetery at Christ Church, Hillier, snippets of information can be gleaned
from the letters of John Strachan, the Bishop of Toronto at the time.
However, there is nothing concrete to tell us when the church was started,
who designed it, who built it, how much it cost, and when it was completed.
We do know that the oldest gravestone in the cemetery dates from April 30 th,
1843. As there are several instances of people being buried in Christ Church
cemetery without a headstone, it is possible that this is not the earliest burial.
The deed for the two acres of land which was sold to the Church of England
is only dated August 20th, 1846 and already mentions the erection of a new
church. It appears to have been complete enough for Bishop Strachan of
Toronto to visit on Tuesday, September 1st, 1846 to administer the sacrament
of Confirmation; Consecon church at 11am and Hillier church at 3pm.
It is not known when the church and cemetery were consecrated, but it is
likely that the service for the latter was performed by the Rev. Philip G.
Bartlett, the incumbent of St. John’s, the Carrying Place, the closest
Anglican church. He was to have charge of both Hillier and Consecon while
the churches were being built, and Holy Trinity, Consecon would continue
to share a priest with the Carrying Place. (St. John’s church, the Carrying
Place was in Murray Township, Northumberland County and not in Prince
Edward County)
A newspaper article from 1949 mentions that the Rev. William Macaulay,
rector of Picton, was present at the laying of Hillier church’s cornerstone,
although there is no other confirmation. It is also not known how the church
received its name, but by the time of the Fifth Annual Report of the
Incorporated Church Society of the Diocese of Toronto for the year ending
March 31st, 1847, it was referred to as ‘Christ’s Church’ [not finished] with
an average congregation of 250.
The original structure was well built and pine timbers were pegged together
in bents. It was plaster finished inside and the tower and steeple, which rose
to a height of 50 feet, contained a fine bell. Although there are several
questions which may never be answered, it is known that Christ Church was
an active Anglican church in Hillier for about 120 years before its closure in
1969. Disaster had struck on Saturday, August 12th, 1944 when lightning hit
the steeple and the church had slowly burned to the ground. (According to
one newspaper report at the time, a previous lightning strike thirty years
earlier, had not proved fatal) Fortunately, the contents, with the exception of
the organ, were saved. An account was set up to collect funds for the
construction of a new church almost immediately and by September 30th,
1947 a new church was opened and dedicated for use. A letter of
Consecration was issued by the most Reverend John Lyons, M.A., D.D.,
Bishop of Ontario on May 12th, 1949, while the actual service took place on
Ascension Day, Thursday, May 26th, 1949.
Although the church closed its doors on May 25th, 1969, an annual memorial
service was held in the church on the first Sunday in June, and this tradition
continues in Christ Church cemetery. As the years went by, maintaining an
empty building became more and more expensive and sadly on May 26th,
2002, Bishop Peter Ralph Mason issued a letter of Deconsecration which
took effect on Sunday, June 4th, 2002. The church wardens looked at many
options for the building, including demolition. Fortunately, the church was
purchased by Closson Chase wineries and moved to its present location in
February 2006 at the northwest corner of Closson and Chase roads, where it
now serves as a residence. A new roof and repainting took place in the
summer of 2010. Christ Church cemetery is still in active use and stands as a
testimony to the community it continues to serve.
Timeline and associated documents for:
Christ Church, Hillier; St. Andrew’s,
Wellington and St. Mark’s, Gerow Gore.
1824 - 1899
Jul 4, 1824
Rev. John Grier officiates at the Carrying Place for the
first time. (Information from 1827 Circular from Bishop
Mountain of Quebec)
1824
Rev. John Grier of the Carrying Place preaches a
sermon in Pleasant Valley, Hillier, in the shade of a tree.
(No primary source to verify this – Information from
‘On the Edge of History’ by E.D. Taylor Ashton)
Nov 15, 1827
Bishop Jacob Mountain of Quebec issues a circular to all
parishes in the Diocese of Quebec, founded in 1813.
Question no.3 pertains to the church in Hillier and the
completed document was returned by Rev. John Grier
on June 10th, 1828. R.C. Wilkins, J.P., was a witness and
he and James Young are listed as church wardens of St.
John’s, the Carrying Place.
Question No. 3: What is the number of churches or of
preaching stations, regular or occasional, where you
perform duty, and at what intervals do you perform
each?
At the Carrying Place there is a neat church in which
service is performed every Sunday morning. At the
River Trent in a small school house every second
Sunday evening, and on a Friday evening in Cramahé
once every four weeks, and until lately, service was
performed at Pleasant Bay in Hillier in a school house
and 11 miles down the southern shore of the Bay of
Quinte in a private house on alternate Sunday evenings.
The latter was relinquished for want of a convenient
place to perform service in, and the former on account of
the bad state of the roads, besides eight or ten places at
which occasional services have been performed.
Jan 3, 1828
Crown Patent – Lot Sixteen, 2nd Concession, Hillier
Township to King’s College, 200 acres. Title on the
property is rather confusing. In the King’s College
papers, the following Deeds of Bargain and Sale were
located which pertain to the 100 acres on Lot Sixteen,
2nd Concession, south of the Danforth Road:
1) Dec 4, 1827 – Sale of 100 acres to Enoch Holloway
by Thomas Watson for the sum of $350 (originally
purchased from Thomas and Paul Clapp), witnesses
being Thomas Hardy and Joseph Dorland.
2) Mar 28, 1828 – Sale of 100 acres to Joseph Parr by
Enoch Holloway for the sum of £25, witnesses being
Thomas Dorland and George McCollough.
3) Sep 16, 1831 – Sale of 100 acres to Robert Hubbs by
Joseph Parr for the sum of $400, witnesses being
Daniel Miller and Paul Clapp.
1830
Survey of King’s College Land. Details of Lot No.16,
2nd Concession, Hillier appear in Volume No.7, p. 55.
The survey showed that Cornelius Vanhorn occupied the
west side with 6 acres cleared, Joseph Parr occupied the
south side with 30 acres cleared and a log house and Paul
Clapp occupied the remainder, with 50 acres cleared. The
quality of soil and nature of ground was described as
‘good’. There are mills listed as being 2 miles distant,
with no stream on the property and the timber which
included maple, elm, basswood and beech. There were
33 families listed as living on the 2nd Concession and
Pleasant Valley was described as being populous. Roads
were good and a main road (Danforth Road) traversed
the property. The value of the land without improvement
was 23/9, but this was crossed out and a value of 30/inserted. A note was also added stating that the clearing
of the land added Fifty eight Pounds to its value. The
buyer was to pay the sum of 20/- per acre and under
‘General Remarks’ it was stated that the Lot was within
2 ½ miles of Lake Ontario and on the main road to
Hallowell.
Jan 16, 1833
Lot No.16, 2nd Concession, Hillier containing 200 acres
deeded to R. Hubbs and P. Clapp at $6 per acre,
$1200 in total. It appears that payments for the land were
made in installments with interest. Payment was made in
pounds sterling. (Ledger folio 333)
Jan 30, 1833
First Installment received from Robert Hubbs and Paul
Clapp in the amount of £30.
May 1, 1833
Church Circular issued from York, Upper Canada to
churches within the Diocese, some questions pertaining
to Hillier. Rev. Grier indicated that he traveled to
Ameliasburgh and Hillier.
Question No. 3: What services, at what hours and where,
do you perform on Sunday, Holy Days and week-days,
throughout the year, distinguishing summer and winter?
…Once in four weeks in Ameliasburgh at 3.00 pm in
winter and 3.30 pm in summer. All these Sunday
services are regularly attended. I once a month in the
summer make a tour through Ameliasburgh and Hillier,
as well for preaching and baptizing, as for visiting
detached families, and I generally read prayers and
preach and expound scripts where I baptize in private
homes.
Question No. 29: Is there now any church proposed to
be erected, or in the course of erection within your
Mission and where?
Yes, two were spoken of at different points in Hillier and
one in Percy, but on communicating with the Bishop it
was found that no assistance could be obtained from this
[and it] rather damped their efforts.
There is one wanted for my own use at the Trent, which
we hope to set about as soon as a title is obtained for the
land granted by Council.
Feb 20, 1834
Second Installment of £30, and interest of £1 13 0.
Mar 18, 1835
Letter from Paul Clapp to Lieut. Col. Wells, Registrar of
King’s College, enclosing £3 12/-.
Apr 14, 1835
Letter from Paul Clapp to Lieut. Col. Wells, Registrar of
King’s College, enclosing £13 4s 9d currency for part
payment on the 3rd installment of the purchase of the lot.
Excusing his not sending more, but promising the
remaining part by June next with interest to date.
[Editor’s note: The amount was recorded as £13 5 0.]
Jul 5, 1836
First recorded service in Hillier, Rev. John Grier
officiating. (No primary source – Information from the
150th Anniversary booklet of St. John’s, Carrying Place)
Oct 24, 1836
First recorded service in Consecon, Rev. John Grier
officiating. (No primary source – Information from the
150th Anniversary booklet of St. John’s, Carrying Place)
Dec 19, 1839
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.33)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. Grier. Bishop
Strachan discusses the church at Hillier, Cold Creek and
Frankford; also the schoolhouse at Annwood. [Editor’s
note – Cold Creek is a community just south of Hillier.]
Nov 9, 1840
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p. 78)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. John Grier notifying
him of his appointment by the Lieutenant Governor to
the rectory of Belleville.
Dec 12, 1840
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.84)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to the Hon. Robert Charles
Wilkins concerning a successor to Mr. Grier at the
Carrying Place and assistance for the church at Hillier.
1840
Survey of King’s College Land. Details of Lot 16, 2nd
Concession, Hillier, as follows: Robert Hubbs and Paul
Clapp listed as purchasers, 100 acres under improvement,
Paul Clapp has bought Robert Hubbs’ interest in the lot
and will pay part before the close of navigation and the
remainder next spring. (Under General Remarks written
in pencil are the words ‘rich man’)
Jan 13, 1841
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1866 p.17)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. A. M. Campbell
indicating that the vacancy at Belleville caused by the
resignation of Rev. John Cochrane has been filled by
Rev. John Grier.
Sep 27, 1841
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.139)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. John Grier
indicating that he has no-one at present for the vacancy
at the Carrying Place.
Oct 14, 1841
Payment made of £100, in addition to interest of £75 11s.
Nov 25, 1841
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.150)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to the Hon. Robert Charles
Wilkins expressing his hope that the vacancy at the
Carrying Place will be filled by the spring.
Jan 27, 1842
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.164)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to E.D.S. Wilkins,
Consecon, Hillier, Prince Edward County. The Bishop
refers Wilkins to the Bursar of King’s College for
matters dealing with lands belonging to the College.
May 23, 1842
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1866, p.39)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. A. M. Campbell
indicating that scholarships have been authorized for
George Bartlett (who will become the priest in charge
at the Carrying Place, Consecon and Hillier), Thomas
Bolton Read, and Matthew Kerr.
Jun 29, 1842
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.192)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Mrs. Wilkins, the
Carrying Place, promising her the first available
clergyman.
Oct 15, 1842
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.200)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Mrs. Wilkins, the
Carrying Place, indicating that he is sending a clergyman
to the Carrying Place and hopes that the people there
will contribute handsomely to his support.
Nov 12, 1842
Payment made of £6 19 2, in addition to interest of
£43 0 10.
Apr 30, 1843
Oldest existing tombstone in Christ Church Cemetery,
Hillier, belonging to William H.E. Selleck, son of John &
Catherine Selleck, aged 3 years, 10 months, 4 days.
Nov 7, 1843
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.49)
Letter from Bishop Strachan giving an account on
various candidates; the Rev. Andrew Jamieson, Brock
Township, and the Rev. George Bartlett, the Carrying
Place, ordained as priests.
Dec 18, 1843
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.267)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. P.G. Bartlett hoping
that his salary will soon be settled. He also plans to take
up the question of uncompleted rectories with the
Government.
Dec 18, 1843
F983-2, MS35 reel 11 (Letterbook 1839-1843 p.267)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. Robert Gregory Cox
in the United States. The Bishop indicates to Rev. Cox
that he is not allowed to employ clergy ordained by
foreign bishops. (Rev. Cox will become a traveling
missionary for Prince Edward County in 1847)
Feb 5, 1844
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.5)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. P.G. Bartlett
concerning the building of a parsonage house. Private
and Confidential.
Mar 5, 1844
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.9)
Letter from Bishop Srachan to Rev. P.G. Bartlett:
the Bishop cannot sanction his removal from the
Carrying Place to Amherst Island as he requests and
gives reasons.
Apr 6, 1844
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.14)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. P.G. Bartlett
advising him as to church property.
Jun 5, 1844
Second Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto, presented at the
annual meeting at Toronto.
p.18 Prince Edward
‘In the smallest Branch Society in the Diocese, the
annual meeting which was held on January 7th. The
Committee, have, however, guaranteed to the Bishop the
payment of £75 per annum towards the support of a
traveling missionary and they have good reason to hope
that one will be sent them in the autumn.’
Jul 10, 1844
Aug 8, 1844
Payment made of £57, in addition to interest of £18.
Payment made of £45 8 6, in addition to interest of
£12 11 6.
Jun 4, 1845
Third Annual Report of the Incorporated Church Society
of the Diocese of Toronto, presented at the annual
meeting in Toronto.
Branch Reports:
p.20 Prince Edward District
The report from this District is certainly not very
encouraging, but by the zeal and energy of the Chairman,
subscriptions to the amount of £20 8s 0d have been
procured and promises made for several grants of land.
p.56 Donations of Land
Hillier – A site for a church has been given here.
Jul 10, 1845
Balance of purchase money and interest paid. Payment
of £17 7 4, in addition to £1 in interest. Total amount of
purchase money was £300, with an additional £155 8 4 in
interest, for a total of £455 8 4.
Nov 19, 1845
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.142)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. William Macaulay
explaining why he is unable to supply a clergyman for
Hillier. Apologies for not explaining same to Mr. Henry
Babbit of Hillier.
Feb 21, 1846
Sale of 200 acres of land, Lot Sixteen, 2nd Concession,
Hillier Township by Paul Clapp to Robert Hubbs for the
sum of £50. Witnesses are Thomas and Philip Flagler.
(Deed held at the University of Toronto archives)
Mar 6, 1846
Transfer of 200 acres of land, Lot Sixteen, 2nd
Concession, Hillier Township from King’s College to
Robert Hubbs. The deed is not registered until March
19th, 1850.
Mar 23, 1846
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.169)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. P.G. Bartlett
advising him as to church lands.
Mar 31, 1846
Fourth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
First indication of churches in Consecon and Hillier,
Rev. P.G. Bartlett, the Carrying Place, priest in charge.
Spring 1846
Opening ceremonies of Christ Church, Hiller, with Rev.
William Macaulay in attendance, rector of St. Mary
Magdalene, Picton. (No primary sources yet located
to verify this information – Taken from ‘The
Settlement of Prince Edward County’ by Nick and
Helma Mika.)
Jul 10, 1846
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.187)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. P.G. Bartlett:
expects to be with him in August and will consecrate the
churches if complete and free from debt.
Aug 6, 1846
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.190)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. P.G. Bartlett. The
Bishop wishes to know whether or not there will be
confirmations at the Trent or Hillier. The churches at
the Trent and Hillier although not ready for consecration
may nevertheless be sufficiently advanced to hold a
service for confirmation should there be any candidates
belonging to the congregations which will in future
worship at each of these places.
Aug 20, 1846
Purchase of 2 acres of land, part of Lot Sixteen, 2nd
Concession, Hillier Township by John Strachan, Bishop
of Toronto and his successors from Robert Hubbs for the
sum of 5/-. The deed was registered on March 19th, 1847.
Sep 1, 1846
Visit of John Strachan, Lord Bishop of Toronto to
Consecon and Hillier for the purpose of administering
Confirmation:
Consecon church 11 a.m.
Hillier church 3 p.m.
In Trinity Church, Consecon: 1. Joshua Cadman 2. Maria
Cadman 3. Frahella Coms 4. May Carmen 5. Robert
Colls 6. Elizabeth Young – 6 in total.
In the church in Hillier: 1. Rhoda Babbit 2. Hannah Low
3. Ann Jones 4. Susan Jones 5. Sarah Abraham 6. Anna
Jones 7. Thomas Hardy 8. Jane Hardy 9. Sarah Ann
Webb 10. John Flagler 11. Mintche Flagler (VanHorn)
12. Mary Gradon 13. Jason Gradon 14. John Gradon
15. William Young 16. Ann Young 17. Elizabeth Leeds
18. Charles Foshé 19. William Leeds 20. Robinson
Allan - 20 in total.
Sep 2, 1846
Visit of John Strachan, Lord Bishop of Toronto to
the Carrying Place and the Trent for the purpose of
administering Confirmation:
St. John’s Church, Murray 11a.m. – 23 confirmations.
St. George’s Church, Trent 3 p.m. – 25 confirmations.
Mar 31, 1847
Fifth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church Society
of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. P.G. Bartlett, priest in charge of the following
churches:
St. John’s, the Carrying Place, average congregation 80.
Holy Trinity, Consecon (not finished), average
congregation 120.
Christ’s church, Hillier (not finished), average
congregation 250
St. George’s, Trent (not finished), average congregation
50.
Oct 22, 1847
Letter from Rev. William Macaulay to Mrs. Ann
Macaulay in Kingston:
‘On the first evening also we had a meeting of our
Church Society and raised funds enough to take the
Bishop at his offer of a Traveling Missionary for the
District. He is to be stationed in Hillier, about 14 or 15
miles from here.’
Oct 30, 1847
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.263)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. William Macaulay:
the Bishop advises Macaulay that as the District has
secured £75 towards the support of a Traveling
Missionary, he is prepared to send them the Rev. Robert
Gregory Cox.
Nov 8, 1847
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.263)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. William Macaulay
introducing Rev. Robert Gregory Cox and requesting that
Macaulay take him around the mission and introduce him
to the people.
Nov 8, 1847
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.263)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. Philip George
Bartlett introducing Rev. Robert Gregory Cox to Rev.
Bartlett.
Nov 8, 1847
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.263)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. Robert Gregory Cox
giving Rev. Cox an outline of his circle of duty as
proposed by Rev. William Macaulay.
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.266)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to the Bishop of Ohio
Nov 23, 1847
indicating that Rev. R.G. Cox has arrived in the Diocese
of Toronto.
Nov, 1847
Baptism of Alexander Graydon, the son of John &
Mary Graydon, by Rev. R.G. Cox. This was his first
recorded baptism at Christ Church. John was a school
master in Pleasant Valley, having come to Hillier from
Ireland in 1834. Both he and his wife are buried in
Christ Church cemetery.
Dec, 1847
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.267)
Bishop Strachan replies to a petition from Marysburgh
requesting that Rev. John Fletcher be appointed to the
parish. The Bishop points out that the Rev. R.G. Cox has
just been appointed Traveling Missionary for the Prince
Edward District and also points out that he cannot engage
a clergyman until they are willing to contribute the sum
of £75 per annum, as is their duty as true churchmen.
Dec 24, 1847
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.268)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. William Macaulay
regretting that there has been so much difficulty in
securing an eligible residence for Rev. Cox. He hopes
that being forced to be content with the one in
Wellington will prove a ‘providential’ opening, as he has
no funds to assist with the building of a parsonage in
Hillier. He does not intend to take anymore clergymen
from the United States.
Feb 7, 1848
Birth of Edward Strachan Cox, son of Rev. R.G. &
Fanny Cox, probably in Wellington, Ontario. He was
baptized by his father at Christ Church on March 19th,
1848, sponsors being the Rev. William and Mrs.
Catherine Macaulay and James Jones Senior.
Mar 31, 1848
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.282)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. Robert Gregory Cox
commenting on various affairs in his traveling mission in
the District of Prince Edward.
Mar 31, 1848
Sixth Annual Report for the Incorporated Church Society
of the Diocese of Toronto.
Branch Reports:
p.23 Prince Edward District
The Rev. R.G. Cox has been appointed Traveling
Missionary in this District; the parish of Picton having
promised to contribute £25 sterling per annum and the
churchmen in Hillier £50 sterling per annum, the
remainder being paid by the parent society.
Rev. R.G. Cox is listed as being responsible for Christ
Church, Hillier; St. John’s, Marysburgh, and St. Philip’s,
Milford.
Apr 27, 1848
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1844-1849 p.287)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. R.G. Cox: since the
people of Hillier and Wellington are not prepared to
purchase the house and 25 acres of land on the terms
suggested, the matter must be relinquished for the
present.
Mar 31, 1849
Seventh Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
District Branches:
p.23 – 3. Prince Edward
The Rev. Bourn has established Parochial Associations at
Murray and Consecon, the income from which is £13 6s
10d.
Our Traveling Missionary is maintained in the District
chiefly by the contributions of the churchmen in the
parish of Picton and the Township of Hillier.
Rev. R.G. Cox is listed as being responsible for
Marysburgh and Milford in addition to Hillier. There is
the first mention of a mission in Wellington.
Aug 8, 1849
Visit of Bishop Strachan to Prince Edward County for
Confirmations.
Wednesday, August 8: Hillier
11am
Picton
3pm
Thursday, August 9:
Marysburgh
11am
Milford
3pm
Aug 19, 1849
R.C. Boyer, B.A., made a Deacon.
Sep 16, 1849
Rev. R.G. Cox refuses a request (charge) by Bishop
Strachan to go to Sydenham as a Traveling Missionary.
Mar 29, 1850
Birth of Robert Gregory Cox, second son of Rev. R.G.
& Fanny Cox, in Wellington, Ontario. Baptized by
his father at Christ Church, Hillier, but no date of
private baptism given.
Mar 31, 1850
Eighth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
District Reports:
p.22 Prince Edward District
In Marysburgh the members of the church have
subscribed amongst themselves £50, together with the
rest of a parsonage house, in order to procure a resident
Minister among them. The churchmen in the Township
of Hillier have also subscribed £50 sterling for the same
purpose. The income of the Parochial Associations
amounts to £21 7s 6d.
(Extracts from the last report of this District Branch)
Hillier also can afford sufficient testimony to the
efficiency of the Church Society, in the increase of piety
in its congregations. There, two acres have been given
for the site of a Church, and the inhabitants have built a
neat edifice thereupon. They have subscribed £50
sterling, payable yearly to secure Divine Service among
them. During the past year they have, without any aid
from abroad, done much towards finishing the church,
especially in painting it throughout very tastefully, so
that, through the goodness of God and their liberality,
the people of Hillier now have a comfortable and
commodious house of prayer. They have also provided
a suitable Communion Service that the Sacrament might
be administered among them with propriety. A Parochial
Association in connection with the Prince Edward
Branch of the Church Society, has also been established,
and although the sums subscribed thereto are small, they
are sufficient to show the interest felt therein, an interest
we trust to see much increased and strengthened in a
short time.
Rev. R.G. Cox is now the priest in charge of Hillier only.
Rev. J.R. Tooke has taken charge of St. John’s,
Marysburgh and St. Philip’s, Milford.
Mar 31, 1851
Ninth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church Society
of the Diocese of Toronto.
p.18 Prince Edward District
(Extracts from the last Annual Report of the District
Branch)
The Committee of the Hillier Association report that,
although in the first year of existence, an association in a
remote rural parish, by no means wealthy, could not be
expected to accomplish great things – yet, if they are
able to show that something has been done for the
support of Missions, for the cause of a sound education,
and for the repairs of the sanctuary, they prove that the
Association was not organized in vain. The Committee
report the collection of £5 3s 9d, which sum they have
thus expended:
Remitted to the Treasurer in Toronto
For the purchase of two shares in the
Church of England Building
Society to be given on behalf of
the Parish to the Church
University
For repairing the parish church, & etc.
Total
£1 5s 9d
1 16s 0d
2 2s 0d
£5 3s 9d
Rev. R.G. Cox, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
1851
Canada West Census shows Rev. R.G. Cox living in
Hillier Township, Enumeration District No. 2, with his
wife Fanny, daughters Fanny Stewart and Mary
Elizabeth, and sons Edward Strachan and Robert
Gregory. Both daughters were born in the United States.
Edward Strachan and Robert Gregory were both
born in Wellington, Ontario, Hillier Township.
Feb 13, 1852
Birth of Caroline Cox, daughter of Rev. R.G. & Fanny
Cox, Wellington, Ontario, Hillier Township. Baptized
by her father, sponsors being D.Y. & Margaret Leslie.
Baptism at Christ Church, Hillier.
Mar 31, 1852
Tenth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church Society
of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. R.G. Cox, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
Jun 9, 1852
Deed of Bargain and sale of 3/8 acre of land in the
village of Wellington from Ebenezeer Reynolds,
Yeoman, in the Township of Hillier, and his oldest son
Daniel Reynolds, Labourer, in the Town of
Ogdensburgh, New York State and his wife Hannah
Reynolds to the Church Society of the Diocese of
Toronto for £25 5s 0d. Witnessed by O.R. Henderson
of Wellington, Merchant, and Thomas Worthington,
Collector of Customs.
Jul 27, 1852
Visit by Bishop Strachan to Christ Church, Hillier at
3pm to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Sep 3, 1852
Notice in the ‘Gazette’ newspaper: Tenders are requested
for building an Episcopal church (of stone, style Gothic)
in the village of Wellington.
Late 1852
Arrival of William Hay, architect, in Toronto from
Scotland. Born in Dykeside, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire in
1818, Hay spent time in Edinburgh before moving to
London in 1846 to work for the firm of George Gilbert
Scott. In 1847, Hay sailed to Newfoundland to work on
the building of St. John’s Cathedral. Several of Hay’s
buildings are still standing. As early as May 24th, 1846,
there is a letter from Bishop Strachan to Hay concerning
his offer of plans for a church in Ontario.
Hay advertised himself as an architect, civil engineer and
surveyor, operating his business from No. 18 King Street,
Toronto.
Mar 31, 1853
Eleventh Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. R.G. Cox, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
Dec 15, 1853
Birth of William Cox, son of Rev. R.G. & Fanny Cox,
in Wellington, Ontario, Hillier Township. Baptized at
Christ Church, Hillier by Rev. W. Bleasdell of St.
George’s, Port Trent. Sponsors were William & Annie
Young and William Lauder.
Jan 26, 1854
Death of William Cox, son of Rev. R.G. & Fanny Cox.
Funeral at Christ Church, Hillier, January 28th,
Rev. J. Padfield of the Carrying Place and Consecon
officiating. William was buried in the north west corner
of the cemetery. The stone still stands, but is barely
legible.
Mar 31, 1854
Twelfth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. R.G. Cox, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
Mar 26, 1855
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.61)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. Robert Gregory Cox
advising him that he has no vacancy to offer him at
present and asking him to wait his turn patiently. The
Bishop also advises Rev. Cox to be more careful in his
conduct.
Mar 31, 1855
Thirteenth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. R.G. Cox, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
First mention of a parish in Sophiasburgh with Thomas
Bousfield stationed in Northport.
p.51 Prince Edward District Branch
The Parochial Committee of Christ’s Church, Hillier,
desire to express their gratitude to the Almighty Giver
of every good and perfect gift, for the agricultural and
commercial prosperity which its members, along with
other inhabitants of the Province, have enjoyed.
The said Committee take great pleasure in reporting the
erection of a suitable and ecclesiastically correct
building for the worship of God in Wellington – towards
which many of our generous fellow churchmen in
various parts of western Canada have contributed, and
that had it not been for the unprecedented severity of the
weather, the said church at this time be open for divine
service – a result which they trust speedily to
accomplish.
A subscription for the building of sheds has been
commenced, and it is believed that in the ensuing season
they will be completed. The Committee, in closing, has
to express their regret that nothing has been done
towards rendering the vestry-room of Christ Church,
Hillier, more suitable as a robbing room for the
clergyman, but trust that before the inclemencies of
another wintry season is upon us, something may in
this way also be accomplished.
Jun 22, 1855
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.81)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. R.G. Cox explaining
that he has no funds at his disposal from which he can
make grants towards the building of the church in
Wellington. The Bishop further advises Rev. Cox to
petition the Church Society and also the S.P.C.K. in
London, England.
Jul 24, 1855
Report of confirmations by Bishop Strachan, recorded in
The Church, published in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday,
August 31st, 1855.
July 24 (Tuesday)
A drive of 10 miles brought the Bishop from Brighton to
the Carrying Place, where he preached and confirmed 23
persons. The same day there was a service at Consecon,
at which 5 persons were confirmed. In the evening the
Bishop met a large congregation of earnest churchmen in
Christ Church, Hillier, (the Rev. Mr. Cox’s Mission) 18
of whom were confirmed. Here his Lordship was the
guest of James Jones, Esq., a respectable farmer and
zealous son of the Church.
July 25 (Wednesday)
There was morning service at Wellington, also in Mr.
Cox’s mission. The Bishop preached and confirmed 35
persons. This was the first Confirmation ever
administered in Wellington, the parish having but
recently organized through the self-denying labours of
the Rev. Mr. Cox. The large number of candidates on
this first Episcopal visit speaks well for the zeal of the
Missionary and was a spectacle alike gratifying to the
Bishop and encouraging to the few earnest churchmen
who for years have longed and prayed for the regular
ministrations of religious [sacraments – with God’s grace
their] hopes are not far distant. Their new church, now
near completion, is truly an ornament to the village. It
has a look peculiarly English and thoroughly Churchlike. The plan was furnished by Mr. Hay, of Toronto.
It is to be regretted, however, that the pew system finds
advocates in this young parish. Having begun so well,
they might have gone on as a model to country parishes,
not only in Church building, but in that Christian
liberality, by which their parochial growth has been
hitherto distinguished.
A ten miles’ drive over an excellent road through the
beautiful and fruitful township of Hallowell, bought the
Bishop to Picton, the County Town. Service commenced
at 3pm. Prayers were said by the Rev. Mr. Cox, the Rev.
Mr. Tooke of Marysburgh reading the proper lessons.
The Rev. Mr. Macaulay, Rector of the Parish, acted as
Bishop’s Chaplain, receiving the tickets from those
whom he had prepared for the Holy Rite. The Bishop
preached and confirmed 45 persons, many of them adults
of middle age.
July 26 (Thursday)
The appointment at St. John’s, 10 miles from Picton, was
for 11am, but the great distance to be traveled that day,
55 miles, induced the Bishop to begin at 10, in
consequence of which only 13 of the 22 candidates who
had received tickets, came in time to receive the
apostolic rite.
St. John’s church is an old wooden building, as unlike a
Church as any house could well be. The parish has been
organized about 25 years, the first 20 of which it was
served, at intervals, by Catechists. The present Minister,
the Rev. J.R. Tooke is the first clergyman ever ‘settled’
in Marysburgh, and he resides some 10 miles from the
Church, at Milford, that being the most central part of
his Mission. The Vestry of St. John’s propose to build a
new stone church next year, and it is hoped they will
carry their intention into effect.
At 2 o’clock pm, the Bishop met a full congregation at
St. Philip’s church, Milford. Mr. Cox said prayers, and
the Bishop preached and confirmed 39 persons.
This church is an example of what may be done by the
untiring energy of a single individual, and that the
Parson himself. Mr. Tooke found the church a mere
shell, unplastered and without seats. It is now a very neat
edifice with porch, vestry, tower and ‘free’ seats for 150
persons, having kneeling and book-boards. The whole
inside is grained in oak. A chancel 12 x 14 feet is in
course of erection, also a large shed for teams. When
completed, it will be one of the most commodious
country churches in the Diocese. Much of the labour has
been performed by the Missionary himself, and one can
only wonder how he could ‘turn his hand’ to such varied
employments as quarrying and drawing stone, ‘running’
lime, shingling, lathing, painting and the manufacture of
church furniture. Truly, ‘where there is a will, there is a
way’.
Aug 6, 1855
Birth of Clara Ann Cox, daughter of Rev. R.G. & Fanny
Cox in Wellington, Ontario, Hillier Township. Clara Ann
was baptized on September 16th, 1855 by her father, the
sponsors being Anne and John Gerow. She may have
been baptized at St. Andrew’s, Wellington.
Jan 24, 1856
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.115)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to the Archdeacon of York
which discusses the advisability of appointing the Rev.
R.G. Cox to the Carrying Place.
Feb 15, 1856
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.120)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to the Hon. Robert C.
Wilkins indicating that four clergymen had turned
down the offer of the charge at the Carrying Place.
Mar 4, 1856
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.122)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to the Archdeacon of York
Discussing the offer of the Carrying Place to the Rev.
R.G. Cox.
Mar 26, 1856
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.127)
Memorandum of a letter, Bishop Strachan to the
Archdeacon of York regarding Rev. Cox going to the
Carrying Place.
Apr 30, 1856
Fourteenth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. R.G. Cox, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
The name ‘St. Andrew’s’ is used for the first time in
connection with the church in Wellington.
p. 56. Prince Edward District.
The Hillier Association report the impracticability of
holding their Annual Meeting at the usual season, owing
to the unprecedented drifts of snow and deplore that
from this cause they should have lost the benefit of the
eminent services of the Rev. T.S. Kennedy, the
secretary.
The Carrying Place being without a clergyman, the Rev.
R.G. Cox of Hillier, appointed a meeting in Consecon,
on the occasion of the visit of the Secretary of the
Diocesan Society. The collection on that occasion
amounted to £1 16s 8d.
Jun 5, 1856
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.135)
Memorandum of a letter, Bishop Strachan to the
Archdeacon of York regarding the appointment of the
Rev. R.G. Cox to Fenelon Falls.
Sep 5, 1856
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.152)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to James Rosamond,
Carleton Place acknowledging the memorial asking him
to appoint Rev. R.G. Cox to Carleton Place. The Bishop
had just appointed Cox to Fenelon Falls, but on visiting
the place to enter upon his duties some matters occurred
which will require explanation before he can be
permitted to continue in his present mission, or accept
any other.
Oct 9, 1856
R.C. Boyer, B.A., becomes an Anglican priest.
Oct 17, 1856
Sale of 1 ¾ acres of land at the north-east corner of
Danforth and Closson Roads to the Church Wardens of
Christ Church, Hillier by Paul Clapp for the sum of £43
15s 0d, witnessed by John D. Selleck and Samuel N.
Flagler. The land was purchased with the intent of
building a parsonage for the Minister and his family. The
Tremaine map of 1863 indicates the parsonage of the
Rev. R.C. Boyer at this location.
Nov 6, 1856
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.166)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to James Rosamond,
Carleton Place advising him that he has relinquished his
own view and has written to Rev. R.G. Cox to proceed
to Carleton Place and begin his duties at once.
Early 1857
Rev. Charles Ruttan from St. Peter’s Church, Cobourg, is
appointed priest in charge of Hillier and Wellington.
Mar 15, 1857
Notice indicating that a bazaar was to be held in early
June of the same year by the ladies of Wellington, ‘the
proceeds of which are to be devoted to the completion of
St. Andrew’s (Episcopal) Church of that place. A Mrs.
Ruttan, possibly the Minister’s wife, is listed as a
member of the Committee.
Mar 27, 1857
Death of Donald Christopher McDonald Whitten, aged
11 years. First recorded burial service for Rev. Charles
Ruttan.
Apr 30, 1857
Fifteenth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. Charles Ruttan, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
Nov 1, 1857
Birth of Florence Houston Cox, daughter of Rev. R.G. &
Fanny Cox in Carleton Place, Ontario.
Apr 30, 1858
Sixteenth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. Charles Ruttan, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
Sep 1, 1858
Visit by Bishop Strachan to Carrying Place, Hillier and
Wellington to administer Confirmation. A visit to Picton
was planned for the following day.
Advent 1858
Special Collection on Advent Sunday for the Mission
Fund.
Prince Edward District.
Picton
W. Macaulay
St. M.M $11.50
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees
St. John’s
1.33
Hillier
Chas Ruttan
Christ
3.32
Northport
T. Bousfield
1.10
Apr 30, 1859
Seventeenth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. Charles Ruttan, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
Jun 7-10, 1859
Rev. R.C. Boyer, BA of Michigan shown attending the
Diocese of Toronto Synod as priest in charge of Hillier
and Wellington.
1859
‘In Brampton, the Rev. Robert Gregory Cox, an AngloIndian with reserved, yet affable manners and
cosmopolitan background who took his turn as grammar
school trustee and won prizes for tomatoes, replaced that
vigorous and enthusiastic Irishman, Thomas Leech’.
(Taken from Strachan to Owens by Perkins Bull.)
Sep 3, 1859
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.300)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to James Clark, Brampton
concerning the grave charges that he had brought against
the Rev. R.G. Cox.
Sep 3, 1859
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.301)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. Robert Gregory Cox
concerning the charges made against Rev. Cox by James
Clark. The Bishop has given up hope for Cox’s
reformation. After having been given trials at Fenelon
Falls, Carleton Place, and now at Brampton, with no
permanent improvement, the Bishop suggests that there
is nothing left for Cox but his deposition from the
Church.
Oct 10, 1856
R.C. Boyer, B.A., granted a licence to officiate as an
Anglican priest in Canada West.
Apr 30, 1860
Eighteenth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. R.C. Boyer, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
Jun 18, 1860
F983-2, MS35 reel 12 (Letterbook 1854-1862 p.333)
Letter from Bishop Strachan to Rev. Robert Gregory
Cox. The Bishop encloses two documents signed by
‘respectable members’ of his congregation which imply
grave charges. The Bishop asks Cox for his comments
on them. He is grieved to learn that the Parish of
Brampton ‘is on so deplorable a position’, as he had
expected better things of him.
Jun 12-13, 1861
Synod meeting at Kingston, Ontario for the proposed
creation of a new eastern diocese.
Prince Edward:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees
Hon. R.C. Wilkins
James C. Peck
Marysburgh
Thomas Stanton J.F.B. Morice
Elias Vanvleck
James Walker
Picton
W. Macaulay
D.L. Fairfield
J.P. Downes
Robert Boyle
Sophiasburgh
Thomas Bousfield A.H. Campbell
Lewis Roberts
Wellington
R.C. Boyer
Wm. Young
(Hillier P.O)
George Jones
Mar 25, 1862
Formation of the Diocese of Ontario, the Right Rev. John
Travers Lewis installed as the first Bishop of the new
Diocese, and the first to be consecrated in Canada. St.
George’s Church in Kingston becomes a Cathedral.
The Parish of Hillier and Wellington becomes part of the
Diocese of Ontario.
Apr 9-11, 1862
Special Synod Meeting held in Kingston.
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees
Hon. R.C. Wilkins
J.C. Peck
Hillier and
R.C. Boyer, BA W. Young
Wellington
G. Jones
Northport
T. Bousfield
A.H. Campbell
L. Roberts
Apr 30, 1862
Twentieth Annual Report of the Incorporated Church
Society of the Diocese of Toronto.
Rev. R.C. Boyer, priest in charge of Hillier and
Wellington.
1862
Rev. Robert Gregory Cox retires from his charge at
Christ Church, Brampton and is replaced by Rev. Robert
Arnold, formerly of Streetsville. Perkins Bull indicates
that Cox had left the finance and organization of Christ
Church in ‘a serious condition’. Rev. Cox continues to
live in Brampton with his family.
Oct 30, 1862
Incorporation of the Village of Wellngton from parts of
Hillier and Hallowell townships, the By-law to take
effect after the twentieth day of December next.
Nov 5-7, 1862
First regular Synod of the Diocese of Ontario held in
Ottawa.
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees
Hon. R.C. Wilkins
J. Dench
S. Flindall
Hillier and
R.C. Boyer, BA Captain Young
Wellington
G. Jones
R. Pye
Northport (No longer mentioned)
Dec 1862
Information from the Letter Books of Bishop Strachan,
1862-1867, p. 28 Cox:
Pages 27 – 35 were removed from the book because of
their sensitive nature.
Apr 30, 1863
Synod record of the Diocese of Ontario indicates the
presence of a church at Gerow Gore (southern corner of
Wilson Road and Prince Edward Road No. 1). The
Tremaine Map of Prince Edward County published in
the same year confirms this. The church was situated on
the estate of the late Benjamin Gerow; no land purchase
was involved and reverted back to the owner when the
church was removed in 1936.
Jun 11, 1863
Death of Rev. Robert Gregory Cox as a result of injuries
sustained while attempting to jump onto a moving train
at the Carleton Railway Station in Toronto, on the Grand
Trunk line from Toronto to Brampton. The following
information is taken from a Globe report dated Friday,
June 12th, 1863, City News, p.2:
Dreadful Accident to Clergyman on the Grand Trunk –
Yesterday afternoon a frightful accident occurred at
Carleton station, to Rev. Mr. Cox of Brampton, a
passenger on the Grand Trunk train which left Toronto
at 4 o’clock. It appears that, by the arrangements of the
Company, the passenger train from the west passes the
train from Toronto at Queen Street Junction, but as it
was behind time yesterday, the train bound for the west
went on to Carleton and after the passengers got off at
that station, backed down into the switch to allow the
other train to pass.
Rev. Mr. Cox, who wished to make some enquiries of the
station master Mr. Tierney, also got off the train and,
after transacting his business, was standing on the
platform. He was repeatedly advised by Mr. Flood, who
had come from Toronto, and was one of the employees
of the road, to go down to the train and take his seat
before the train started, as it would not stop on the
opposite platform. He replied that the conductor would
stop in sufficient time to allow him to get on and in a few
minutes the train came up. As the engine passed the
platform he put his hand up as a signal to the engineer to
stop. The engineer had the brakes put on, but before the
train could be slowed, Rev. Mr. Cox seized the guards of
the first passenger car and endeavoured to leap on the
platform of the carriage.
He missed his footing and while holding the guards his
legs were dragged before the wheel and so blocked it
that the revolution of the wheel stopped. The flesh was
torn off one of his limbs in a fearful manner and he
sustained other injuries of a frightful character before the
train could be brought to a standstill. Two medical
gentlemen who were on the train gave their services
immediately and they deemed it prudent to have him
conveyed to Brampton. From the serious nature of his
injuries the unfortunate gentleman has received, it is
almost impossible that he can survive.
The following day, Saturday July 13th, 1863, a short
newspaper article appeared in the Globe, City News p.2:
The Frightful Accident on the Grand Trunk – Rev. Mr.
Cox of Brampton, who was so fearfully injured while
attempting to leap onto a train on the Grand Trunk West,
on the afternoon of Thursday, died from the effects of
the injuries received shortly after he was taken home the
same evening. The Rev. gentleman leaves a widow and
family to lament his loss.
Jun 13, 1863
Funeral of Rev. Robert Gregory Cox in Brampton, Rev.
Robert Arnold officiating. He was buried in the
Brampton Pioneer Cemetery, on the east side of Main
Street, ¼ mile north of the main intersection with Queen
Street (Hwy. No. 7). He was only 43 years old and his
occupation listed was ‘clerk’. [Editor’s note: unable to
locate the tombstone on July 26th, 2006.]
Fanny Cox erected a white marble tablet at Christ
Church, Brampton dedicated to the memory of her
husband. The church, a brick building located on
Joseph Street, was opened in 1856. In 1884 the Anglicans
purchased the Methodist Episcopal brick church
building at the north-east corner of Elizabeth and
Queen Streets. A new chancel was added and the
memorial window from the Joseph Street church was
installed at the new location, as was Rev. Cox’s
memorial. Opening services at the new church were
held on September 13th, 1885. Rev. Cox’s memorial,
located at the back of the church on the east wall,
reads as follows:
In Memory of
The Rev
Robert Gregory Cox
the late incumbent of this church
who departed this life,
June 11th, 1863;
Aged 43 Years
-----------This Tablet is erected by his
affectionate Widow, in testimony
of her esteem, for his virtues
as a Husband and Father
-----------“Because I LIVE
YE SHALL LIVE ALSO”
Jun 30, Jul 1-2,
1863
Second Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees, BA
Hon. R.C. Wilkins
J. Dench
S. Flindall
Hillier and
R.C. Boyer, BA S. Jones
Wellington
Captain W. Young
George Jones
In 1863 the parish of Hillier and Wellington had three
churches, two frame (Hillier and Gerow Gore) and one
brick (Wellington). The frame parsonage had 45 glebe
acres. In the past year there had been 6 marriages, 18
baptisms and 62 confirmations.
1863
The Annual Report of the Incorporated Church Society
Of the Diocese of Toronto mentions the following on
p.30:
‘Since the report of last year was drawn up, your
Committee have the painful duty of recording the death
of three of the clergy of their district, recently their
fellow labourers in the cause of the society, namely,
the Rev. T.S. Kennedy, the Rev. E.H. Dewar, and the
Rev. R.G. Cox, the death of the last named, not at the
time of any parochial charge, having been caused by a
fearful accident while returning to Brampton by railway
from the Synod.’ [Editor’s note: The Synod of the
Diocese of Toronto met on Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday, the 9th, 11th and 12th of June in Toronto]
Sep, 1863
The following appeared in The Church Chronicle: ‘An
application for pension was read from Mrs. Cox, widow
of the late Rev. R.G. Cox, whereupon it was resolved,
upon motion of Rev. H.C. Cooper, seconded by Rev. R.
Arnold, that the application of the widow of the late Rev.
R.G. Cox for a pension be received, and that a pension of
£50 per annum be granted to her, the assent of the Bishop
having been signified to the Society by the Honorary
Secretary’.
Jun 21-23, 1864
Third Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees
James Peck
Hon. R.C. Wilkins
J. Dench
Hillier and
R.C. Boyer
George Jones*
Wellington
S. Jones
Captain W. Young
*Attended Synod.
As of April 30th, 1864, there were 400 members in the
parish, with an average congregation of 145. The number
of communicants was 65, with an average attendance of
30.
Early 1865
Appointment of Rev. E.H.M. Baker as priest in charge
Of Hillier, Wellington and Gerow Gore.
Jun 20-22, 1865
Fourth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario held in
Picton, Ontario at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees, BA
James Peck
Hon. R.C. Wilkins
Hillier and
E.H.M. Baker
G. Jones
Wellington
S. Jones*
Captain Young*
*Attended Synod.
Report of Mission Deputation No.5, the very Rev. the
Dean, convener:
…In conclusion, an effort was made to visit on the 22nd
of February, Wellington and Hillier, which had been
omitted in January. The Deputation visited the Mission,
but found that no notice had been given.
Jul 1, 1865
First Vestry Meeting of Gerow Gore church, Henry
Huyck being the Minister’s Warden and H.A. McFaul
being the People’s Warden. The church windows were
already in need of repair and a committee of three
gentlemen was formed (Issac Gerow, David Clark &
William Wilson) in order to obtain subscriptions to pay
off a $100 debt to Mr. Charles Foshay.
Jan 18, 1866
Christmas Tree at the residence of Mr. William Wilson
on Thursday evening at 6pm. [Editor’s note: This house
still stands at 783 Wilson Road, RR No. 1, Bloomfield
and is owned by the editor. Two of the tickets for this
event may be found in the Hillier W.I.’s Tweedsmuir
History Book] $60 was realized and paid over to Mr.
Foshay on account of the debt on the church.
Apr 13, 1866
The Gerow Gore church was dedicated to St. Mark at the
Annual Easter Vestry Meeting, April 25th being the
Saint’s feast day.
Nov 20-22, 1866 Fifth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees, BA
J. Peck
Hillier and
E.H.M. Baker
G. Jones*
Wellington
Captain W. Young
H.A. McFaul
*Attended Synod.
Report of Mission Deputation No.2, Rev. Septimus
Jones, B.A., Convener. The following places were
visited: Trenton, Carrying Place, Consecon, Hillier,
Gerow Gore, Wellington, Picton, Milford, Marysburgh,
Adolphustown, Fredericksburg, Bath and Amherst
Island.
Feb 27, 1867
Special Vestry Meeting at St. Mark’s church, Gerow
Gore to discuss the erection of a shed 100 x 20ft to the
east of the church.
Jun 14-16, 1867
Sixth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees, BA
None listed
Hillier and
E.H.M Baker
Harker A. McFaul
Wellington
G. Jones*
Captain W, Young
*Attended Synod.
Jul 1, 1867
Dominion of Canada established. Canada West becomes
the Province of Ontario.
Jun 3, 1868
Visit by John Travers Lewis, Lord Bishop of the Diocese
of Ontario, to Hillier, Wellington and Gerow Gore.
presentation of a prayer book at St. Mark’s and a Bible at
St. Andrew’s, both on behalf of the SPCK (Society for
the Promotion of Christian Knowledge based in London,
England.)
Jun 10-12, 1868
Seventh Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees, BA
S. Flindall
James Peck
John Dench
Hillier and
E.H.M. Baker
Captain Young
Wellington
H.A. McFall*
S. Jones*
*Attended Synod.
Dec 4, 1868
The following appeared in the Brampton Times, p.2,
column 3:
Personal – We are pleased to learn that Mr. R.G. Cox,
son of the late R.G. Cox of Brampton has won the
Wellington Scholarship, the first in the second year at
Trinity College, Toronto. He also obtained lately a
second class certificate from the military school at
Kingston, where he spent his summer vacation. His many
friends will be glad to see that he still maintains the high
position he took last year, when, it will be remembered at
the matriculation exam, he stood first on the list, having
obtained the highest scholarship.
Feb 15-18, 1869
Eighth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
H.E. Plees, BA
J. Dench
S. Flindall
James Peck
Hillier and
E.H.M. Baker
S. Jones*
Wellington
Captain Young
H.A. McFall
*Attended Synod.
Report of Mission Deputation No. 2:
E.H.M. Baker and Rev. Messrs. F.W. Kirkpatrick and S.
Tighe. The deputation started off from Christ Church,
Belleville on January 12th and concluded at All Saints
Church, Kingston on January 29th. The Sunday School
Mission at Christ Church, Hillier presented $3.60.
Sep 21, 1869
Sale of 35 acres of land by Samuel and Elmira Jones to
the Incorporated Diocese of Ontario for the support of
the incumbent of Christ Church, Hillier, for the sum of
one dollar. This fulfilled a stipulation in the will of the
late James Jones. The land was situated north of the
parsonage.
Oct 22, 1869
The following appeared in the Brampton Times, p.2,
Column 1:
Personal – We learn that Edward Cox, who has been
connected with the Brampton Branch of the Royal
Canadian since its commencement, has been engaged as
assistant to the Merchant Bank Agency of this town. He
had the offer of a situation in the Royal Canadian Branch
in Woodstock, but prefers staying in Brampton among
his many friends.
Jun 7-9, 1870
Ninth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario, held in Ottawa:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
E.H.M. Baker
J. Dench
S. Flindall
Hillier and
Vacant
S.Jones
Wellington
Captain Young
Report of Mission Deputation No. 2, the Rev.
Archdeacon, Convener and Messrs. Cartwright and Low:
…After the meeting, [at Consecon] the Deputation were
driven through the rain, a distance of 7 miles to Hillier,
where they arrived late on Saturday night. Sunday,
January 23rd was a delightful day for the Deputation, for
though they had 3 full services and speeches and were at
work all day, not returning until nearly 12 o’clock from
Melville, yet their hearts were cheered with the crowded
congregations and the generous contributions of the men
of Hillier, Gerow Gore and Melville. Mr. Robert Jones
and Mr. S.P. Niles very kindly drove us to and from the
latter two places. On Monday, January 24th, we left the
Parsonage, where two of the party had been most
hospitably entertained, little anticipating the utter
destruction of its peace and comfort which occurred so
shortly afterward. At Wellington we had a most
successful meeting, the neat little church was quite
crowded and the collection more than doubled that of the
proceeding year. Here we departed from the very zealous
and labourious Incumbent of Hillier, in whose mission
we held 5 meetings, addressing 640 persons and
receiving $46.
Leaving Wellington the next morning we drove in a
snowstorm to Picton…
1870
Enlargement of St. Andrew’s church, Wellington, with
the addition of a ‘southern transept’. The building is
now shaped like a ‘T’. The addition is also in brick and
follows the design of the original church, barely fifteen
years old. Rev. E.P. Crawford now priest in charge of
Hillier, Wellington and Gerow Gore.
Nov 11, 1870
Robert Gregory Cox graduates from Trinity College with
a B.A.
Jun 13-16, 1871
Tenth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
E.H.M. Baker
J. McGregor
Young
J. Peck
J. Dench
Hillier and
E.P. Crawford,
Captain Young
Wellington
MA.
H. McPhall
S. Jones*
*Attended Synod.
James A. Preston, Convener of Deputation No. 2.
Jun 4-7, 1872
Eleventh Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
E.H.M. Baker
J. McGregor
Young
J. Peck
R. Young
Hillier and
C.H. Mockridge, S. Jones
Wellington
MA.
Captain Young
H. McFaul
Report of Mission Deputation No. 2, Rev. K.L. Jones,
C. H. Mockridge and J. Carroll, Convener:
At Carrying Place, Gerow Gore, Hillier, Fredericksburgh
and Bath, the attendance was very large. Altogether
there were 17 meetings, the deputation addressed 2,000
people and collected $213.67.
Jun 3-6, 1873
Twelfth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
E.H.M. Baker
J. Peck
R. Young
J. McGregor
Young
Hillier and
C.H. Mockridge, S. Jones
Wellington
MA.
Captain Young
Rev. C.H. Mockridge received his degree from Trinity
College, Toronto.
Jun 16-19, 1874
Thirteenth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
E.H.M. Baker
J. Peck
R. Young
Hillier and
C.H. Mockridge, D.E. Clarke
Wellington
MA.
H.A. McFaul*
S. Jones
*Attended Synod.
Jun 15-17, 1875
1875
Jun 20-23, 1876
Fourteenth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
E.H.M. Baker
S. Flindall
J.Peck
Hillier and
C.H. Mockridge, Franklin Jones
Wellington
MA.
D.E. Clarke
H.A. McFaul
Christ Church, Hillier enlarged.
Fifteenth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
E.H.M. Baker
H. Peck
S. Flindall
Hillier and
Vacant
H.A. McFaul*
Wellington
Franklin Jones
D.E. Clark
*Attended Synod.
The following information is taken from the Diocese of
Ontario Journal of Synod, Report of Deputation No.1,
p. 1384-1386:
The members of the deputation were Rev. J.W. Burke
(Convener) and Rev. W.B. Carey, of St. Paul’s Church,
Kingston. The tour commenced at Carrying Place and
ended at Milford, the County of Prince Edward being the
district to be visited. The very peculiar nature of the
winter presented some difficulties; the total absence of
sleighing (the whole journey was performed in buggies
and wagons) being a serious drawback; and at one time
roads hardened by severe frost, and at another deep in
mud, rendered traveling both slow and unpleasant…
January 11th. Meeting at Consecon. Congregation 80;
offertory $3.01. Here a large proportion of the
congregation were Dissenters. The Church (which was
neatly decorated) seems to require repairs; but it is
pleasing to note that services have resumed in this
Church since Easter, 1875. It had been closed for some
time. There is a fair prospect that the zealous labours of
the Indefatigable Incumbent will be now rewarded by
a revival of Church life.
January 14th. Meeting at Massassaga Schoolhouse (St.
Mark’s Mission). Congregation 60; offertory $8.36. A
due bill was also given by a person present for $2, which
would have made the offertory $10.36, but as it was
never redeemed of course it cannot be counted.
January 15th. Gerow Gore. The Missionary Meeting was
held in Church at the usual hour, 7 p.m. Rev. C.H.
Mockridge, the Incumbent, presided. Congregation 37;
offertory $4.84, increased afterwards to $9.04. A snow
storm turning to rain, and a damp dark night were
unfavourable circumstances, but our success was better
than could have been anticipated. Rev. E. Loucks
kindly provided and sent a carriage for us, and we went
to Picton (8miles) after the meeting.
January 18th. A doleful day. Pouring rain nearly all day.
By the kindness of Mr. F. White, a covered buggy and a
good team of horses conveyed us to Wellington. In spite
of the weather the Missionary Meeting in Church here at
7.30 p.m. was very encouraging. Congregation 50;
offertory $12.25, and Sunday School, $5. The Rev. C.H.
Mockridge presided, as being Incumbent. The Church,
lately enlarged, nicely decorated, bright and cheerful,
added greatly to our pleasure and success.
January 19th. Weather rather improved, but cloudy, with
some rain. Cleared up in the evening. Meeting in the
Church at Hillier at 7.30 p.m. Congregation 100;
offertory $28.27, and Sunday School $5. The Church
was enlarged about a year ago, and was painted last
summer. A nice organ also increases the efficiency of
the choir, and all testify to the good spirit and zeal of the
Incumbent and Parishoners.
Jun 5-8, 1877
Sixteenth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
C.P. Mulvany,
S. Young
MA.
S. Flindall
Hillier and
J. Halliwell
Franklin Jones
Wellington
The following information is taken from the Diocese of
Ontario Journal of Synod, Report of Deputation No. 1,
p. 1496:
On Saturday, Mr. Halliwell carried me [Editor’s note:
Francis W. Kirkpatrick, the Convener] in his sleigh to
Gerow Gore, where a good meeting – considering it was
a Saturday night – was held, with an offering of $3.07.
kind friends between the Gore and Hillier entertained us
for the night, and we were able to hold a meeting at
Hillier after Morning Prayers. Mr. Halliwell and myself
addressed a large and intelligent congregation, and an
offering was made of $17.41, with $3.15 for Algoma
Episcopal Fund. In the evening a meeting was held in the
Church at Wellington, where Mr. S. Nethery gave us
his assistance by speaking on behalf of the Mission
cause; offertory $8, with $3.40 for Algoma.
1877
Report in the Canadian Churchman that Rev. J. E.
Halliwell overturned in his sleigh and broke a few ribs,
which did not stop him from delivering ‘an eloquent
sermon’.
Jan 1, 1879
Notice for an Oyster Supper and Social Entertainment in
the Town Hall, Wellington, on New Year’s Night, Jan.
1st, 1879, for the benefit of St. Andrew’s Church Sunday
School. Admission 15cts. Come one, come all. A Happy
New Year.
Jun 17-20, 1879
Eighteenth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
C.P. Mulvany,
Charles Davis
MA.
Reuben Young
Stephen Young
Hillier and
J. Halliwell
No lay delegates
Wellington
Report of the Committee on Memorials from the
Parishes of North Gower, Landsdowne, Hillier and
Carrying Place:
…In reference to the Memorial from the Parish of Hillier,
your committee recommend that the Incumbent, Church
Wardens and Lay Delegates of the Parish be, and are
empowered to proceed to a valuation of the land to be
taken by the Prince Edward Railway Company, and in
case their valuation be not accepted by the Company to
appoint an arbitrator and enter on and proceed with the
arbitration under the statute, the proceeds from the
disposition of the land to be applied to the purposes of
the original trust under the direction of the Executive
Committee.
As to the application from the Rector of Carrying Place
for the sale of the Glebe Lands that is a matter already
provided for by Canon ‘for sale of Rectory Lands’, and
to which Canon your Committee beg to refer the Rector
of Carrying Place.
All of which is submitted
James A. Henderson, Chairman
Kingston, June 20th, 1879.
Jun 14-18, 1880
Nineteenth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Carrying Place
J.A. Morris
Charles Davis
Reuben Young
Hillier and
J. Halliwell
No lay delegates
Wellington
Petition from the Parish of Ameliasburg on p. 1774.
Dec 5-8, 1881
Twentieth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Ameliasburg
J.A. Morris, MA. Charles Davis
Lewis Abbot
Reuben Young
Hillier and
J. Halliwell
No lay delegates
Wellington
Jun 5-7, 1882
Twenty First Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Ameliasburg
J.A. Morris, MA. Charles Davis
Lewis Abbot
Hillier and
J. Halliwell
No lay delegates
Wellington
Rev. E.H.M. Baker listed as the Rural Dean of Hastings
and Prince Edward.
Jun 11-14, 1883
Twenty Second Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Ameliasburg
J.A. Morris, MA. S.B. Nethery
Reuben Young
Charles Davis
Hillier and
Vacant
No lay delegates
Wellington
Jun 24-27, 1884
Twenty Third Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Ameliasburg
J.A. Morris, MA. S.B. Nethery
Reuben Young
W.H. Moutray
Hillier and
A.F. Echlin
Franklin Jones
Wellington
D.E. Clarke
p.54: Report of the Special Committee in regards to
Halliwell vs. Echlin.
Confirmations by John Travers Lewis, Bishop of
Ontario:
Date
Place
M
F
First Comm
Dec 9, 1883
Hillier
10
7
17
Dec 9, 1883
Wellington 3
7
10
Advertisement for an ‘Entertainment’ in aid of the
Building Fund of Christ Church, Hillier – Friday Even’g
6th and Monday Even’g 9th Feby.
Programme
Part First
Solo, Instrumental – Miss Dunlap
Song – Mr. Spangenberg
Song – Mr. J.E. Halliwell
Duet, ‘The Fussies’ – Miss Flagler and Mr. Spangenberg
Song – Miss Reynolds
Solo, Instrumental – Miss Dunlap
Mrs. W.T. Ross and others have kindly consented to sing on Monday evening.
Part Second
Sullivan and Gilbert’s Dramatic Cantata, In One Act
Trial by Jury
Judge – Mr. E. Marsh
Defendant – Mr. H.E. Maitland
Counsel for Plaintiff – Mr. J.E. Halliwell
Foreman of Jury – Mr. F. Jones
Usher – Mr. W.T. Thorne
Plaintiff – Miss Gillespie
First Bridesmaid – Miss Noxon
Bridesmaids
Mrs. Sayre, Miss Flagler, Miss Thorne, Miss Dunlap, Miss
Nethery, Miss L. Thorne, the Misses Terry, Miss Leavens.
Jurymen
The Messrs. Jones, Halliwell, P.C. Vanhorne, P. Hubbs, S.
G. Nease, W. Palmer, A.M. Moore.
(Times Print)
Feb 6 & 9, 1885
1887
Rev. W. H. Smythe becomes priest in charge of
Wellington and Gerow Gore. In ‘A Brief History of
St. Andrew’s Church’ by Janet Lunn and Majorie Wiltse,
the following was written about the Rev. J.E. Halliwell:
He ‘engaged in business practices that caused St.
Andrew’s, Wellington and St. Mark’s at the Gerow Gore
(at that time part of the same parish) to close their doors
against him and a Hillier writer to the Canadian
Churchman to speak of him in aggrieved terms and
describe him as “the rector of the once flourishing parish
of Hillier”’.
‘Under Mr. Smythe, the St. Andrew’s Guild was formed
to Raise money for the parish (in the autumn of 1887 its
25 Members collected $36 in two months – a sizeable
amount in 1887) the church was renovated, the parish
membership was enlarged and the church was a true
focus of Christian devotion’.
Dec 1, 1887
Letter in the Canadian Churchman from a parishioner
who wrote: ‘The past stagnation in church matters has
been broken up by an active missionary like the ice
under the sun’s rays’.
Dec 15, 1887
Letter from Rev. William Herbert Smythe to Mr.
Spencer concerning the property boundary of St.
Andrew’s Church:
My dear Mr. Spencer,
Can you send the Deed of St. Andrew’s Church
Wellington? Mr. Clark thinks it is among the Synod’s
archives.
My poor people feel themselves strong enough to build
sheds at the north end of our Church to the tune of some
($100) hundred dollars, which they have never yet been
able to erect for sheltering teams, till now. He thinks a
neighbour has encroached upon our lot about 6 ft. and
we want the Deed to ascertain. If you can help in this
matter please oblige.
Ever yours faithfully
Wm. Herbert Smythe.
1888
Copy of a ‘Lenten Pastoral’ for St. Andrew’s Church.
May 14-17, 1888 Twenty Seventh Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Ameliasburg
J.A. Morris, MA. Sam Patterson
Reuben Young
Francis Hall
Hillier
J. Halliwell
No lay delegates
Wellington
W.H. Smythe
Dr. Ruttan
Haskell McFall
p.26 Gives information about a Parish of Hillier
Committee looking into the conduct of the Rev. J.
Halliwell.
Jun 17-20, 1889
Twenty Eighth Synod of the Diocese of Ontario:
Place
Minister
Lay Delegates
Ameliasburg
J.A. Morris, MA. Henry Hayes
Samuel Patterson
Francis Hall
Hillier
J. Halliwell
No lay delegates
Wellington
W.H. Smythe
Dr. Ruttan
Report No. 6 – Parish of Hillier:
To the Synod of the Diocese of Ontario
The special committee appointed at the last meeting of
Synod in reference to the Parish of Hillier, beg to report
as follows:
That the Rev. John Halliwell has this day tendered to the
Lord Bishop his resignation of the Mission of Hillier; that
such resignation has been accepted by his Lordship and
that Rev. William Fleming, formerly of Vankleek Hill,
has been appointed to that Mission. That the Rev. John
Halliwell has been appointed to Vankleek Hill in the
room and stead of the Rev. William Fleming, resigned.
That your committee have to congratulate the Synod on
the results which have been attained in this matter.
C.B. Pettit, Chairman.
Synod Committee Room, Kingston.
June 19th, 1889.
1889
From ‘A Brief History of St. Andrew’s Church’: Mr.
Smythe was described at a missionary meeting in 1889
as “a man advanced in years whose energy might be
copied to advantage by many a younger clergyman”.
When he retired in December of that year, a “sumptuous
supper” was given for him at which William Petit Niles
read an address to “our beloved rector”. He preached his
last sermon on Christmas Day and was sorely missed in
the parish for years.
1892-93
Diocese of Ontario Journal of Synod, Report of the Rural
Dean, Rev. E. Loucks – Prince Edward Deanery:
The state of the Church in the Deanery of Prince Edward
is in some respects, more encouraging than hitherto.
The Parish of Wellington and Gerow Gore was, for some
ten months, served by a Lay Reader. The present
missionary, the Rev. Mr. Blacklock, has but lately been
appointed to the Mission.
The Parish of Hillier, under the charge of Rev. Mr.
Fleming, seems to be returning to its former vitality. The
congregations are good and the services hearty.
The Registers of the Parishes of Marysburg, Wellington,
Hillier, Trenton, Frankford, and Picton are well kept, and
the churches in the Deanery, except in Hillier and
Carrying Place, are in good repair.
1893
‘A Brief History of St. Andrew’s Church’ indicates the
formation of a Women’s Auxiliary to raise money for
Anglican missions.
Dec 19, 1895
Notice in the Picton Gazette: On Christmas Day, the
service in St. Andrew’s church will be at 3 o’clock in
the afternoon. Mr. Rollin of Hillier has taken charge of
the parish during Mr. Robinson’s absence and will
officiate.
Aug 10, 1899
Notice in the Picton Gazette: Remember the ice cream
social at St. Mark’s Church, Gerow Gore, on
Wednesday, 16th August, at 7.30 p.m. Good programme
of music. Admission, and ice cream, 15c.