Quebec Diocesan
Gazette
OCTOBER 2006 VOL 113 Number 2 Mailed as a section of Anglican Journal
Happy 90th Rev. Ruth H. Matthews
Story and photos by Jean Storry
On Friday, September 8,
2006, Rev. Ruth Matthews was invited out to lunch at the Marquis
Motel in Richmond with two good
friends, to celebrate her 90th birthday, upcoming on Sunday, Septem-
ber 10. Imagine her surprise as she
walked in to have an additional seventeen guests awaiting her and
singing “Happy Birthday”! She
was presented with a charming corsage in fall colours by Rita Noel,
then she proceeded to greet her
guests individually.
The table had been decorated
with a delicate floral centerpiece,
also in fall colours, and “90” balloons
adorned the table. To the side, a
small table held a box that had been
tole-painted by Rita Noel, in which
Miss Matthews will be able to store
her 90th birthday cards and
mementos. A guest book was on
hand. Prior to enjoying a delicious
buffet lunch, we were led in Grace
by the Archbishop, the Most Reverend Bruce Stavert.
Ginger Ale was poured for
each guest to toast Reverend
Matthews and Rita Noel presented
her with a giant cupcake and the
birthday song was sung again. The
cake was a cupcake to leave space
for another dessert as Rev. Ruth
loves the pie served at the restaurant. A short story about Rev. Ruth’s
life was read by Jean Storry, who
proposed the first toast. Archdeacon Heather Thomson spoke of Rev.
Ruth’s lead of women in the ministry and congratulated her on her
many accomplishments. A beautiful poem had been composed by Hazel Carson for this momentous oc-
casion and it was all the more enjoyable by having the poet reading it
herself. Words of deep affection and
long-standing friendship were spo-
ken by Eunice Lloyd of
Drummondville.
The Reverend Andrew
O’Donnell spoke of the support he
receives from Reverend Matthews
and how she continues her ministry
through her daily prayers. The Rev.
Canon Ron West told of the great
influence Rev. Ruth has had on his
life and that of so many others. The
Most Reverend Bruce Stavert
thanked Reverend Matthews for all
the work she has done throughout
her almost-thirty years as an ordained Minister.
Reverend
Matthews spoke after each speaker,
sharing her absolute delight in the
thoughts being expressed but feeling they were undeserved. As is her
habit of always thinking of others
first, a drawing was made on the floral centerpiece and it was given to
Hazel Carson.
Reverend Matthews is the
daughter of the late Arthur Henry
Matthews and his late wife, Ruth
Helena Ward of Quebec City and Lac
Beauport. She had three siblings her late sister, Mildred and her two
brothers, Ray and Humphrey, who
are also deceased. She is very proud
of her two nieces, Elizabeth and Linda
and her nephew, Michael.
Reverend Ruth has also been
the recipient of a great many birthday cards from friends throughout
the community. On Saturday, September 9, she was honoured by her
nieces and nephew as they came from
their homes in Alberta and Ontario
to be with her for the day. At Sunday
morning Service in St. Anne’s
Church, Richmond, September 10,
the congregation sang “Happy
Birthday” to her and in the evening,
many friends gathered on the 4th
Floor of the Wales Home to enjoy
fellowship and share in this happy
occasion.
Thompson Family Pilgrimage to St. Winifred Jellicoe
Over the years, John and Mildred would
Luke’s, Magog
have five more children of which only two
1918-2006
would survive. They became 1st generaStory and photos by Fred
tion Canadian citizens.
Several male family members
The Thompson Family from Ottawa, on fought proudly in WW1 and WW2 and
their annual pilgrimage to Magog on September their names are inscribed on the commemo1, attended the 10 a.m. service at St. Luke’s, where
their ancestors worshipped
for more than 40 years.
Richardson
Following the service,
they were given a tour of the
church viewing the beautiful
stained windows and many
memorial plaques in memory
of parishioners who had
contributed to the Parish of
St. Luke’s, followed by a visit
of St. Luke’s hall by Rev.
Fred Richardson.
While in Magog
the group rendered their respects to loved ones rative plaque at Brave’s Park, Magog.
buried at Pine Hill Cemetery and explored Magog
The Thompson family are experiand the surrounding area where their British anencing difficulties in locating burial sites of
cestors lived, loved, worked and died.
their love ones in cemetaries in the Town120 years ago, John Thomas Thomp- ships. If any reader is aware of the site of
son, his wife Mildred Ada Webster and four of “Valley View Cemetary”, please communitheir five children, immigrated to Magog from cate by -mail with Patty Thompson,
Great Ouseburn, North Yorkshire England. They pattythompson@hotmail.com or telephone
farmed and worked at Dominion Cotton Mills. (819) 345-3998.
On Saturday, August 26, Winifred Jellicoe passed
away peacefully, in her 88th year.
“Winnie” Jellicoe was born in Sheffield England,
the daughter of Charles and Annie Charlesworth. She moved to Lennoxville in 1952
with her young family when her husband, the late Rev. Dr. Sidney Jellicoe, was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Divinity at Bishop’s University, Lennoxville.
Loving mother of Andrea and Ruth, cherished grandmother of Simon and Eithne
Sheeran, Lisa Woodsit and great-grandmother of Emmaline and Gwendolyn Woodsit.
Winnie succeeded Eve Pennington as Editor of the Quebec Diocesan Gazette in
1974 and remained in office until 1985. That was when I got to know her. In those days
I wrote a regular monthly column on life at the Cathedral. I was somewhat of a neophyte
back then, but Winnie was always ready to help the beginner, and her editor’s pencil
was never heavy.
She also served the church on the Diocesan Executive Council and was a member
of both Diocesan and General Synods.
Winnie often attended services at St. Mark’s Chapel Bishop’s University. It was
only fitting, then, that funeral services for her were held there, with Archdeacon Heather
Thomson officiating assisted by Archbishop Bruce Stavert.
She was a kind and gracious lady; I was proud she called me friend.
She will be dearly missed by both family and friends.
R. Clive Meredith
A musical summer in Baie-Comeau
Quebec Diocesan Gazette October 2006 Page 2
By Stephen Kohner, Lay
Incumbent
From the
Archbishop’s
desk:
For the past three summers,
the Church of St. Andrew & St.
George has hosted a summer concert series in collaboration with le
Théatre de Baie-Comeau. The three
year entente ended this past August with yet another summer of
class acts. In all, thirteen shows
were presented, five of which allowed for local talent to present
their musical and artistic skills.
Dear Friends:
Once again this month Anglicans in Canada are asked to make a
special gift to support the work of our church in the North and overseas
through Anglican Appeal.
This year Anglican Appeal Sunday will be October 15th. This is
the Sunday after the Thanksgiving weekend. Of course, our regular giving to our church and our support of special appeals like Anglican Appeal
are all about thanks – giving, or giving thanks for God’s generosity, giving
thanks for all that we have. That should include helping generously
where there are those who have not nearly the wealth or resources we
have.
So once again I am delighted to have the opportunity to commend to you the Anglican Appeal. Former donors will be sent a direct
mailing and all parishes will be sent material about the Appeal. I ask you to
contribute generously to help the work of the church overseas and with
aboriginal people.
The concert series began in
mid-June with the choral group
ESPERANZA singing a collection of
Negro Spirituals. No sooner had
they left the stage than a two-person performance – they were winners of a local talent show for young
performers- took to the stage. The
two-night shows were sold out.
During the course of the summer, an additional eight artists performed in the church (the pews are
stored at Baie Comeau High School
and a stage, lights and sound system take their place). Many of the
shows were sold out and gave the
artists, like Quebec singersongwriter Marc Déry, a unique op-
portunity to perform in an intimate
setting.
The church was also used
for a Haiku festival over one weekend. That event culminated with
an evening of poetry open to the
general public.
Thanks to a grant from
HRDC, Amanda Durepos, (parishioner and student), was hired on
for six weeks as our bilingual tour
guide and church custodian. Well
over 300 tourists took advantage
of the guided tours.
The church is now setting
its site on two initiatives. Thanks
to the number of increased rent-
als, the church will enhance its heating system with the installation of
electric heaters. This will increase
the rental capacity of various rooms
within the church.
The other initiative is to welcome the 900+ British passengers
from the cruise ship HMS
Blackwatch that will be docked in
the port of Baie-Comeau on September 28th. The church will host
guided tours and offer a British High
Tea as a fund—raising endeavour.
The fine china that was once used
in the past during the church’s Ladies’ Guild Teas and Socials will
once again be put to good use! Now
if we can only find a Union Jack!
Best wishes,
Service and picnic in Dixville
+Bruce
Archbishop’s Calendar
October & November 2006
Date
Oct. 10-13
Oct. 18
Oct. 20
Oct. 23-27
Nov. 1
Nov. 3-4
Nov. 5
Nov 22-24
Event
Archbishop’s Clergy Conference
Central Board of Church Society
Diocesan Gazette Board
National House of Bishops
Visitation Diocesan College
Diocesan Executive Council
Collation of Pierre Voyer as Archdeacon
of St-Laurent and Installation of Canon
Graham Jackson Cathedral
Anglican Roman Catholic Bishops
Place
Gaspé
Quebec
Quebec
Toronto
Montreal
Quebec
The annual service at St. Cuthbert‘s, Dixville
was held on Sunday, Aug. 13th with the Rev. Barbara Wintle as the officiant for the service. St
Cuthbert’s congregation currently meets for the rest
of the year with St Stephen’s in Coaticook. Unfor-
Quebec
Montreal
tunately not as many attended as was hoped for
but it was good fellowship with a lovely picnic
lunch after the service on the church lawn. A good
time was had by all! Photos supplied by B. Wintle
ACW Student Bursaries
This Notice is intended for residents of the Magdalen Islands, the Lower North Shore and the Gaspe Peninsula.
The Anglican Church Women of the Diocese of Quebec have
small bursaries available for students from the above areas to enable them to continue their education at CEGEP or University level,
if living away from home.
To apply please contact:The Rev. Barbara Wintle
925 Main St.
Ayers Cliff, QC
JOB 1C0
Tel. 819-838-4952
Email barbw@abacom.com
A.C.W. Meditation
At the A.C.W. Biennial held in June of this year in Quebec City,
a booklet of 24 meditations was compiled based on the theme ‘Faith and
Action’. The following is a meditation chosen from this booklet.
Psalm 44: 13-18
The author of the psalm is chastising the Lord for causing the
Jews great humiliation. Yet, in spite of it all, the psalmist persists in his
belief in his God and his covenant. How have people in our society and
throughout the world been scorned or mocked for their faith. Have you
ever experienced ridicule or disrespect because of your beliefs? How did
or would you handle such a situation? Why do you think such situations
occur?
Quebec Diocesan Gazette
A Ministry of the Synod of the Diocese of Quebec
Founded in 1894 by the Rt. Reverend A. H. Dunn. Published by the Synod of the Diocese of Quebec ten times a year.
Mailed as a section of Anglican Journal
Dépôt légal - Bibliothèque national du Québec. ISSN 0700-4923 Subscription rate is $20.00 per year.
According to the Diocesan Canons the mandate of the Gazette shall be to serve as a means of encouragement,
communication and community building among the regions of the Diocese, with special emphasis on regional activities and
matters of concern for both laity and clergy. It shall provide an opportunity for the Bishop to address the people of the
Diocese directly and seek to cover items from outside the Diocese that bear on its corporate life.
The Gazette is a member of Canadian Church Press and the Anglican Editors Association. It is printed and mailed by Signal
Star Publishing, a division of Bowers Publishers Limited, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 4B6
The Editorial and Business office for the Gazette is located at Church House, 31 rue des Jardins, Quebec, Quebec, G1R 4L6.
phone: 418-692-3858 fax: 418-692-3876
e-mail: synodoffice@quebec.anglican.ca
To purchase advertising space in the Quebec Diocesan Gazette please contact Fred Richardson (819) 569-5277
frichardson@quebec.anglican.ca for rates and information.
On-line versions of the paper from November 2002 onward, can be found at:
http://www.quebec.anglican.org/gazette/gazette.html
James Sweeny, Editor, phone and fax 819-837-2835
Please send undeliverable copies and address changes to:
Anglican Journal Circulation Dept., 80 Hayden Street, Toronto ON M4Y 3G2
We welcome diocesan news, deadline the 1st of the month prior to publication .Please send your congregational
news and photos for publication in the Quebec Diocesan Gazette. They can be e-mailed to
diocesangazette@quebec.anglican.ca or mailed to James Sweeny, P.O. Box 247 Waterville QC J0B 3H0
ENTREVUE AVEC LA RÉVÉRENDE
SOLANGE VOUVÉ
par Rév. Michel Royer, ci-après
appelé : MR
Rév. Solange Vouvé, ci après
appelée : SV
MR : Vous êtes originaire du
sud de la France. Vous êtes une
professeure retraitée de l’Université
Laval. Vous êtes la mère de deux
enfants et de petits enfants, qui
vivent loin de vous dans l’ouest du
Canada. Mais vous êtes aussi
diacre. C’est cette femme, qui aura
bientôt 79 ans et qui a été ordonnée
diacre à l’âge de 70 ans, que je veux
interroger.
MR : Je crois que vous n’avez
pas toujours été anglicane, comment êtes-vous devenue membre de
cette Église?
SV : Ça été un long
cheminement, après avoir quitté
l’Église Catholique Romaine pendant une quarantaine d’années, j’ai
fais le tour de toutes les Églises qui
pouvaient peut-être répondre à ma
recherche et c’est dans une petite
église anglicane de Sillery que tout
d’un coup je me suis rendue compte
que oui, ça pouvait devenir MON
ÉGLISE.
MR : Comment est né en vous
ce désir de servir l’Église comme
membre du clergé?
SV : À cause de mon âge
j’avoue que j’y ne pensais pas
beaucoup, c’est le prêtre de ma
paroisse, le Révérend Peter Joyce
qui m’a suggéré d’aller un petit peu
plus loin et qui m’a suggéré
l’ordination j’ai eu un peu
l’impression que le plafond me
tombait sur la tête mais après
réflexion, je suis allée trouver Mgr
Stavert, notre évêque et il a accepté
de m’ordonner diacre.
MR :
Comment vos
expériences antérieures vous ontelles préparée à ce ministère?
SV : Je pense qu’enseigner
pendant 29 ans à l’université, en
ayant toujours la porte de son bureau ouverte, en répondant aux
adultes, parce que j’ai donné des
cours aux adultes comme aux plus
jeunes, en essayant de les aider sur
un plan un petit peu plus ouvert que
le strict plan académique, prépare
fort bien à ce genre travail.
MR : Comment voyez-vous
ce ministère et son importance dans
la vie de l’Église?
SV : Le diacre est avant tout
quelqu’un qui est là pour rassembler
les autres, pour les aider, pour les
signaler à l’attention du prêtre, pour
aller retrouver ceux qui sont à
l’hôpital, ceux qui sont dans des
foyers;
le diacre c’est un
rassembleur et c’est très très important pour l’Église; la meilleure
preuve est que de plus en plus
depuis quelques années on leur fait
place.
MR : Où avez-vous exercé
votre ministère au cours des neuf
dernières années?
SV : J’ai d’abord été à l’Église
St-Michael, comme diacre et j’ai
ensuite servi pendant quatre ans à
Trinity où j’ai beaucoup prêché où
j’ai beaucoup fait de cuisine, où j’ai
beaucoup participé à la vie de la
paroisse. Pendant tout ce temps là,
pendant dix ans, je suis allée à StBridgid, le foyer de vieillards, c’est
une des belles choses que j’ai
préférées, c’est extrêmement
enrichissant d’aller célébrer un office pour ces gens qui sont au soir
de leur vie et qui sont quand même
tellement attachés à leur Église.
MR : Donc, si je comprends
bien, au cours des dernières années,
l’expérience la plus marquante pour
vous a été de travailler à St-Bridgid
?
SV : Oui et non, parce que,
en tant que professeure, habituée à
parler toujours et beaucoup, je dois
dire que j’ai beaucoup aimé la communication donc la prédication. Ça
m’a permis d’approfondir des textes
bibliques que j’avais lus sans y voir
la moitié de ce qu’on peut y trouver.
MR : Et ces prédications, vous
les avez faites autant dans les l’église
anglophone que francophone?
SV : Beaucoup plus dans le
milieu anglophone. J’ai quelques fois
remplacé votre pasteur, le Chanoine
Voyer, tandis qu’à Trinity c’était
toujours un dimanche sur trois, mais
à la fin c’était presque un dimanche
sur deux. Et comme j’étais professeur
de traduction et que je suis angliciste
de formation, ça me posait peu de
problème.
MR : Est-ce que cette vocation a transformé votre vie et si oui,
de quelle façon?
SV : C’est impossible que ça
ne transforme pas une vie parce que
la vie du diacre est centrée sur la
prière autant que sur l’action. La lecture de l’office de la prière du matin,
la lecture de complies le soir avec le
plongeon dans les écritures, le regard
posé sur les autres, qui change au
fur et à mesure, oui bien sûr ça
transformé ma vie.
MR : Avez-vous vécu des
moments de grâce ou des moments
difficiles?
SV : Peut-être pas plus que si
je n’étais pas membre du clergé. Des
moments de grâce? Oui, bien entendu.
Le bonheur d’être oblate des Sœurs
de St-John the Divine à Toronto, les
retraites là-bas, le partage de la
spiritualité, des moments tout simples,
je me souviens d’un moment
incroyable au bord du Lac Wassawipi
à Quebec Lodge; je me souviens de
très simples Eucharisties où il y avait
trois ou quatre personnes et une
intériorité extraordinaire. Des moments difficiles? Mais bien sûr.
Surtout quand on va avoir 79 ans, il y
a des moments où on a envie de poser
son fardeau, mais il y a toujours la
grâce qui revient.
MR : Maintenant que vous
avez pris votre retraite du ministère,
avez-vous cessé toute activité
comme diacre? Si non, comment
continuez-vous à servir votre Église?
SV : Je vous dirais bien qu’une
fois qu’on a mis le petit doigt dans
l’Église, on vous laisse pas échapper
facilement. Je fais beaucoup de traduction parce que ça été mon travail
toute ma vie, j’étais professeure de
traduction. Je fais beaucoup de traduction pour l’Église. De temps en
temps je prêche à la cathédrale, de
temps en temps je prêche à Tous les
Saints, c’est rare d’ailleurs, mais
quand même; et puis je fais partie de
ma paroisse et si on a besoin de moi,
je réponds présente, sauf quand ça
devient difficile physiquement. 79
ans, c’est quand même un âge sinon
respectable, il n’y a pas d’âge respectable mais un âge avancé.
MR : Et si c’était à refaire…
SV : Demain,
MR : Aussi facilement que ça?
SV : Aussi facilement que ça.
MR : Merci et que Dieu vous
bénisse Solange Vouvé
Quebec Diocesan Gazette October 2006 Page 3
Major Support from Residents and
Experts Provides Upbeat
Background for Meetings of Reimagining Quebec Lodge Group
By Jim Ferrabee
The Re-imagining Quebec Lodge Committee has met throughout
the spring and summer, pushing ahead to develop a business plan that
will rejuvenate and remodel the 100-plus acres on the eastern side of
Lake Massawippi where Quebec Lodge has operated for some 50 years.
Two sub-committees have been formed. The first will focus on re-opening the camp as soon as possible. Several former staff members will be
participating in this effort. The second committee will focus on developing new and complementary uses for the property that will help to generate revenues to support the camp and the diocese.
It has also discussed a wider vision of Quebec Lodge, very much
respecting the mission it has served in the past. Here are some broad
principles we have agreed on.
“Since Quebec Lodge was founded by the Diocese of Quebec in
the early 1940s, its core vocation has been a Christian-based camp which
welcomed youth of any faith. It has also served, and will continue to
serve, a wider population as a retreat and conference center for universities, governments, businesses, colleges, schools and heritage or nature
groups as well as families.”
*The Quebec Lodge property is the largest asset of the Diocese of
Quebec and even though it is located in the Deanery of St. Francis, the
committee is very conscious that any new plan should benefit the Diocese as a whole.
*There should be a camping component that will serve the youth
of the Diocese and beyond.
*Whatever is done should be done in a fashion that respects the
environment.
*The Quebec Lodge plan should produce a satisfactory financial
outcome for the Diocese of Quebec and its parishes.
*A summer camp alone cannot generate enough income to sustain
the site.
*Facilities need to be expanded if Quebec Lodge is to attract a
broader range of clientele, possibly including year-round cabins for conferences, retreats or workshops.
*Quebec Lodge should be open to partnerships with other dioceses, church organizations, corporate entities and institutions, as we
seek to develop a facility and set of programs that can be self-sustaining.
The RQL Committee has met and will continue to meet with experienced camping directors, land-use experts and conference organizers as
well as with institutions in the area, in a continuing effort to broaden
support for the new project in the diocese, with other dioceses, across
the province and across the country.
Most importantly, the RQL Committee has received enthusiastic
support through our website www.quebelcodge.com and by word of
mouth from across the diocese and the province. That support has come
from ex-campers, their parents, former counselors and volunteers. They
share our interest in maintaining the property to provide a year-round
recreational and educational experiences for young people, their families
and other groups.
We, as a committee, are greatly encouraged by the support shown
for the Diocese to expand on the 60-plus year mission of Quebec Lodge
with a year-round program that will be attractive hundreds of young and
older people and will be financially viable.
A thought on the power of the diocesan cycle of
prayer.
Kay Hartwell had a letter last month from Ireland from one of those
who had visited on a companion diocese trip. It said “This week we are
remembering Lennoxville in our diocesan cycle of prayer and I am reminded of the wonderful few days I spent with you last fall.”
We also talk to God when we remember the many wonderful things
that God has provided in our lives.
Quebec Diocesan Gazette October 2006 Page 4
Nuggets from the past
Camp Program a
Summer Success
Story
Compiled from past issues of the Diocesan Gazette by Dr. M.E.
Reisner, Diocesan Historian
Although the pages of the Diocesan Gazette were usually
confined to announcements of forthcoming events (such as the
“Bishop’s Engagements for the Month”), announcements (such as the
authorization of special prayers to be said at Morning or Evening Prayer
for the day of intercession for Sunday Schools in 1906), reports (such as
those of the Church Society, the Woman’s Auxiliary or the Little Helpers
Association) and parish news from around the Diocese, now and then
the Editor would contribute an item which was chiefly creative in nature.
Story & photo byMegan Jull,
Summer Minister
More than fifty people filled the St.
Augustine Arena to attend a talent show
and closing ceremonies for the St. Augustine Children’s Camp on Thursday, August
10th, 2006. The event marked the close of a
new six week camp program that served more
than thirty children in St. Augustine this
summer.
The camp program came together thanks to a
model of co-operation. Support and funding came
from a variety of organizations, including: the Diocese
of Quebec, the Coasters Association, and the St. Augustine School, along with the help of other community and social organizations. Support was evident in
the work and leadership of the Parent’s Committee of
Jackie-Linda Gallibois, Laurette Gallibois, and Judy
Robertson and in the generosity of the residents of St.
Augustine, who routinely offered donations of food
and supplies for the campers. Three local teens, Dana
Bateman, Holly Driscoll, and Mila Robertson, served
as counselors and proved themselves to be bright and
capable young leaders. They led the children through
games, songs, crafts, and activities which were structured around weekly themes, including: Under the Sea,
Nature Week, and Christmas in July. The children also
developed their teamwork skills through co-operative
games and weekly tribal challenges. Building on earlier
camp efforts in the St. Augustine area, the day camp
program this summer was an ambitious undertaking.
Those involved rose to the challenge and find themselves looking forward to next summer and another season of camp.
The Neals return for a visit to the
Lower North Shore
Pictured below are the Rev. John Neal and Archdeacon Bob Bryan seated on the floats of the Quebec
Labrador Foundation aircraft August 23, 2006. John and his wife Pam returned to the Quebec North Shore from their home in New Zealand for the
first time in 31 years. John served St Clement’s West from 1971-75 and was the
pilot of the diocesan aircraft Cessna ZUG. John currently serves as Principal
SAMSFest
Chaplain of the New Zealand Air Force.
comes to Montreal
SAMS Canada, The South
American Missionary Society in
Canada, is organizing its fourth Annual SAMSFest in Montreal on Saturday, November 4 from 9:00 AM
through 4:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The day’s activities will feature presentations by Canadian Anglicans who have served in the mission field in South America and India in recent years, and will deal with
why God calls us to the mission
field, what mission looks like today,
and how various parishes and individuals have gotten more actively
and meaningfully involved in mission. The day’s format will also include one or two workshop sessions in the afternoon, and a light
luncheon will be served.
As of press time speakers
were being finalized for the day. Full
details are available through the
SAMS Canada website at
www.samscanada.ca.
The event will be held at St.
George’s Anglican Church, in downtown Montreal. Instruction for getting there will be available from the
above website, or by calling 450243-6854.
SAMS Canada is an Anglican
voluntary mission agency which
seeks to find and send those whom
God is calling to the mission field,
and to widen and deepen the missionary vision of Canadian Anglicans. Previous SAMSFests have
been held in Toronto, Calgary, and
Saint John New Brunswick.
Quebec in all its regions is certainly noted for its beauty —
especially in autumn when the leaves begin to turn, and it was this
circumstance that must have led the Rev. Henry Chadwick Burt (who
edited the Gazette in 1906) to vary the fare in the October issue. Posted
as he was at St Peter’s, Quebec, with responsibility for Montmorency
Falls and Lac Beauport, Burt would have driven through particularly
picturesque and well-wooded countryside.
In his observations on the season, the Editor makes the gentlest
of allusions to the spiritual implications of the natural cycle that he
describes:
“Lovely Autumn Signs
The fulness of summer is scarcely realized when the sugar maple
flashes the signal of the passing year. Against the solid masses of
varied green, a bright splash of red glows unexpectedly in the sun, a
reminder of perpetual change even in the richest abundance of growth.
It is hard to avoid a twinge of regret at the reddening of the leaves. The
maple is generally the first to give the warning and we begin to feel not
only that the glory of the summer is departing, but that it is time to
begin to prepare for the coming of the Winter King. It would seem as if
nature itself sought to warn a heedless world of an inhospitable time at
hand. But ever kindly, its transitions are never abrupt. They are gradual.
It gives us the autumn to get ready. And the autumn here in Canada has
a peculiar beauty and glory of its own, which are not witnessed
elsewhere. There is a growing sharpness in the air, which sends the
blood coursing through the veins with renewed life and incites to
movement and action. The feeling of lassitude and weariness engendered by the heats of summer gives place to one of activity; the
atmosphere becomes more bracing and there is health and vigour in
every breath we draw. Even the wild creatures of the forest, the lake and
the brook share in this renewal of life and activity. They feel the coming
change, which is heralded by the brilliant markings in the foliage of the
maple and the bright colours of those distinctive flowers which constitute the autumnal glory. The portent of the change, however, is usually
forgotten in the infinite variety of the tints in which nature arrays herself
to indicate the passing of the year. But to those who regretfully realize
all its significance, there comes the sustaining thought that the falling of
the leaves and the passing of the season’s vegetation are but phases of
the perpetual life in which nature ever renews her youth. “There is no
death; what seems so is transition.”
Gordon Gathercole’s
PARISH THE THOUGHT