November
11
The Vestry minutes for November 6
1877
reported that the organ debt
was to be paid off by subscription, and that the salary of the
organist,
Miss Smith, was increased from $60.00 to $100.00 per year One
hundred
and two years and four organs later, the first public performance on
the
new Karl Wilhelm organ took place on November 11, 1979, when David
Palmer
gave what "Windsor Star" critic Harry van Vugt described as "a
virtuoso
performance … extracting sweet honeycombs of sound … from
the
King of Instruments." The programme included the
Toccato
from Charles-Marie Vidor's Symphony Op. 42 no. 5, Oliver
Messiaen's
Glorified Bodies, and Bach's Toccato, Adagio, and Fugue S. 564, as well
as the first performance of local composer Paul McIntyre's Three
preludes
to hymns by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
November 18
The Rev. John Hurst submitted his resignation after the
Select
Vestry meeting of November 18 1873, having served as rector for
thirteen
years (acting also as rector at St. Johns until 1863). He had
come
to Windsor as a missionary from the Colonial and Continental Church
Society
of England, to minister to the Black residents of the area, who had
escaped
slavery in the United States, and fled across the Detroit river.
Rev. Hurst made two return visits to England where he raised funds on
behalf
of the refugees, as well as on behalf of All Saints, through his
friends
in the Church Society. The money he collected on behalf of All
Saints
was used to add the transepts and chancel in 1870-1871. He
also persuaded the congregation to buy the land to the south of the
church,
on which Scott Hall, and the church offices now stand. Upon his
departure
from Windsor, he returned to England, where he became secretary of the
Church Society.
November 25
December
9
The Alpha Sigma Women's Auxiliary
held its annual meeting on December
11 1949, with the rector. Rev. Carl Swann, presiding. Mrs. R.C.
Carbine
was elected President, and Mrs. G.H. Usher recording secretary.
Reports
of the year's work showed a very successful season, with all pledges
and
fees paid and money voted to All Saints' Church and to many special
appeals,
including the Diocese of the Arctic, Sunday School and the British and
Foreign Bible Society. A fine bale was packed for St. Paul's
residential
school, Cardston, Alberta, and a layette sent to a doctor's wife at New
Life Sanatorium in Obuse, Japan. Regular visits were made to patients
at
East Windsor Hospital, and Christmas candy was sent to the Bishop
Horden
Memorial School at Moose Factory.
December 16
At a meeting of the Board
of Management on December 8 1966,
the minutes stated that "a programme of rehabilitation and refurbishing
the fabric of the church with a total tentative estimated cost of
$24,350.00
was presented by Mr. Dinsmore. The realization was fully brought
home that buildings embellished with age and hallowed by the silent
vanished
past do deteriorate with the elements of time. It is therefore
necessary
to begin at once to take measures to ensure the continuance of the warm
atmosphere of All Saints Church for future generations."
Physical
deterioration remained a priority concern, because a year later, on
December
16 1967, the minutes record that "eavestroughing was postponed awaiting
more pleasant weather conditions. The rector, Canon
Lethbridge,
expressed a desire that his concern for the renovation of the Church be
given attention at the earliest opportunity. Mr. Seager extended
congratulations to Walter Dobric for his fine care of the shrubbery
surrounding
the church."
December 23
Marty Gervais, the "Windsor Star"
religion reporter, wrote an
article
in the December 19 1987 issue of the newspaper, entitled "How to
renew spirituality in the name of Christmas." He reported on a
homily
in which our rector, Archdeacon Jack Peck had addressed this
issue.
The spiritual dimensions of Christmas should include an awareness
that Christmas is a really bad, down time for many people, because they
are isolated, or they live by themselves. For others, Christmas
is
one of the most frenetic periods in one's life, and therefore one of
the
most stressful times. Archdeacon Peck outlined a four point plan
to address these two concerns: Making a more conscious effort to
be aware of the purpose of Christmas, that it is about the birth of
Christ;
putting the question as to whether we are making room for Christ in our
lives, and making room for the spiritual dimension of our lives;
dealing with the frantic pace by taking a few seconds a day to be quiet
and to meditate spontaneously on the meaning of Christmas in our
lives;
and acknowledging those who are alone by stopping by or inviting them
to
a special family gathering.
December 30
The church bell had not been rung for thirty
years, owing to
structural
weakening of the belfry. At a Parish Forum in the Fall of 1999,
architectural
consultant Norm Bekker recommended that the belfry be
repaired.
A member of the audience wondered aloud if it would be possible to have
this done in time for the millennium celebrations. Although Dr.
Bekker
mentioned not asking for miracles, he managed to produce one.
Shortly
before midnight on New Year's Eve, parishioners gathered in the
narthex,
in order to greet the arrival of the new millennium. While civic
ceremonies were taking place nearby at the civic esplanade on the
riverfront,
parishioners took turns to pull the bell rope, so that the church bell
could ring 2000 times. Ten year old Oliver Swainson kept a tally
sheet, to ensure the correct number of peals.
January 6
On January 7 1948 it was
announced that two scholarships
of $400.00 each, which had been created by the parish of All Saints,
would
be awarded to students from All Saints' who are candidates for Holy
Orders.
The scholarships were known as the Dean Harding Memorial
Scholarships.
The principal of Huron College, Dr. A.H. O'Neill commented that Dean
Harding
was for many years rector of All Saints and greatly beloved by all the
parishioners. The scholarship is a fitting memorial to a devoted
parish priest. He added that in these days when great stress must
be placed on spiritualities and the abiding values, it is gratifying to
find parishes so keenly interested in the progress of the church and
the
extension of God's Kingdom that they will create scholarships so that
suitable
young men of a good academic ability may be trained and take their
places
as ministers of the church.
January 13
The "Windsor Evening
Record" reported in its issue of January 13
1906 that All Saints Church had re-opened after having undergone
extensive
repairs, and the installation of a new organ. The repairs
included
the construction of the chancel, enlargement of the organ chamber, the
addition of the choir stalls presented by Miss Frances Nelson, in
memory
of her brothers James and Alexander, and the creation of three handsome
memorial windows, installed by Messrs. John and W.G. Curry in
honour
of their mother, who was one of the most faithful workers in the old
days.
The organ was installed by D.W. Karn and co. of Woodstock, and
was
known as the Karn-Warren organ. It was a three manual instrument,
and cost $4,500.00. The case was of quarter cut oak, highly
polished,
there was a detached console, and the pipes were decorated in gold and
colours. The power was supplied by a Ross water motor. The Vestry
minutes reported that "the sermon was delivered by the Rev. Canon
Dann of St. Paul's Cathedral London, and the organist, Dr. Chris F.
Davies,
provided music suitable for the occasion, his magnificent rendering of
the service proving the instrument to be fully up to the expectations
of
the congregation." Experts pronounced the new organ an exceptionally
well-balanced
instrument, and it was the largest in the county at the time.
January 20
The rector, Rev. Canon Jack Peck
was installed as the Archdeacon
of Essex and Kent, on January 19 1983. The sermon was given by
the
Right Reverend Derwyn Jones, Bishop of Huron, who was the
assistant
to the rector, Rev. R. Charles Brown, between 1947 and 1949.
January
27
A banquet was given by the ladies
of All Saints on January 17 1901,
to celebrate the homecoming of the local members of the contingent that
had fought in the Boer War. Five days later, Queen Victoria, who
had reigned for sixty three years, passed away. On February
1 1901 a Joint Memorial Service was held at All Saints. The
service
began with the singing of the Processional hymn, "For all the saints,"
followed by readings from Psalm xxxix and xc, Isaiah xxv, Luke I,
and 1 Corinthians xv. Other hymns included "Now the labourer's
task
is o'er," "How sweet the hour of closing day," and "Oh what the
joy
and the glory must be."
February 3
At the annual vestry meeting of
All Saints in 1950, it was
decided to buy a new organ, as the present organ had been in use for 43
years, and was considered to be beyond repair. The cost of a new
organ was estimated to be close to $25,000.00.
On February 8 1998 the Parish Forum featured Susan Haig, director of
the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, discussing the arts in the life of the
community
Febraury 10
Vandals broke into the Church on
February 10, 2001, and did serious
damage, breaking two stained glass windows, and desecrating a number of
items. The community rallied round and several fund-raising
events, including a concert by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, under
the
direction of Susan Haig, were held, in order to help pay
for
the damage.
February 17
An open house to
celebrate the completion of Scott Hall was held
on February 19 1955. Formal dedication ceremonies took place
after
Easter. The addition, which cost $100,000.00, was named in
honour of the Scott family, and in recognition of a substantial bequest
that had been made to All Saints. The Rev. W. Gerald Burch was rector
at
the time, and Mrs. W.R. Campbell was chair of the Reconstruction
Committee.
February 24
Fifty years ago, on
Valentine's day 1952, an entry in the Board
of Management minutes states "The matter of old records which were
accumulating
in the office and taking up needed space was discussed. It was
moved
by Mr.Twigg, seconded by Mr. Howell, that these records be disposed of
as the rector and wardens see fit." This entry provides an
explanation
for the significant gaps that exist in the archival records.
On February 22 1970 Rt. Rev. W. Gerald Burch, Bishop of
Edmonton, and former rector at All Saints, pad a visit to his old
parish.
The "Windsor Star" reported that, following his sermon, a steady stream
of well-wishers traded anecdotes over coffee and
cookies.
"There are a lot of new faces but it's amazing how many I can
remember."
He told the congregation he knew exactly where to look for old faces,
as
they were sitting there fourteen years ago. He said that such
people,
with a lifetime of commitment are the strength of the church. His
previous visit had been on February 16 1965, when he unveiled a plaque
commemorating restoration work done to preserve the church.
March 3
On February 26 1967 the music for
Evensong was provided by
the Chris-Jay Quartet, with a singing group, the Lowlanders.
While
jazz masses were becoming fairly common, not much experimentation had
taken
place with regard to combining modern music with the traditional Order
of Evensong. Replacing the canticles at this particular
service
were carefully selected spirituals and folk music with words related to
the prescribed lessons for Evensong on the third Sunday of Lent.
The organist at All Saints, Christopher Steed, was leader of the
Chris-Jay
Quartette, which also consisted of Jim Stepford, drums, Garrie Zappie,
saxophone, Tom Morand, guitar, and Mr. Steed, piano.
March
10
The "Windsor Herald" reported in
its issue of March 19 1855:
"We are requested to state that it has been found inexpedient to
continue
the services of the Church of England in the Council Chambers.
They
will in future be held in the building belonging to the Congregational
Society on Ferry Street, commencing tomorrow evening at half past seven
o' clock. " The construction of this building had just been
completed,
and it was known as Lambie Hall. It was at first used by several
denominations, which united in a non-sectarian organization.
The
Anglicans withdrew in 1857 and moved into the newly constructed All
Saints'
Church. Lambie Hall became the site of the first free
public
library in Windsor in 1894, and eventually the "Windsor Star" was
located
on the site.
Please be sure to check out the "history corner" and other pictures
of archival interest on the walls of the corridors in Scott
Hall.
March 17
The City of Windsor
approved a $1.4 million beautification
project for the civic square around City Hall in March
1998.
It would link a walk-way from the civic hall square to nearby
attractions,
such as a yet-to-be-built outdoor skating rink. The plan would
also
improve the look of the setting that acts as a backdrop to City Hall,
All
Saints Church and the cenotaph. Additional parking lots were
designed
to be included.. The construction of the improvements to the
civic
square were completed during the summer of 2000.
Remember to place your order for the 150th anniversary history book
March 24
At a Board of Management
meeting in April 1958, a letter was read
out from the City of Windsor Director of Traffic Engineering concerning
the garage on the north east corner of the church property. This
elicited much lively discussion, because the purport of it was that the
garage represented a traffic hazard. If the building were pulled
down, some damage to other parts of the church building might be
expected.
There was also some concern expressed that the organ loft should be
properly
insulated, to prevent water damage to the organ. The upshot of
the
discussion was that R. Barnes was appointed to use his very fine
diplomatic
talent in negotiating with the city in collaboration with the property
committee regarding the manner in which the problem might be solved to
the advantage of all concerned. A story in the
"Windsor
Star" reported that the demands of All Saints, (that the city should
pay
for the demolition and for the cost of repairs and insulation to
the outer walls) were far too exacting and a councilor commented:
"They sure don't appreciate what the city already has done."
However,
the issue was apparently resolved amicably, as at a subsequent
meeting,
the rector, Rev. Ruskell, was relieved of his mission to discuss the
issue
with the city traffic controller.
March 31
Easter Sunday. No Anniversary moment
April 7
At a meeting of the Board of
Management during April 1942,
Mr. Warnock "reported that if possible to secure Miss Helen D'Avignon,
he would recommend that she be asked to accept the position as
historian
of this parish." At a subsequent meeting, Miss D'Avignon announced that
she would welcome any information pertaining to the church which anyone
might wish to supply her. Helen D'Avignon was largely responsible
for the research that went into the publication of the 90th Anniversary
history which appeared in 1945, and she collected and preserved a
number
of documents and artifacts that are in the archives to this day.
She was the daughter of Sheriff Eugene D'Avignon, and when he died in
1917,
she acted as sheriff for a short time. She founded the Girl
Guides'
Association at All Saints in 1912 when she was 17 years
old.
She worked as a teacher at the Grosse Point Country Day School, and in
the 1920s she was a girls' work secretary with the Y.W.C.A. in
London
and Montreal, and founded Camp Orendaga for girls at Port Bruce.
She returned to Windsor in the 1930s, and continued her church work at
All Saints, where she became honorary president of the Alpha Sigma
chapter
of the W..A. and a charter member of the Princess Victoria Chapter,
I.O.D.E.
She died on May 5 1948 at the early age of 53, and is interred at St.
John's
cemetery, Sandwich.
April
17
Mr. Johnston, chair of the
Property Committee reported at a meeting
of the Board of Management on April 17 1939 that "the breakdown in the
organ on Sunday last was due to brushes giving out in the generator,
but
that these were replaced by the guarantee of Johnson Turner Co.
Mr.
Johnston praised Mr. Bolton in highest terms for the work he had
contributed
in overseeing the organ repairs and other general work about the
church,
involving some six weeks time faithfully put in and suggested that some
remuneration be tendered Mr. Bolton, suggesting the sum of
$25.00.
Mr. Fred Duck added his praise of Mr. Bolton, and also of Mr.
Johnston.
Mr. Bolton thanked the meeting and stated that he had offered his
services
gratuitously and did not expect any recompense. and that he would be
pleased
to further his services to the church."
April
21
During 1875, the churchwardens
experienced some considerable
difficulty
in persuading certain parishioners to keep up with their pew rent
payments.
At a meeting of the Vestry held on April 5, the wardens were authorized
to notify all pew holders one year in arrears that unless they pay the
amount due one month from this date, their several pews will be let to
other parties. However, only two weeks later, the sexton was
giving
the job of collecting pew rents as an extra duty, being paid $25.00 for
the past year, and in future a commission of five per cent of all rents
actually collected. The Vestry meeting of April 19 1875 also
passed
a motion, moved by mr. Crampton and seconded by mr. Rice, that
the
churchwardens be authorized to place a large card on which shall be
written
"this pew to rent" on all those pews of which the owners are in arrears
for twelve months.
April
28
Women at All Saints' have
functioned within their own organizations
since the church was founded. Rarely, a woman would make a motion
at an Annual Congregational meeting. However, the business of the
church was conducted entirely by men, apparently without comment, until
the Annual Vestry meeting of 1946. 15 men had been nominated to
fill
5 positions on the Vestry, and a Miss Fowler nominated Miss Ada Timms,
whose father had served on the Select Vestry for many years. The
rector, Rev. R. Charles Brown, noted that churches have it in their
power
to determine whether women shall be members of the Board of Management,
stating that this would change greatly the structure of the Board
and the conduct of meetings, but the Vestry must decide if women
are to be included. Miss Timms moved that the Vestry resolve
itself
into a Committee of the Whole to discuss the matter of ladies being
appointed
to the Board. Her motion was defeated, and 11 men (5 elected, 6
appointed)
formed the 1946 Board. Not until February 1952 did
the
matter again arise, when the rector, Rev. W. Gerald Burch, asked about
appointing some ladies to the Advisory Board. Members of the
Advisory
Board had voice, but no vote. Mr. MacGregor moved, seconded by
Fred
Duck, that the Advisory Board stand as it is, but this motion was
defeated,
and the women's organizations were invited to appoint 3 members.
Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Ada Campbell, one of the appointees, was made
chairman of the Reconstruction Committee, and at the Annual Vestry
meeting
of 1954, she was appointed to the Board of Management without comment
or
discussion.
May 5
A meeting of the Church of
England was held in the Council
Chambers
on Thursday May 5 1855 at which the following gentlemen were elected a
committee, with power to purchase a site and take steps for erecting a
Church during the present summer: H. Kennedy, J. Brown and the
rector.
Rev. E.H. Dewar. It was also resolved that all sums subscribed be
paid on the 1st July, half in cash and half in notes payable in three
months
from that date,
During April 1884 the Vestry approved a new Diocesan Canon, namely
that the powers of the church wardens reside in a Select Vestry of 12
persons.
In September 1938, the Select Vestry passed a motion stating:
"Following
the next annual meeting in January, the Select Vestry will be known as
the Board of Management." This name was again changed in the
early
nineties, and is now known as the Parish Council.
On May 8 1955 a special service to celebrate the
cessation of hostilities in Europe was held.
Be sure to check out the "history corner" display and other archival
pictures, on the corridor walls of Scott Hall
May 12
In May 1907 Dr. Davies was
organist and choir director, and allotted
a salary of $600.00 per annum, "on condition that his attention was
called
to the fact that the boys should receive more attention than
heretofore,
and not leave all the soprano parts to the ladies." Mr. Henderson
had heard that Dr. Davies intended to do away with the boys' choir, and
he for one would oppose any such action.
A Centennial Interfaith Service was held at All Saints on Sunday May
17 1992 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of
the
City of Windsor. Prayers and scripture readings were offered by the
Native,
Islamic, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu and Christian faith
communities.
The message was delivered by rev. Ullysses Pare, and songs of praise
were
performed by Charlotte Watkins and Maxie Watkins of the Sandwich
Baptist
Church.
May 19
The "Windsor Herald"
reported in its issue of May 16
1856:
We are glad to be able to state that the contract for building All
Saints
Church in this village has been concluded, and that the work will be
immediately
commenced and vigorously prosecuted. We have seen the plan, and
have
no hesitation in saying that it will be one of the prettiest churches
in
Canada West, especially as it is to be built by the Messrs. Shorland
who,
we are assured, will do it full justice. We are requested to
state
that as the contractors require an immediate advance of money for the
purchase
of materials, Messrs. Wm. B. Hirons and Thomas Perkins, the committee
appointed
for that purpose, will call upon the subscribers to the building fund
in
a few days."
A Memorial Service for His Majesty King Edward VII was held on
May 20 1910. Hymns included "When our heads are bowed with woe."
"Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin, and "Oh what the joy
and the glory must be." Readings included Psalm xxxix and xc.
May 26
The
congregation bid farewell to Rev. Derwyn Jones on May 30
1949.
He served as assistant to the rector, Rev. R. Charles Brown until the
latter's
transfer to St. Paul's Cathedral, London, and then carried on the
duties
of acting rector until the arrival of the new rector, Rev. L.
Carl
Swan. Rev. Jones took up duties at St. George's Church, New
Hamburg, and St. Andrews Church, Kitchener, and in later years became
the
Bishop of Huron.
A service to celebrate the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth
II was held on May 31 1953
June 2
Rumours of a Fenian
raid created a stir during a service
in 1866, and the rector, the Rev. John Hurst announced from
the pulpit, "I am sorry to have to tell you that the Fenians have
landed
above Walkerville. I advise you to go home with all speed."
The pews were quickly emptied, and the parishioners headed for home,
determined
to protect their property to the death. A couple of ladies had
swooned,
and had to be revived with smelling salts. There is a famous
photograph
of parishioners gathered on the steps at the front entrance, but it is
doubtful that this photograph was actually taken on that memorable
day.
(This photograph was re-staged after the re-enactment service on May 26
2002). The truth was that the rumours of a raid had started
because a sentry had fired his rifle when he had seen a group of
Americans
crossing the Detroit River on the ferry, to celebrate Corpus Christi
Day
at Assumption Church with their Canadian friends.
June 9
The Chapel of the Good
Shepherd was dedicated on June 9 1935, by
Company 3, All Saints Guides, who had been active in the church and the
Guide movement since 1911. The gift of the chapel was made
possible
by the generosity of Mr. Arthur Scott and Miss Annie Scott. Many
members of the parish and other well-wishers worked to complete the
chapel.
Their efforts were coordinated by Mrs. Stanley Wallace, Divisional
Commissioner
for Girl Guides. Architectural advice was donated by Mr. John
Willis,
and the carving, making of the altar, rails and general work was
by
Mr. Charles Clarke and Mr. George Norwood. The frontal was
designed
by Mr. Royden Whitehead.
June 16
The third week in June
seems to have been significant for the
Monarchy.
A Sixtieth Anniversary Jubilee Thanksgiving Service, to honour Queen
Victoria,
was held on June 21 1897. Hymns included "Forward be our
watchword,"
"Brightly gleams our banner, pointed to the sky" and the Jubilee Hymn,
"God of supreme dominion, from whom all power hath birth." The
Rev.
Canon Hincks was rector. A service for the coronation of His
Majesty
King Edward VII, who was described as "the Most Worshipful Past
Grandmaster
and Protector of English Free Masons," took place at All Saints' on
June
22 1902. It was held under the auspices of the Great Western
Lodge
No. 47. The officiating clergyman was the Right Worshipful
Brother
Rev. J.C. Farthing, of Woodstock, Ont. A service for the
coronation
of His Majesty King George V was held on June 22 1911.
June 23
A report in the
"Windsor Star" dated June 24 1991 stated
that ceremonies were held during the International Freedom Festival, to
retire the battle flag of 417 squadron. This squadron,
which
flew the blue battle honours flag with advancing forces in Italy until
the end of the war in May 1945, had been adopted by the City of
Windsor
in June 1943. The flag was presented to the City of Windsor at a
ceremony at the cenotaph, and will be kept at All Saints Church until
such
time as the squadron is re-activated.
June 30
The All Saints' food
cupboard has been a fixture of the church for
forty years. Now that it is being closed, it is important to
reflect
on its origins and value. Social service work, as a
significant
facet of the church's ministry was first introduced as a concept by Mr.
Whiteside in 1959. Funds from the Irene M. Evans Memorial were
earmarked
for this work. A report was commissioned that summer and the food
cupboard grew out of some of the recommendations. Distribution of
foodstuffs
at Christmas and some emergency occasions had taken place at All
Saints'
for most of its history, although not on any organized or regular
basis.
No thought had been given to incorporating room for social service work
when Scott Hall was built in 1955, and the lack of room for proper
storage
of foodstuffs has been a perennial problem. Nevertheless, a
dedicated
group of volunteers has given out food to needy families, storing
various
windfalls of donations against the walls of the Benfield Room and
parish
hall from time to time, This small mission has been a godsend to
those who were unable, from time to time, to make ends meet. God
bless those who struggled to keep the food cupboard open throughout the
years. All Saints' has been the richer for their ministry.
July 7
A military funeral was held, with
the honours of war, in
Deny-Sur-Mer,
France, on July 11 1944, for Honorary Captain the Rev. W.L. Bob
Brown,
who had been killed in action on D-Day, while ministering to the men on
the battlefield. Captain Brown had been a curate at
All
Saints' from 1938 to 1941, when he signed up for active service,
becoming
the chaplain with the Essex Scottish Regiment, eventually serving as
chaplain
with the Third Canadian Division. After the war, it was
revealed
that Captain Brown had been killed by some German soldiers he
encountered,
in spite of the fact that he was wearing a clerical collar and a Red
Cross
armband, and was attempting to surrender. A great deal of
information
about Rev. Brown has been provided by Wayne MacPherson, who is
researching
the history of Christ Church, Delaware. Rev, Brown also served as
acting curate at St. James Westminster Church in London, before coming
to Windsor. A memorial service for Rev. Brown was held at All
Saints'
on April 5 1946. The Windsor Star published a photograph showing
the rector, Rev. R. Charles Brown, receiving a memorial chaplain's
scarf
from Capt. The Rev. W. Tully, representing the district chaplain, and
Colonel
Arthur S. Pearson. O.B.E., commanding officer of the regiment when it
left
for overseas.
July 14
The corner stone of All
Saints Church was laid on July 17 1855.
The architect was Albert Jordan of Detroit. The Detroit Free
Press
reported in its issue of July 19, "It was expected that Bishop
McCoskry
would deliver the address, but in consequence of his absence, this duty
devolved upon the Rev. W. Partridge, rector of Woodstock C.W. A
large
number of the Masonic Order were present in regalia and the whole
affair
was conducted under their supervision. Most of the clergy present wore
the regalia of the Order. Rev. Mr. Dewar of the parish officiated
as chaplain, and Mr. Henry Matz of this city adjusted the stone.
In the cavity under the stone were placed a piece of coin, a
record
of the names of those who subscribed towards building the edifice, a
list
of names of those officiating, on the occasion and a copy of the
village
charter and copies of the "Windsor Herald" and the "Detroit Free
Press."
Alexander McKenzie, future Prime Minister of Canada, was initially
designated
as the contractor, but as a result of delays in beginning construction,
due to a shortage of funds and skilled workmen, the job was eventually
given to Walter Shorland. Contemporary reports indicate
that
Mr. McKenzie assisted Mr. Matz with the adjustment of the stone.
July 21
It was in October 1957
that Board of Management member Mr. Masson
suggested to the Vestry that the outside walls of the church would be
much
more attractive if they were covered with ivy. After pricing
several
varieties, 75 plugs of "guaranteed" Boston Ivy were purchased from
Alpine
Nurseries for $65.20, planted around the base of the church and
tenderly
nurtured. Within a few years, the ivy had totally covered the
windows,
invading the belfry and wreaked havoc on the eavestroughs. It
was,
however, extremely attractive to everyone except the sexton who had the
unenviable job of trying to tame it. In the 1990s it was removed on the
suggestion of the restoration contractors. This beautiful foliage
had caused considerable damage to the exterior bricks, allowing water
to
seep into the interior walls. As the bricks deteriorated, they
changed
colour and, as they were replaced, the new bricks were of slightly
different
shades. This explains the somewhat mottled appearance of the
church.
People (generally not on the Property Committee) still bemoan the
disappearance
of the church ivy because it gave the church an aura of beauty,
antiquity
and dignity.
The deadline for ordering copies of the special numbered leatherbound
limited edition of the History of All Saints' ($150.00 plus $80.00
income
tax receipt) is July 31.
July 28
In the Fall of 1892 All Saints'
purchased the property on which
Ascension Church now stands. Plans for a building, to be known as
Chapel of the Ascension, were speedily drawn up, and the building
erected. The entire process appeared to have take only a few
months.
All Saints' provided a curate for this growing parish in 1894 in the
person
of Rev. T. Beverly Smith. It was reported at the All
Saints'
Vestry meeting of 1896 that Ascension expected to have their building
debt
retired and the church dedicated by Ascension Day of that year.
The
church became completely independent of All Saints' in 1900. The
main pioneers of this parish were Mr. James Barge who was the first
treasurer,
Mr. Shipman and Mr. Humphries. Church of the Ascension has
survived
two major fires and remains an active and innovative parish in West
Windsor.
August 4
During the summer of 1959 All
Saints undertook a social services
survey. The research study was conducted by Dr. W.E. Mann.
The survey included homes in the downtown area as well as the formal
and
informal institutions which operated in the parish area. Through
personal contact a good deal of information was gathered on the
spiritual
and other needs of the people. Several of the suggestions made
were
put into operation, and others were planned for the future, as finances
and staff permitted. For instance, a used clothing cupboard was
organized,
and women from the St. Martin's Guild were responsible for the
distribution
of the clothes. Each week a list was provided by the police dept.
to the clergy of people who had been arrested, and these names are
referred
to the clergy of each denomination. The clergy
visited
the jail each week and attempt to make a call on people from the parish
who are in difficulty with the law. The Men's Club took on the
responsibility
for sports activities in the downtown area. On the recommendation
of Dr. Mann, the Board of Management decided to engage the
services
of a social worker priest, and as none was available at the time, it
was
decided to train the curate, rev. Neil Libby, who enrolled in the
Master
of Social Work programme at Wayne State.
August
11
The new history of All
Saints', which has been titled Into the
new millennium is right on schedule, and is currently in the
hands of
the people who are assisting with the editing, proofreading and
formatting.
If our current good luck holds out, we will be able to meet the planned
publication date of October 20. The book will consist of about
130
pages of text, over 90 black and white photographs and six pages of
colour.
August
18
Throughout the history of
All Saints', very little of anything seems
to have happened during the month of August, as the Board of Management
didn't meet, and the rector, the staff and many parishioners were out
of
town enjoying well-deserved vacations.
August
25
Throughout the history of
All Saints', very little of anything seems
to have happened during the month of August, as the Board of Management
didn't meet, and the rector, the staff and many parishioners were out
of
town enjoying well-deserved vacations.
September 1
The "Windsor Star," in its issue
dated August 17
1991,
reported that Canon Robert F. Bennett, rector of St. Mark's Anglican
Church,
Brantford, had been appointed to All Saints' Church. The
newspaper
further informed its readers that Canon Bennett was ordained as
deacon
in 1974, and priest in 1975. He had served as
assistant
curate at St. Johns and Trinity, Simcoe (1974-75), rector of the
Anglican
churches in Chesley, Paisley and Tara (1975-80) and at St.
George's
Kitchener (1980-1986). He had served on many committees in the
diocese,
including the Mohawk Chapel Committee, involving native
Canadians.
Having served the parish of All Saints' for eleven years, our
much-beloved
rector is leaving us, to become the Suffragen Bishop for St.
Clair.
He was quoted in the "Windsor Star" as saying: "My time here has
been immensely rewarding and it is with mixed feelings that I will be
leaving.
We have a remarkable cross-section of people here which is typical for
downtown congregations, and it is something I will miss."
September
8
The newly completed church
building was dedicated on September 10
1857. The "Detroit Free Press" reported that morning:
"All Saints Church, the new Episcopal Church of Windsor, which is just
completed, will be opened with appropriate services today. There
will be an early service at 8 0' clock a.m., a procession of the Sunday
School children, the clergy and the Masonic body at 12 o' clock, and
afternoon
services at 3, when the rev. mr. Geddes, rector of
Hamilton,
will preach. There is also to be a concert of sacred music in the
Church at 7.30 o' clock p.m., Mr. Dwinscoe (?) the organist
of St. Paul's, and several amateurs from Detroit, Sandwich, etc.,
having
kindly promised their services. The ferry boats will run until
after
the conclusion of the concert."
September
15
A Community Service,
celebrating the life and witness of Diana,
Princess of Wales, was held on September 6 1997. The organ
prelude
consisted of Maurice Durufe's "Sicilienne", and Maurice Ravel's "Pavane
for a dead princess." The University of Windsor Chamber
Choir
performed Bach's "Jesu, priceless treasure" and Stainer's "God so loved
the world," the All Saints Choir sang Rutter's "The Lord bless
you
and keep you" and Gillian McKay performed a trumpet postlude by
John
Stanley. Readings included a selection from Thomas Merton, and
John
14, and the chosen hymns were "The Lord's my shepherd" and "Thine is
the
glory.” Reflections on the life and work of Princess Diana were
offered
by Michael Hurst, Mayor of Windsor, Danzil Helou of the Canadian
Red Cross, and Amanda Gellman, representing the AIDS Committee of
Windsor.
September
22
From time to time the
issue of the formation of a new diocese
of St. Clair, centered in Windsor, had been raised. In fact,
early
renovations included the enlargement of the chancel to cathedral size,
in the vain hope that All Saints' would be chosen as the cathedral for
a new diocese of St. Clair. In an article in the "Windsor Star"
in
the early Thirties, it was reported: "Following several years of
agitation on the part of border Anglicans, plans for the formation of a
new diocese, including the counties of Essex, Kent and Lambton, will
probably
be discussed at the sessions of the diocese of Huron which opened in
London
today. Creation of a new see has been sought on
several
occasions, owing to the size of the present diocese and the consequent
burden carried by the Most. Rev. David Williams, Archbishop oi
Huron.
Support for the plan comes principally from the Border Cities. It
was intimated that financial support to the extent of $1,000,000.00 has
been secured for the establishment of the new diocese. Windsor
has
been suggested as the logical headquarters and should the plan be
approved,
the city will have one of the finest cathedrals in the Dominion of
Canada.
Sponsors of the plan point out that the Border district is increasing
so
rapidly in population that separation is essential to the welfare of
the
church." The proposal must have been turned down, because
the
issue does not appear to have been raised since then.
September 29
In the Fall of 1981 it was
announced that All Saints had received
a Wintario Access programme grant to improve facilities and access for
the disabled. This was the culmination of over a year of study
concerning
the needs and requirements. A study revealed that All Saints was
remarkably accessible for a building of its age. With a
number
of modifications, the church could serve the disabled even better, and
earn the international symbol of accessibility, thereby becoming one of
the oldest churches in Ontario to do so. Accessibility awards
were
presented to Al Saints in
October 6
Harry van Vugt published an
article in the "Windsor Star"
on October 8 1983 about David Palmer's debut record album -
a selection of pieces played on the All Saints' Karl Wilhelm
organ.
He wrote: "Palmer wanted the disk to appeal to a wide spectrum of
listeners, and didn't stray from selections even neophytes could
appreciate."
These included Mulet's "Carillon-Sortie," Bach's "Jig" fugue, Wider's
"Tocata"
and Vierne's "Clair de Lune" and "Carillon de Westminster." Van
Vugt
quoted David as saying: "We wanted something that would show
various
facets , show the versatility of the instrument."
October 13
A Parish Forum in October 1997
addressed the issue of parking around
All Saints. The "Windsor Star" reported that congregation members
often find themselves wandering a maze of streets under construction as
they look for parking on Sunday mornings. The City Centre
Revitalization
Manager. Jim Yanchula, outlined some of the city's plans for
revitalization
the downtown, which drew approving nods from the audience. Bill
Anderson
said that All Saints representatives had been kept abreast of
changes,
and had been asked for input by the city, but that there was a
need
to let congregation members ask questions. In thanking Yanchula,
congregation member Kay Reeves said" I think we're all planning
to
be here in 20 years, and we're all going to be proud of downtown
Windsor.
And we're going to be proud of that little antique-looking place in the
middle of all the glitz and glory.
First Blessing of the Animals, Oct. 6 2000, African witness, Oct. 15
2000
October
20
The vestry meeting
held at St. John's Church, Sandwich, on October
23 1852, agreed to hold services at Windsor in the afternoon and
evening
of every Sunday thereby establishing the new parish of All Saints,
with
the Rev. E.H Dewar as rector.
H.R.H the Prince of Wales visited Windsor on October 24 1919. A
highlight
of the visit was the deposition of the colours of the 99th Battalion
(the
first military unit to be recruited exclusively from Essex County) in
All
Saints' Church. The "Border Cities Star" reported: "When the
prince
reached the church, he ascended to the altar and remained at attention,
while the band in the gallery broke into the National
Anthem.
The sight of the heir apparent to the throne of the British Empire
standing
before the audience , fair and clear-eyed, while he listened to the
music
that has been sung to the monarchs of the Anglo-Saxon peoples down
through
the ages and which will one day be sung to the future King Edward VIII,
was one of the most impressive and emotional scenes that has been
witnessed
in the Border Cities." The colours were received by the rector,
Canon
Arthur Carlisle, and the Prince signed the Preachers' Book.
October 27
As we approach the finale
of our 150th anniversary celebrations,
we are reminded of the ceremonies and celebrations that took place
during
the 100th anniversary week in November 1955. The rector at the
time
was the Rev. W. Gerald Burch, and preachers during the various services
included the Rt. Rev. G.N. Luxton, Lord Bishop of Huron, former rector
Very Rev. R. Charles Brown, Dean of Huron, Rt. Rev. Richard S. Emrich,
Bishop of Michigan, Most Rev. W.F. Barfoot, Archbishop of Ruperts Land
and former rector Rev. L. Carl Swan, Rector of St. George's, St.
Catharines.