Donald Oswald and his daughter Paula from Calgary were here for a very short visit.  How wonderful it was for those who had the pleasure of seeing them!

Alice (Neville) and Jim Parkinson have sold their home and have moved to Pierrefonds.  With this move it was farewell to representations  of two longtime families of the Wexford (St.Georges) Community.

Best wishes to two faithful parishioners who have recently celebrated their 95^th. birthdays.

Florence Kimber, Dec. 1, 2004  and Agnes Morrissette,  Jan. 22, 2005 

Word is that Archdeacon Allen and Susan Cooke are back home in Paris, Ontario.

Best wishes to Linda Blagrave who is recovering from a broken hip.

Lois and Derek Morris recently returned from the Chicago area where they attended one of the performances of the Nutcracker Ballet in which their two granddaughter took part.  Marissa and Sarah were part of the Carrollers Group, then Sarah danced in two numbers, the Party Scene and the Dance of the Snowflakes.  They were beautiful performances.

All the family later gathered together for the first time in four years to celebrate Christmas in Rawdon.

Diane Kyte is settling into her new home in Sherbrooke, Quebec.  Also, from all accounts their new restaurant is a busy  and active place.

The 8^th edition of our Annual Winter BBQ was held on Sat. Jan. 29^th with a sold out crowd of over 80 in attendance.  This year’s event was hosted by Ann Caster and her family,  plus the Asbil boys as cooks and several friends.

It was the usual successful evening and also proved to be profitable although the final amount was not available at the time of printing.

Plan now to attend the Annual Church Fair Saturday, July 9, 2005  You wont want to miss it.

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CEMETERY COMMITTEE REPORT

The Cemetery Committee coordinated a number of improvements during the first complete year of operations in 2004.

In early May, a well attended bee cleaned up the leaves and debris in the cemetery.  Over the summer, topsoil was spread on numerous graves that had sunk and on areas where the sod had been removed.  All of these areas were seeded with grass.  Five small oak trees were planted.  It is hoped that these will grow to help preserve the character of the Rawdon Anglican cemetery.  A number of dead and broken limbs were removed from the existing trees.

Committee members met twice with the Heritage Committee from St. Ambroise to explore ways of improving the St. John Kildare cemetery.  Records confirm at least 172 burials there and considerable gaps in the records lead us to believe there are many more.  Brush was cut and trees were limbed to improve the appearance of this property.  We also leveled two tombstones.

Thanks to all who helped maintain the cemetery and grounds, donated the topsoil, researched the St-John Kildare records, and prepared lunch for the bees.  Your contributions result in considerable savings for the church.

Priorities for 2005 include:

Spreading more topsoil in the Rawdon Cemetery

Improving the upkeep of the cemetery grounds

Removing plot markers (not tombstones) that interfere with cutting the grass; and encouraging people to level any family tombstones that are leaning.

If you notice that tombstones marking graves of relatives are no longer vertical, it would be greatly appreciated if you could see to leveling them.  With time, frost action and forces of nature may cause some tombstone bases to shift.  One the headstone begins to lean, the situation will only worsen unless corrective action is taken.  If you want advice on leveling a tombstone, please contact a member of the Cemetery Committee.  The committee members are, Shirley Tinkler, Verna Asbil-Negm, Wendy Asbil, Karen Friend, Father Edward Simonton, Clifford Parkinson, Doug & Tom Asbil.

Brent Parkinson

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FROM THE CHOIR PEWS

In the Autumn 2004 issue of In Touch we confirmed that our organist  Andre Ferland , had retired after some two and a half years.

As it was not possible to appoint an immediate replacement from amongst the locally known musicians, the McGill College of Music, as well as the weekly pew bulletins.  The usual music content of the services was maintained by singing a cappella.  This went very well, noting that  those who regularly attend our mid week Eucharist are used to singing without accompaniment.  But the response to our advertising was dismal, one enquiry only, and from one who played in pubs, at socials and did not read music.

 On one Sunday just prior to Andre’s departure, a gentleman appeared in the congregation, who took great interest in the organ.  This man turned out to be able to play but, found unsuitable as he did not read music and was not at all familiar with our form of service. 

We were very fortunate to secure, through Father Edward’s contacts, the service of Steve  Mattews, who is on the Diocesan Office staff, and an extremely gifted organist, to play for our Pastoral Festival in November, and the four Christmas services.  During this time Earle Moore, our recently retired Church Warden, suggested that we contact a friend of his, Ralph Purser of Beaconsfield.  Again we have been fortunate that Ralph is an experienced player and teacher of the organ, with full knowledge of the Anglican service,  Ralph is now playing for us on a regular basis.

The choir numbers have unfortunately reduced this year.  Nellie Dyball, has after several years as a faithful member of the choir, thought it time to join her husband Frank in the congregation.  Thank you very much Nellie, your singing and good humor are missed in the choir, but thankfully not  to Christ Church.  Also Diane Kyte, a recent addition to the choir, has relocated and taken over a restaurant in Sherbrooke, in the Eastern Townships.  We thank Diane for the time spent in the choir pews, and every success in this new venture. A warm welcome awaits any who would like to swell our now very small number.

John Clague

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REV. J. E. BURTON

The Reverend James Edmund Burton was born circa 1775 at his parents’ house, “Newgardem” in Taum, County Galway, Ireland and died on October 25, 1850 at Dysart Enos, Queen’s County, Ireland where he was parish priest.

    In 1821, he came to Canada from Ireland as a missionary for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.  He was the first Christian minister of any faith in Rawdon Township and represented the Church of England and Ireland as incumbent at Christ Church, until May 1833.  The first recorded event that was actually at Rawdon was a baptism in September 1822.  At first, there was no church building only settlers’ cabins but after 1826, services were held in the school, which Burton was instrumental in establishing.  He ministered to the faithful at Terrebonne, Lachenaie, Kilkenny, Kildare, L’Assomption, St. Sulpice and all places  between.  He represented the Crown as land agent in Kilkenny.  He found time to write a pamphlet on agriculture, which indicated not only a practical understanding but that he and his children were involved in farming his extensive holding on the First Range

    His first wife was Margaret Boyce with whom he had eight children, in Ireland.  She died in 1822 and was buried at Terrebonne following the birth of her ninth child.  Terrebonne was a centre of trade and the seat of Roderick Mackenzie, the Seigneur  of Terrebonne, whose family had interests at Rawdon.   There is no evidence to connect Margaret Boyce to the Richard Boyce family who came to Rawdon, c.1832, from County Wicklow.

    Burton returned to Ireland after Margaret’s death and married Elizabeth Maria Graves Merideth, known to her family as Eliza, at Dublin on Feb. 26,1824.  A widow with seven children, she brought four of them to live at “Burtonville” on the First Range of Rawdon Township in what is now St. Julienne.  While in Canada, she gave birth to five more children and a sixth on their return to Ireland. 

    Burton came from a distinguished family.  To mention only one, Sir Richard Francis Burtin, the noted Victorian explorer was a nephew.  Likewise, his second wife, Elizabeth (who was his cousin) had relatives highly placed in church and medicine.  Her  illustrious  brother, Dr. Robert James Graves identified Graves Disease.

    Burton had 22 children and stepchildren and included amongst the males were two doctors, a Chief Justice of Quebec, an Ontario Member of Parliament and a leading Canadian civil servant.

    The silhouette of J.E. Burton once belonged to Frances Maria Burton, the fourth child of J.E. and Elizabeth, born at Rawdon July 17, 1829.  She was a talented musician and attended school in England and Toronto before she married a Montreal stockbroker and businessman, Augustus Nathan Heward at Christ Church, Montreal in 1848.  She died in that city on July 10, 1916. 

    The silhouette is printed on a 10.7 by 15.5 cm. Card.  The inscription on the back (at the top) reads “Grandfather Burton. E.H.” indicating that the image was identified by Frances’ second child, Edmund Holyiake Heward, 1850 –1910.  The card passed from him to a son and grandson and finally to Jane Heward Slessor now of Toronto, a three times great grand daughter of J. E. Burton.

    The decorative wreath surmounted by Queen’s coronet dates dates the silhouette from the reign of Victoria (acceded 1837).  The actual age is difficult to determine but Mr. Burton’s profile suggests a mature man.  Perhaps, it was done after he left Canada and copies were presented to his family spread out across Lower and Upper Canada.  There were other copies of the silhouette as a similar one has been identified in the family of Caroline Burton Lang of British Columbia, the eighth child in his first family.

     A letter from the Rev. R.K. Naylor (incumbent at Rawdon, 1912-1925) to the Bishop (of which we have copies) is believed to survive in the Anglican Archives in Montreal.  The Bishop asked him to assemble information on the Burtons for William Meredith Heward , a twice great uncle of Mrs. Slessor.  Mr. Naylor says, “I am glad Mr. Heward has a photograph of Mr. Burton.  I wonder if he could be induced to have a copy – fair sized- made at Notman’s  framed and presented to the Church.  It would be a very pleasing memento.”  We believe that the silhouette is the “photograph” referred to and are pleased to see Mr. Naylor’s wish fulfilled eighty plus years later.

Daniel Parkinson  

db.parkinson@sympatico.ca

Toronto, Ontario

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EDITOR’S CORNER

 This first issue for 2005 contains several very interesting articles on subjects not dealt with before.

            In addition to the Rector’s continued article on the physical church, we are fascinated to read of Rev. J.E. Burton, First Incumbent at Christ Church, whose image appears as part of the front cover. 

            Also, readers will be interested to read articles concerning the Vestry Meeting, the Youth Report plus the Visitation and Cemetery Committees.

            As Editor, I express my gratitude to all who have contributed to this outstanding issue and I commend it to your reading.  

            The “In Touch” group also thanks those whose financial support helps to defray costs of production and postage.

Derek Morris

WARDENS REPORT

We start our corner on a sad note.  On Christmas Eve, our friend and Honorary Assistant died of cancer.  Rev. Peel Steven came to Christ Church about 20 years ago and had served as our honorary assistant for many of these many years.  He filled in during times when we were without a minister, assisting our ministers, being a friend to so many of us and caring for his wife Mildred.  He shared his love of model trains and his computer with anyone who would listen and wasn’t above telling you the latest “joke” he had received on the internet.  He will be sorely missed by all of us.

Your wardens meet once a month with Father Edward and bimonthly with our treasurer.  At these meetings we review plans for the future, finances, committee work, etc.  Due to financial constraints we only do essential maintenance.

The glass covered case and the memorial books it will contain were given as memorials to the Tinkler and Moore families.  The books are currently being inscribed by Colleen Copping and the frontispieces were done by Norman Reynard.  We wish to thanks Karen Friend for researching the names and dates.

We close by congratulating our Choirmaster, John Clague, on receiving his license as a lay reader.  This has required two years of study and is an ongoing learning experience for John.

As usual we welcome any comments or feedback, good or bad from you.

Shirley Tinkler Moore    Verna Negm Asbil     Robert Ranger

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Doug Cowan                     January 6, 2004            Raymond Sheehan                  April 23,2004

John Charles Woodings   March 3, 2004              Herbert Smith                           May, 30, 2004

Nora Gagnon                     March 29, 2004            Alan Garfield Thomas             Sept. 20, 2004

The Reverand Peel Steven  December 24, 2004

Sean Roy Wilcox                        Faith Ann Hope Stewart Beachamp              Casandra Irene Asbil

Sept. 19, 2004                                      September 5, 2004                                     Nov. 14, 2004

Amanda Kimber                                Shane MacDonald                                       Samuel Stewart

May 28, 2004                                      May 28, 2004                                               May 28, 2004

VESTRY OF FEBRUARY 6, 2005                       KEY POINTS

·         Operating loss for 2004   $3600.00  which is half that of 2003

·         Attendance is up at church in considerable numbers

Appointments & Elections

Verna Asbil Negm  - Rectors Warden        Shirley Tinkler Moore  - Peoples Warden     

Robert Ranger  - Deputy Warden                Derek Morris  -  Synod Lay Rep.

 ·         Merle Campbell declined to be Treasurer again after 14 years of service.

 ·         Corporation will post notes re their meetings and decision making.

 ·         Estimates to repair the organ and methods to pay for the repairs

 ·         Vote of thanks to the ACW for $6.000.00 raised

 ·         Future vestry meetings to be held on a Friday night.

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PASTORAL CARE

            There are various reasons why we as a church, should keep in touch with those who become unable to follow their normal pattern of life, for whatever reason and for whatever length of time. One, is to let  it be known that they are not forgotten.  And we have our Lord’s express desire that we visit, as in these words Tken from Mattew 25 verses 36 & 40:-

                        “I was sick and you visited me.  Truly I tell you just as you did it to one

                        Of the least of those who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

            A Parental Care Committee was set up in 2003, and currently comprises Father Edward, Verna Asbil-Negm, Lillian Parkinson and John Clague as chairperson, and attempts to follow this dictum.  The members rely greatly upon Lillian Parkinson, amongst others and not always members of Christ Church, for their local knowledge and through their regular contacts, such as “Meals on Wheels” for notice of and information about, any who may otherwise drop out of sight.

                        The committee does not meet regularly, but attempts to keep in touch with those whom it is felt may welcome a visit from someone who has a recognized position within the Christ Church family.  Sometimes it must be recorded that our initial contact, normally by telephone proposing a visit, is met with a cool reception and sometimes declined.  

            A couple of hospital visits during the past year in particular stand out in my mind.  Having been given the name of one I did not know, contacting a close relative and introducing myself as a member of Christ Church, I was informed that the family were not churchgoers and that I might be met with a rather gruff possibly belligerent attitude.  In fact this family member all but suggested that I did not make a visit, maybe fearing for my safety?  A couple of visits to the patient were very pleasant and passed off without the slightest sign of hostility, and I was able to pass on a welcomed copy of the Gazette newspaper.

            In addition to occasional visits, regular monthly visits are paid to the two Heather Manoirs, during which Father Edward or Pastor Debbie Poirier of the United Church, celebrate the Holy Eucharist.  Visits to the Ste. Anne’s on Queen Street and the Sunshine Residence on 12^th Avenue, where Father Edward holds the Eucharist Service are made less frequently.  The dates for all these visits are included in the Schedule of Church Group Meetings and Events which accompanied the Rector’s Harvest Letter 2004.  Should you contemplate joining these visits, it is recommended that a check is made to their listing in the weekly Pew Bulletin, to ensure that rescheduling has not been necessary.

            The names of three representatives from each the United Church and Christ Church, have been given to the Heather Manoirs, as contacts should a resident call for a visit.

          The Committee will also be pleased to have others join their number, who are willing to pay a visit locally or  when visiting a hospital.

John Clague

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YOUTH  REPORT

            A group of 10 youth from the diocese of Montreal, along with Gail Brophy and Rae Phillips gathered at Dorval airport on July 9, 2004 to start off on an experience we’ll never forget, a diocese youth exchange.  The 12 of us arrived in Peace River at about 7:00 p.m. Alberta time, and were greeted by 16 Athabaska youth, their families and their group director Sean.  They had prepared a pot luck dinner for us all and it was followed by a square dancing show.  Later in the evening we went to our billets houses, half were staying in Peace River and the other half in Grimshaw, a nearby town.

            Every morning except Sunday a school bus stopped at the main church of each town to pick us up for the day’s activities.  At the end of each day the bus dropped us off in the same fashion.  Sunday morning everybody went to the beautiful Grimshaw church for a service attended by the mayor, ate lunch in the church hall and then walked over to the baseball diamond where we played until 4:00 p.m.  After the game it was back to our billets houses.  Some of the activities during the rest of the week included visiting an elk farm, a bison farm, square dancing lessons, a day at a ranch, a boat ride along Peace River, strawberry picking and a while at the Grimshaw pool.  The four most memorable things had to be smell of the pulp mill, aHip Hop dancing lesson form the Oppong sisters themselves, being charged by a buffalo and the highway cleanup.

            The evening of July 14^th, all the youth staying in Peace River gathered at the church for a full night of card playing, movie watching and candy eating.  We were supposed to get on a Greyhound bus at 2:30 a.m. to go to the airport, but the bus went missing along with the driver and never showed up.  We called the airport and they held the plane back for us.. after all, we were half the passengers on the tiny plane.  It was a mighty school bus that came to our rescue and it got us there in the nick of time.  When we finally got to the airport we ran through security to board the plane.  Our luggage arrived on the next flight.  It was crazy, but we all met up in Edmonton for our three hour stop over.   Some of slept on the airport floor, others played cards and we were all exhausted by the time we reach Montreal that night.

            Montreal’s half was quite different.  Everyone went to their family’s houses right from the airport.  Each day except Saturday and Sunday we all met at the cathedral to either walk or be bussed to the day’s activities.  At the end of the day we all returned via the Cathedral  to make our way home.  Saturday we spent all day at La Ronde.  Sunday we went to our own individual churches and spent the day with our families.  On weekdays we hiked Mount Bruno, took a walking tout of the Synod offices, China town, the Old Port, the Old Brewery Mission and everybody’s favorite, the Lachine Rapids.  On the last evening we had a good bye dinner.

            We owe a big “thank you” to Gail Brohpy, Sean, Rae Phillips, Jessica Bickford, Chris Belle and Sheila Beaudry.  Great relationships were made on this trip and it’s all thanks to these dedicated people.

            Personally, I would like to thank Father Edward and the congregation of Christ Church Rawdon, for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to participate in this trip.

 Brittany

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