A History of Christ Church from 1863 In Thanksgiving for 140 Years
Note: This text was prepared as a bulletin insert for the Sundays leading up to the 140th anniversary of the church in 2003) Christ Church Beginnings (to 1895)During the 1850’s, London was a rapidly growing regional centre attracting industry and commerce. With a booming petroleum industry in the area in the 1860’s, much of the growth in the city occurred in the south end of the city where industries such as Labatt’s Brewery and McLarey Stove Works were already located.
Since the 1840’s members of the only Anglican church in the city – St. Paul’s – had felt the need for another Anglican church south of the railroad tracks. Labourers from the various industries needed a place to comfortably worship in the very stratified Victorian society and there was the problem of lack of available seats at St. Paul’s on a Sunday. The “Ladies’ Committee” of St. Paul’s is said to have played a large role in raising funds for the project, though there were some prominent business subscribers to the project, including John Labbatt, and Bishop Cronyn himself may have had much to do with it.
In 1862, the Reverend G.M. Innes was appointed missionary to the area south of York Street, by the Bishop of Huron, Benjamin Cronyn. Mr. Innes began organizing a congregation. Services were initially held in the Central School House with occasional outdoor services held at the site of the new church just inside the southerly city limits at the foot of Wellington Street. This period yielded possibly apocryphal tales of a fire set in the tree stump used as a pulpit, and of people walking through woods and fording the Thames barefoot to attend service. The church building that was finally erected and consecrated as Christ’s Church in 1863 was designed by city engineer and architect William Robinson. It remains a humbly beautiful example of Victorian architecture in London. The interior is described by author Nancy Tausky as having the appearance of “a grove in a carefully designed garden.” The mortgage on the building was $800.
The first rector Mr. Innes left in 1865 to become rector of St. Paul’s and Dean of Huron College. The Rev. James Smythe succeeded him. During his time the parish grew to 600 members with a Sunday school of 350 children. The parish hall was built in 1879 chiefly to house the Sunday school.
In 1875 the third rector, the Rev. J.W.P. Smith was installed. Mr. Smith also taught at Huron College. In February 1877 several professors and alumni of Huron College met at Christ Church and passed a resolution to petition the Bishop of Huron, Isaac Helmuth, to seek a charter for a university. This charter received royal assent on March 7, 1878 and the University of Western Ontario came into being. (U.W.O. celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2003)
In 1892 a brick rectory was built at 300 Hill Street and the interior of the church was refurbished. In 1895 the Rev. J.H. Moorehouse was appointed as the fourth rector.
During these beginning years the congregation of Christ Church had lived through the Confederation of the Dominion of Canada, the Crimean War, the American Civil War, and the Victoria Day Disaster on the Thames River in 1881. CHRIST CHURCH, LONDON 1895 – 1918In 1895 the Rev. J.H. Moorehouse became rector of Christ Church, London. Mr. Moorehouse dies in 1903, while still in office.
In 1902 a letter was received notifying the wardens that Mr. H. Burton was giving up the position of pumping for the Christ Church organ.
On Oct. 17, 1903, the Rev. R.S.W. Howard was inducted as rector. His incumbency was marked with relative harmony and prosperity, although in 1908 the wardens had to borrow $1600. at year’s end to pay the bills, $1000. was still owing on the rectory mortgage, and $1300. on the new organ (which had been replaced the previous year and dedicated to the memory of Mr. Moorehouse). This organ was used until it was ruined in the fire of 1975. During this time, a window, picturing the Good Shepherd, was installed by “The King’s Daughters”, also in memory of Mr. Moorehouse. The parish said farewell to Mr. Howard in 1910 (a newspaper clipping from the time notes that Mr. Howard, who was moving to Chatham, was presented with a “purse of gold” as a parting gift) and welcomed the much beloved, the Rev. C.R. Gunne, who would later become a Canon of the Cathedral and thus became “Canon Gunne” to the delight of the parish wags.
In 1911 a familiar London name, Chancy Smith, Esq., was listed as the people’s warden of Christ Church. Christ Church felt the effects of WW1 (1914-1918), as fourteen of its members were killed. Their names are memorialized on a stone tablet on the north wall of the church. The war also took its toll on the church economically and receipts were severely reduced, although a bequest in 1914 enabled the parish to discharge its obligations on the Hill Street rectory mortgage. CHRIST CHURCH, LONDON 1918-1938 “The Roaring Twenties and the Dirty Thirties” The Great War was over and the world was changed forever. Post-war adjustment and changing societal values were reflected in the parish’s fortunes during this era. In 1929, the old Hill Street Rectory was demolished and a “modern” replacement was financed and constructed. In the late 1920’s or early 30’s, as well, the interior of the church was restructured adapting to a centre aisle pattern. These changes may reflect the post-war enthusiasm for change. However, while volunteer organizations abounded including Anglican Young People’s Association, Mothers’ Club, Girls’ Auxiliary, Women’s Auxiliary, Junior Auxiliary, Women’s Guild, and the King’s Daughters, the economic picture of the parish became greatly challenged, particularly after the new Rectory was built. The church also faced major property issues such as rewiring and re-shingling. The effects of the Depression also were particularly felt in a parish largely composed of working class folk. A historical pamphlet (Mitchell/Timmins) states: “The deficit (1938) may not appear large today ($1435.06) but should be recognized as about a third of the total budget at the time…An individual parishioner mortgaged his house to meet the costs.”
The Rev. Mr. Cummer succeeded Canon Gunne, who retired from Christ Church, and was rector from 1926 –1934. The Rev. Mr. Gilbert became rector in 1934.
In 1937 the City of London experienced a devastating flood in which some parishioners lost possessions. Parishioners were called upon to give shelter in their homes and some possessions were stored in the church basement. Some of them may still be there. CHRIST CHURCH 1939-1956“World War II and the Post-war Years”
The Rev. C.F.L. Gilbert was priest to the congregation through most of the troubling years of WWII.
In 1944, the Rev. Dr. R.P.D. Hurford became the rector and brought with him a certain scholarship as a lecturer in New Testament (Wycliffe College) and in Systematic Theology (Huron College). During his incumbency he invigorated the connection between Christ Church and theological students.
In 1945, the parish celebrated the burning of the rectory mortgage, proclaiming the parish “debt-free”. The anniversary collection that year was used for the “Coal Fund” and to contribute $235. (the parish share) towards the new synod office in the Woodman of the World Building on Richmond Street.
In 1947, the parish was challenged when “Sagging of the west wall (has) caused breaches in Christ Church and parish hall.” An estimated cost of $6000. was required to repair the southwest corner of the parish hall (notice the brickwork on the exterior today) and a 3” gap between a chimney and the building. After the repairs, the interior again needed redecorating. This was accomplished in 1950.
In 1951, a new furnace was acquired and in 1952 the kitchen was refurbished. The parish decided, having paid for all this, to go into debt to put a new hardwood floor in the church. Half of the cost was covered by the “Ladies’ Guild” who also provided carpet for the centre aisle.
The report of the Annual Meeting in 1952 lists some names which are familiar to many still I theparish: Murray Taylor was elected People’s Warden and Len Penn, Guy Markham, George Hawley, Jack Dodds, Bill Avery and Mrs. Wilma Benbow were Board Members. Miss Jennie Thomas and Miss Dorothy Wingett were appointed auditors.
In 1953, a diocesan decision required a minimum stipend and travel allowance be provided to clergy and was a hot topic in the parish at a time when the parish felt stretched by other commitments to provide money for the diocesan budget and for the Huron College Building Fund. This new expense required an additional 10 cents a week from each of the 60 envelope holders.
1953 was also the year in which U.W.O. celebrated its 75th Anniversaray, marking the occasion with a special service and the placing of a plaque in Christ Church to commemorate the historic meeting held in the church to petition for a charter for the university.
In 1956, Dr. Hurford retired from the parish and a new appointment was made in the person of the Rev. Wm. B. Wigmore. The parochial committee reported he was just what the parish needed: “A young, vigorous man who would not only be a tower of strength to our present congregation…but would also be able to think and talk as our present generation of young people do and by so doing encourage them to take their fruitful place in our church life.” CHRIST CHURCH 1956-1966 “Victoria Hospital and the Folk Mass Years”
This era of Christ Church’s life began with great expectations upon the arrival of the new rector. The Rev. Bill Wigmore brought some new energy and ideas into the parish life.
During this period, a ministry to Victoria Hospital was established, particularly in the form of worship in the chapel stemming from Mr. Wigmore’s association with the Order of St. Luke (a healing ministry).
The 100th anniversary of the parish was celebrated in 1963. In the context of this celebration the “Centennial Window” was dedicated. Designed and made by artist Christopher Wallis, the window in the north wall of the church portrays the history and fabric of the Christ Church community, picturing Huron College and University College in the background behind the church. The human figured include a woman, a youth, an academic, a priest, a labourer and a nurse.
In 1965 the parish was host to some experimental liturgy in the form of two “folk masses”. The local newspaper wrote about the event, purported to have attracted 450 people from the city and environs. Guitars, bass fiddles, a steel guitar and a guest choir from Toronto pumped out the music portion of the service (the words of the service remained unchanged) described as “more emotional than a Billy Graham Crusade”, and as a “spiritual hootenanny”. Some bible students thought there was not enough emphasis on the text anad a visiting Prebyterian thought it not conducive to worship, but most present enjoyed themselves while agreeing “it should only be used occasionally.”
However, the neighbourhood surrounding the church was changing and society itself was moving into a rocky time for all institutions. The parish found its membership declining, resulting in financial problems. The mailing list of the parish counted 78 families and 92 individuals – 1/3 wage earners, 1/3 widows and pensioners, 1/3 unable to contribute.
In a survey from Bathurst St. to the Thames River and from Clarence St. to Colborne St., only 15 “protestant” families with children were met. The local school – Governor Simcoe – also showed signs of crisis with the decrease in population. On Oct. 5, 1966 a meeting of the regular “Board of Management” was chaired by Archdeacon Carmen Queen in an attempt to estimate what it would cost for the parish “to assume again our full share of parochial and diocesan responsibilities.”
Earlier in 1966 the Rev. Wm. Wigmore moved on to a new parish in Kitchener and the diocese appointed the Rev. Father Roland Palmer, a former superior of the Cowley Fathers, as ‘priest-in-charge’, to be assisted by the Rev. Guy Markham, a retired schoolteacher living in the parish. CHRIST CHURCH, LONDON 1966-1975 “Father Palmer Times” through to the Fire As a solution to the dilemma that Christ Church was facing in 1966 with the increasing strain on its financial resources, Bishop Luxton and the Diocese of Huron invited Father Roland Palmer to be “priest in charge” of the parish. The designation “priest in charge” was an indication of the tentative nature of the parish and the appointment. Father Palmer had been superior of the Society of St. John the Evangelist (the Cowley Fathers), an Anglican religious order that at the time had its Canadian house at Bracebridge, Ontario. There was a suggestion that Father Palmer might work to transform the liturgical tradition in the parish to attract a “high” church element from the city. He would be assisted by Father Guy Markam, a retired school teacher who lived in the parish. Together these two priests walked the parish and visited door-to-door. Through their efforts, they were able to increase the involvement of the neighbourhood. With the help of Bill Cripps as treasurer, the financial books of the church were re-opened and managed. The liturgy of the church was changed considerably. The weekly Sunday Eucharist was instituted. At the time, most churches in the area were accustomed to the Eucharist once a month. A remnant of these changes can be observed in the typed covers to the Book of Common Prayer used at the 8:30 service today. The early Eucharist service was revitalized along with a mid-week Eucharist, as well as Saints’ Days observances. An active involvement of lay people in the liturgy of the word was also seen at this time, to facilitate Father Palmer’s being with the children of the Sunday School during the first part of the service. Through the work of Fathers Palmer and Markham with the congregation, the Diocese was convinced that the parish could continue. As a parting thanksgiving to the parish, Father Pallmer donated the side Hill Street door that has come to be known as “the Father Palmer entrance”.
(later in his retirement years, Father Palmer became a leader in the Anglican Church of North America, a group of dissenters to liturgical changes and to the ordination of women in the Anglican Church.)
When Father Palmer retired in 1968, the parish was the choice for another experiment which saw the Ven. Ken Bolton appointed as “priest-in charge” assisted by the Rev. “Mickey” Chovaz who had been working in the parish as a deacon with Father Palmer. Archdeacon Bolton was a professor of pastoral theology at Huron College. This was to be a joint appointment between Christ Church and the College enabling theology students to receive their pastoral training in the field. This experiment lasted for two years at which time Mr. Chovaz was appointed rector. This was a sign that the parish had again reached a place of self-sufficiency. In October 1970, the diocese was shocked by the sudden death of Bishop Luxton.
In January 1973, Mr. Chovaz was appointed assistant to the diocesan secretary treasurer to use his skills and history in the field of banking. He would later become Archdeacon Chovaz as the secretary treasurer of the diocese, a post he would hold until his retirement. He was succeeded as rector of Christ Church by the Rev. H.I.R. Ragg. Mr. Ragg left the diocese of Huron when his brother David Ragg was elected diocesan bishop to replace the Rt. Rev. Carmen Queen who had died suddenly within two years of his election.
Three months after the arrival of the Rev. David Morris as the new rector, on October 2, 1975, a fire seriously damaged the interior of the church. The organ had to be removed and services held in the parish hall. The parish had to look forward to several months of refurbishing of the church interior. Here was another challenge to the parish stamina.
CHRIST CHURCH 140 YEARS – 1976 until the PresentIn October 1975 a fire in the main church caused extensive damage to the interior of the building amounting to $90,000. The lead in some of the stained glass was melted and the organ destroyed. The congregation started plans for repairs immediately, worshipping in the meantime in the parish hall. They were able to return to the refurbished church by March of 1976. On February 6, 1977 a new Gabriel Kney Pipe Organ was dedicated – a boon to attracting good music and good musicians. From all accounts, the activities generated by this crisis resulted in new energies and new involvements. The succeeding decades brought new challenges and opportunities to the Church at large and in particular to Christ Church. These were decades of dramatic liturgical change in the worldwide church. These were also decades, in which crises in the world came to be felt on the doorsteps of Canadians. On top of this, mainline church denominations continued to be challenged by the exodus from inner city to suburbs, from Sunday morning services to sports fields and shopping malls. During the tenure of Fr. David Morris (1975 -1980) and Fr. Blair Dixon (1980 – 1991), Christ Church found it was called to stretch itself liturgically and pastorally in response to the refugee crisis precipitated by the Vietnam War and by other conflicts in the world. With lay leadership given by individuals such as Dr. George Black who was active with liturgical change on the national Church level, Christ Church found itself on the forefront of experimentation with music and orders of service. Patterns of involvement of lay people in the service, unusual at the time, were embraced with general enthusiasm. In the early 80’s, growing out of the evolution of the way the community worshipped, came the idea of changes to the interior of the worship space. Choir stalls were no longer needed and the altar needed to be brought forward to reflect the gathering of the whole people of God around the table. As the 125th anniversary approached. Plans were laid for the renovation of the parish halls and long-awaited repairs to the exterior of the building. During these times, some members of the community were giving their energies to the resettlement of refugee families in Canada. This has been a rich source of relationships and has added to the diversity in the tapestry of the community. In addition, these were the times when projects like the Fall Fun Fair engaged many of the congregation annually in a communal effort to gather resources for the continuing life of the church. In the decade of the 90’s and on into the 21st century Christ Church has continued in its heritage of encounter with the current realities of the day. Fr. Greg Smith was inducted as rector in August 1991. Since that time, changes in society and in the Church have continued to stretch and challenge this community. Living its heritage on the “other side”, Christ Church has gained the character of a gathering of pilgrims, exiles, and searchers. It continues to try to encounter honestly the issues that affect us as human beings and to reflect the inclusiveness of God’s table in prayer, in worship, in study, and in social action. Ministry with children, with the economically disadvantaged, with persons affected by the prejudices and stigmas of our society have resulted in ministries, some brief and some ongoing, such as the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Homework Centre, a monthly Community Breakfast, participation in the Ecumenical Refugee Support Group, volunteering at Camp Wendake for people, families and caregivers affected by HIV/AIDS, and Viriditas: a Centre for Creative Spirituality. A Chapter of Integrity Canada: Integrity London, began meeting at Christ Church in February 2005. A reopened south entrance dedicated in 1999 has enabled the worship space to be physically accessible. Through a ministry of worship Christ Church continues to offer imaginative and spirit-filled worship opportunities in the Anglican tradition. This has included the addition of Sacred Dance on special feast days. A ministry of healing, recalling a part of its history, has become a monthly part of regular worship after a period of experimentation as a separate service introduced by the Rev. Sylvia Brightwell, honourary assistant to the rector. And through a ministry of administration and property Christ Church continues to honour the gifts of our ancestors by striving to be good stewards of this historical building. The future is yet to be written. In gratitude we continue the journey. |
