A Tradition, though different continues
Posted Jun 24, 2010 By Margaret Knott
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Tweet ThisEMC Lifestyle- Any book of history about Wolfe Island always includes some reference to the spiritual life of its early inhabitants, where they held services and the incredible efforts made by so few to build churches. Another part of the story that makes it somewhat different from many others is the reference to the ferry and the fact that clergy came from Kingston to minister to the people, or, islanders attempted to attend services in Kingston. One has to assume that because of the limited ferry service of the day, it might have been many months between clergy visits for any denomination, whether Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Roman Catholic or United Church. That come spring when the ice went out and the ferry came in there were marriages and baptisms and cemetery services as well as the First Eucharist and Confirmation.
Thinking about what Church Services must have been like in the early 1800's, brought me down to the ferry, to welcome two bishops from Kingston hopefully walking off the ferry together, and to take their picture. Indeed it was wishful thinking on my part, as both bishop's travelled in their own vehicles, one to Christ Church Anglican ( built at the foot in 1862) and the other to Sacred Heart of Mary, Roman Catholic( 1st church 1852, present building 1917)
The Anglican Bishop of Ontario, Rt. Rev. George Bruce came to Christ Church where he was welcomed by Rev. Canon Chris Carr and Deacon Rev. Gerry Moore and the local parish community. Services at Christ Church happen only during the summer months) Bishop Bruce administered Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion, presented the homily and later attended a reception held at St. Margaret's Hall.
At the same time RC Archbishop of Kingston Most Rev. Brendan M. O'Brien came for Confirmation and First Communion Mass at Sacred Heart of Mary Church where he was welcomed by Pastor Fr. Raymond de Souza. A reception followed at Sacred Heart School.
In the tradition of the past, two bishops acknowledged the spiritual needs of the people, who rejoiced in their coming to the isolated community of Wolfe Island.
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