Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish fonds

Start Date: 
1877
GMD: 
Geographic Access: 
Access Restriction: 

May be restrictions on access based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Description Level: 
Language: 
End Date: 
1973
Date Range: 
1877-1973
Repro Restriction: 

May be restrictions on use based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Conservation: 

Minor conservation performed on fonds.

Physical Description: 

0.13 m of textual record

Arrangement: 
Fonds is arranged in six sous fonds.
History Biographical: 

The Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish is comprised of six churches: St. Mark's Anglican Church (Milford Bay, Ont.), St. John's Anglican Church (Beaumaris, Ont.), St. James’ the Apostle (Port Carling, Ont.), Christ Anglican Church (Gregory, Ont.), St. James' Anglican Church (Mortimer's Point, Ont.), and St. George's Anglican Church (Port Sandfield, Ont.). The parish has three points and two occasional churches. In 2014, the parish was structured that during the winter months the three congregations would share services between two churches: St. Mark's and St. James' the Apostle. Yearly services to be held in St. James' at Mortimer's Point and St. George's at Port Sandfield. 

The Mission Parish that would become the Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish began around 1870, with Port Carling at its centre and the Gregory and Port Sandfield churches as outstations. The services were irregularly held in Port Carling by clergymen from Bracebridge and a few lay readers from the area.

St. James’ the Apostle was the first church built in 1881. Following this, the Christ Anglican Church in Gregory and St. John's in Beaumaris were built in 1891; one year later the St. George's Church in Port Sandfield was built. St. Mark's was built between 1910 and 1920. The first appointed clergyman to the area was Rev. E. Stubbs in 1884.

In 1914 the parish was gifted a “disappearing propeller boat” to make travel between the churches easier. Unfortunately, Rev. T. W. Bucklee drowned making this trip on December 9, 1923.

The Parish of Muskoka Lakes gained its name in 1994. Between 1993 and 1997, the parish became self-supporting. 

Sources:

  • "Death of the Rev. T. W. Bucklee", The Algoma Missionary News 19, no. 9 (1913): 4. Algoma University Archives, 2009-081_001_013_1923Dec.
  • “History of the Parish of Port Carling with Gregory and port Sandfield” [before 1929], St. James' Anglican Church (Port Carling, Ont.) sous fonds,2009-125_001_007_001.
  • Joyce Archdekin Payne, “A History of St. James the Apostle Anglican Church”, 1993, Diocesan Heritage Centre Parish History collection, Algoma University Archives, 2014-019_001_001.
  • Barbara Gibbs, "Parish of Muskoka Lakes", Diocese of Algoma, 2014 April 28, accessed on 2016 May 30, http://bit.ly/1X2xv3R​.
Scope Content: 

Fonds is comprised of records documenting the activities at Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish, specifically at Christ Anglican Church (Gregory, Ont.) and St. James' Anglican Church (Port Carling, Ont.). Includes W.A./A.C.W. accounts and minutes books, service register, parish register, cash book, and other materials.

Repository: 
aua

Christ Anglican Church (Gregory, Ont.) sous fonds

Custodial History: 

Accrual 2009-232 transferred from Laurentian University Archives to Algoma University in May 2009.

Start Date: 
1946
Geographic Access: 
Access Restriction: 

May be restrictions on access based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Description Level: 
End Date: 
1973
Date Range: 
1946-1973
Repro Restriction: 

May be restrictions on use based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Conservation: 

Minor conservation performed on sous fonds.

Physical Description: 

0.02 m of textual record

Arrangement: 
Sous fonds is arranged in files.
History Biographical: 

Christ Anglican Church (Gregory, Ont.) is part of the two-point  Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish (Muskoka, Ont.).

The exterior of Christ Anglican Church was built in 1891, but it was not until 1897 that the interior was completed. The church wardens hired a young man, Harry H. Woods, to take care of the property and ring the bell. Only three months later he drowned. His was the first funeral and burial done by the Gregory church. 

In 1918 the roof was shingled. 

A stained glass memorial window for Charles Edward Norris, a former church warden, was installed and dedicated in the spring of 1965. The window depicts the parable of the Good Samaritan. 

Sources:

  • "Mission of Port Carling", The Algoma Missionary News 9, no. 9 (1897): 4. Algoma University Archives, 2009-081_001_005_1897Sept.
  • "Port Carling", The Algoma Missionary News 14, no. 12 (1918): 6. Algoma University Archives, 2009-081_001_009_1918Dec.
  • "Window in Memory of Former Warden", The Algoma Anglican 9, no. 8 (1965): 1. Algoma University Archives, 2013-086_001_003_1965Sept.
  • Gary Denniss, "A Brief History of the Churches in Muskoka", 1996, Synod of the Diocese of Algoma fonds, Algoma University Archives, 2009-156_002_009.
Scope Content: 

Sous fonds is comprised of records documenting activities at Christ Anglican Church (Gregory, Ont.). Includes W.A/A.C.W account and minutes books. 

Repository: 
aua

W.A./A.C.W. Account Book

Start Date: 
1947
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1962
Date Range: 
1947-1962
Physical Description: 

0.5 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-232-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

W.A./A.C.W. Minute Book

Start Date: 
1946
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1973
Date Range: 
1946-1973
Physical Description: 

1.3 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-232-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

W.A./A.C.W. Account Book

Start Date: 
1962
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1973
Date Range: 
1962-1973
Physical Description: 

0.5 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-232-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

St. George's Anglican Church (Port Sandfield, Ont.) sous fonds

Custodial History: 

No accruals have been received. Future accruals may be expected.

Geographic Access: 
Access Restriction: 

May be restrictions on access based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Description Level: 
Repro Restriction: 

May be restrictions on use based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Conservation: 

Minor conservation performed on sous fonds. 

Physical Description: 

0.0 m of textual records

History Biographical: 

St. George's Anglican Church (Port Sandfield, Ont.) is part of the multi-point Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish.

The St. George's church was built in 1892 and was an outstation to St. James' the Apostle (Port Carling, Ont).

The church became inactive in the late 1970's due to a lack of clergy, and in 1981 the property was being considered for sale. The congregation fought to keep the church open and raised $10,000 for a new roof and renovations. The congregation celebrated the renewal on August 8, 1982. A memorial window of the Good Shepherd was installed and dedicated on July 28, 1985 as a reminder of the pioneers of Muskoka and the congregation's determination.

St. George's is now an occasional church and holds a regular service on August 1st. 

Sources:

  • "Executive Committee of Algoma Diocese held meeting in June", The Algoma Anglican 26, no. 9 (1981): 1. Algoma University Archives, 2013-086_001_012_1981Sept.
  • "Port Sandfield community reactivates historic St. George's Church", The Algoma Anglican 32, no. 7 (1985): 4. Algoma University Archives, 2013-086_001_014_1985Sept.
  • Barbara Gibbs, "Parish of Muskoka Lakes", Diocese of Algoma, 2014 April 28, accessed on 2016 May 30, http://bit.ly/1X2xv3R​.
Scope Content: 

There are currently no records in the sous fonds. The sous fonds record is serving as a place holder for future accruals.

Repository: 
aua

St. James' Anglican Church (Mortimer's Point, Ont.) sous fonds

Custodial History: 

No accruals have been received. Future accruals may be expected.

Geographic Access: 
Access Restriction: 

May be restrictions on access based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Description Level: 
Repro Restriction: 

May be restrictions on use based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Conservation: 

Minor conservation performed on sous fonds.

Physical Description: 

0.0 m of textual records

History Biographical: 

St. James' Anglican Church (Mortimer's Point, Ont) is part of the multi-point Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish. 

The church building is regularly used for Thanksgiving service by the parish. 

Sources:

  • Barbara Gibbs, "Parish of Muskoka Lakes", Diocese of Algoma, 2014 April 28, accessed on 2016 May 30, http://bit.ly/1X2xv3R​.
Scope Content: 

There are currently no records in the sous fonds. The sous fonds record is serving as a place holder for future accruals.

Repository: 
aua

St. James' Anglican Church (Port Carling, Ont.) sous fonds

Custodial History: 

Accrual 2009-125 transferred from Laurentian University Archives to Algoma University in May 2009.

Start Date: 
1877
Geographic Access: 
Access Restriction: 

May be restrictions on access based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Description Level: 
End Date: 
1971
Date Range: 
1877-1971
Repro Restriction: 

May be restrictions on use based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Conservation: 

Minor conservation performed on sous fonds.

Physical Description: 

0.11 m of textual record

Arrangement: 
Sous fonds is arranged in files.
History Biographical: 

St. James' Anglican Church (Port Carling, Ont.) is a church in the Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish.

In the 1870s services were being held irregularly in Port Carling by clergymen from Bracebridge and lay readers from the area. The first appointed clergyman was Rev. E. Stubbs; the East window was later installed in memory of him. The church began construction in 1877 after Mr. George Hazlewood sold 3/10 of an acre of his Crown land to the Bishop of Algoma. The church was established in 1881, but not completed until 1885. The rectory was built around 1897.

In April 1912 it was decided to purchase a new site and rebuild the church as the first was too dilapidated to repair. They managed to purchase an old Roman Catholic Church site. In June 1912, the church and the nearby Stratton House Hotel were burned down. On July 4, 1913 the corner stone was laid for the new St. James’ Anglican Church and it finished construction on August 26,1913; the lower half built of stone and the upper of wood to be later veneered with stone. The Bishop of Algoma opened and consecrated the new church.

The East window in memory of Rev. E. Stubbs was saved from the wreckage and installed in the new church. The Harris family donated flanking windows in memory of their mother, Olivia Harris. The Penson family (daughter of Rev. Stubbs) donated the West window. There continued a series of donations that fitted the church: additional windows by St. James’ Sunday School, Mr. Lawrence Baldwin, Miss Baldwin; choir seats and chancel railing by Miss Allen; pulpit by Rev. Holland and family; reading desk by Miss Gurney of England; lectern by Burt Shuratt; Font by St. James’ Sunday School; and credence table by Valley City Seating Co.

In June 1914 the church saw various renovations and was gifted a “disappearing propeller boat” from the Bishop of Montreal.

Around this time, the church acquired a bell with embossing on both sides. Much work was put on hold during the war, but the church did also acquire a furnace for the rectory, as well as replaced siding and fresh paint.

Between 1918 and 1921 the church was equipped with a new set of altar rails, a polished copper cross, and oil lamps. The church also gifted the altar from their basement chapel, built by Mr. Penson, to the Port Sanfield church.

In May 1919, a new fence was placed around half of the parsonage property. Between August and September 1919 they began collecting donations to brick the upper part of the church, but instead was given horizontal siding. In March 1920 electric lights were installed in the church and parsonage.

Rev. T. W. Buckley drowned December 9, 1923 on his way to give service at Christ Church (Gregory, Ont.). He was buried at the Gregory church cemetery on the 11th. The mission was without administration until Cyril G. F. Stone arrived on April 25, 1925; he was a student from Trinity College, Toronto. By this time the church had significant debt, partly incurred during Rev. C. F. L. Gilbert’s incumbency when the parsonage was mortgaged in order to finish constructing the church. The people of the church quickly helped fundraise to clear the debt and reduce the mortgage by $100. Thanks was given to the Young People’s Association at St. Philip’s Church, Toronto for their financial generosity and kindness.

In 1930 and 1931 work on the front lawn began. The end result was a rockery in the centre and freshly planted grass. Not much work was completed during the depression years.

In 1946 the rectory was sold as it had not been used for some time, but in 1950 the Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Algoma purchased another house that was first occupied by Rev. James H. Jackson. The house was redecorated, kitchen renovated, oil furnace installed, and a garage was built. During this time, St. James’ got new carpet, electric lighting, an electric organ, and the Sunday School room was renovated. About ten years later electric heaters were attached to the ceiling. The rectory was sold again, in 1969.

St. James' celebrated its 90th anniversary on October 14, 1971.

The 100th anniversary was held in 1981. The church was given fresh paint, a new electric organ donated and installed and a special service was held on July 12.

The church has two Roll of Honours for those who served in the world wars. Also hanging in the church are four flags: the Anglican Church flag, the Canadian flag, the flag of St. George, Patron saint of English, and a Union Jack the original of which was dedicated to the 122nd Battalion of Muskoka during the First World War.

Incumbents have included: Rev. E. Stubbs (1884), Rev. I.J.H. Pitcher (?), Rev. Samuel Enos Knight (1884-1888), Rev. Percy St. Michael Podmore (1890), Rev. William Arthur John Burt (1891-1897) Rev. Thomas Edward Chilcott (1897-1902), Rev. William Aylsworth Howard (1902-1903), Rev. Loftus Augustus Trotter (1904-1907), Rev. William Evans (1908-1911), Rev. T Bird Holland (1911-1913), Rev. Richard Haines (1914-1918), Rev. C.F. Langton Gilbert (1918-1921), Rev. Thomas W. Buckley (1921-1923), Rev. Julian S. Smedley (1925-1929), Cyril G. F. Stone, student (1925-?), Rev. Albert Ernest Carding (1929-1933), Rev. Gerald K. Lowe (1933-1935), Rev. John Selwyn Rhodes (1935-1942), Rev. Stephen W.L. Gilbert (1945-1947), Rev. James H. Jackson (1952-1955), Rev. George K. Menzies (1955-1959), Rev. Nelson Adair (1959-1967), Rev. John H. Watson (1968-1975), Rev. William A. Graham (1975-1988), Rev. Ray Porth (1989-?).

Sources:

  • "Death of the Rev. T. W. Bucklee", The Algoma Missionary News 19, no. 9 (1913): 4. Algoma University Archives, 2009-081_001_013_1923Dec.
  • “History of the Parish of Port Carling with Gregory and port Landfield” [before 1929], St. James' Anglican Church (Port Carling, Ont.) sous fonds,2009-125_001_007_001.
  • "Church Marks Ninetieth Anniversary", The Algoma Anglican 15, no. 10 (1971): 1. Algoma University Archives, 2013-086_001_007_1971Nov.
  • “Notes on Past Clergy”, [198-?], Almaguin Anglican Parish (Sundridge, Ont) fonds, Algoma University Archives, 2012-010_001_006.
  • Joyce Archdekin Payne, “A History of St. James the Apostle Anglican Church”, 1993, Diocesan Heritage Centre Parish History collection, Algoma University Archives, 2014-019_001_001.
  • Gary Denniss, "A Brief History of the Churches in Muskoka", 1996, Synod of the Diocese of Algoma fonds, Algoma University Archives, 2009-156_002_009.
Scope Content: 

Sous fonds is comprised of records documenting the activities of St. James' Anglican Church (Port Carling, Ont.). Includes service register, parish registers, cash book, minutes book, W.A. records, and other material.

Repository: 
aua

Minutes and Account Book

Start Date: 
1877
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1889
Date Range: 
1877-1889
Physical Description: 

1.5 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

Cash Book

Start Date: 
1916
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1937
Date Range: 
1916-1937
Physical Description: 

1.7 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

Vestry Advisory Council Accounts

Start Date: 
1958
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1959
Date Range: 
1958-1959
Physical Description: 

0.1 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

W.A. Accounts

Start Date: 
1959
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1959
Date Range: 
1959
Physical Description: 

0.1 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

Service Resigter

Start Date: 
1888
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1888
Date Range: 
1888
Physical Description: 

0.1 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

Service Register

Start Date: 
1890
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1949
Date Range: 
1890-1949
Physical Description: 

2.5 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

Parish History and Parish List

Start Date: 
1929
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1929
Date Range: 
[before 1929]
Physical Description: 

0.2 cm of textual record

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Container Number: 
001

Births, Marriages, and Deaths

Start Date: 
1884
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1887
Date Range: 
1884-1887
Physical Description: 

0.1 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Container Number: 
001

Parish Register

Start Date: 
1888
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1923
Date Range: 
1888-1923
Physical Description: 

2 cm of textual records

Notes: 

Baptisms, 1888-1922; Confirmations, 1889-1922; Marriages, 1888-1922; Burials, 1888-1923

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Repository: 
Algoma University
Container Number: 
001

Parish Register, Baptisms, Marriages, Burials

Start Date: 
1923
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1971
Date Range: 
1923-1971
Physical Description: 

2.5 cm of textual records

Notes: 

Baptisms, 1923-1967; Confirmations, 1923-1970; Marriages, 1925-1971; Burials, 1923-1971

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Container Number: 
001

Death Records

Start Date: 
1956
Description Level: 
End Date: 
1971
Date Range: 
1956-1971
Physical Description: 

0.5 cm of textual records

rec_shelfloc: 
2009-125-001
Container Number: 
001

St. John's Anglican Church (Beaumaris, Ont.) sous fonds

Custodial History: 

No accruals have been received. Future accruals may be expected.

Geographic Access: 
Access Restriction: 

May be restrictions on access based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Description Level: 
Repro Restriction: 

May be restrictions on use based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Conservation: 

Minor conservation performed on sous fonds.

Physical Description: 

0.0 m of textual records

History Biographical: 

St. John's Anglican Church (Beaumaris, Ont.) is part of the multi-point Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish. 

The St. John's church was built in 1891. The building did not have water and heat installed, making it only operational during the summer months. In 1906, the church board bought land on the mainland for a parsonage. Shortly after, between 1910 and 1920, St. Mark's (Milford Bay, Ont.) was built for the purpose of winter services. The churches maintain this system of sharing the seasons. 

Sources:

  • Barbara Gibbs, "Parish of Muskoka Lakes", Diocese of Algoma, 2014 April 28, accessed on 2016 May 30, http://bit.ly/1X2xv3R​.
Scope Content: 

There are currently no records in the sous fonds. The sous fonds record is serving as a place holder for future accruals.

Repository: 
aua

St. Mark's Anglican Church (Milford Bay, Ont.) sous fonds

Custodial History: 

No accruals have been received. Future accruals may be expected.

Geographic Access: 
Access Restriction: 

May be restrictions on access based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Description Level: 
Repro Restriction: 

May be restrictions on use based on the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Diocese's Policy on Privacy and Archives. Subject to all applicable privacy legislation.

Conservation: 

Minor conservation performed on sous fonds.

Physical Description: 

0.0 m of textual records

History Biographical: 

St. Mark's Anglican Church (Milford Bay, Ont.) is part of the multi-point Muskoka Lakes Anglican Parish.

St. Mark's was built between 1910 and 1920, beside the parsonage initially built for St. John's Anglican Church (Beaumaris, Ont.) in 1906. The two churches work together to serve the same congregation. St. Mark's was built on the mainland to provide winter service, whereas St. John's is used for summer services. 

Sources:

  • Barbara Gibbs, "Parish of Muskoka Lakes", Diocese of Algoma, 2014 April 28, accessed on 2016 May 30, http://bit.ly/1X2xv3R​.
Scope Content: 

There are currently no records in the sous fonds. The sous fonds record is serving as a place holder for future accruals.

Repository: 
aua