The Anglican Parish of the Holy Spirit (Manitouwadge, Ont.) comprises a single congregation at the Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit (Manitouwadge, Ont.). The first Anglican services in Manitouwadge were conducted by Rev. R. Peeling of Marathon and were held in a local cookhouse in 1954. In 1956 the services moved to a local school building. In 1957 a theological student, Alan Bond, arrived and a parish council was organized. In July of the same year, the W.A. formed.
In 1958 a rectory was purchased by the diocese and the first resident priest, Rev. W.R. Stadnyk, was hired. Land was purchased in August of the same year for the construction of a church building, thanks to the donation of Geco Mines.
The foundation stone for the Church of the Holy Spirit was laid by Rev. W.L. Wright, archbishop of Algoma in October 1959. Enclosed in the foundation stone were a Book of Common Prayer, a list of the members of the parish, and a list of parish organizations. The name for the church came from a suggestion that “Manitouwadge” means “home or cave of the Great Spirit”. The construction of the church was paid for by a loan from the Archbishop Wright Extension Fund and additional fundraising. The floor tiles were donated by the community; the kids put on a carnival to help. The first service was held on December 24, 1959. The confirmation service held on April 4, 1960.
The following were donated to the church over the years: confirmation veils and altar linen from St. Michael’s and All Angels in Toronto, a church in Huntsville, and the parish in Schreiber; the altar cross from a Southern Ontario parish; altar hangings and candle holders and vases from Miss Bessie Miller; alms basin from Mr. Goulding; missal stand and ciborium from Leach family; and a stove from Toronto. The bookmark for the bible, collection plates, floor tile for the washrooms, refrigerator, hymn board, bible, cushions for weddings, Paschal candle, the font, choir gowns, lawn mower, and vacuum were also among the donated but are unattached to donors in the records. Additionally, most labour was done by volunteers.
Incumbents include: Rev. Stadnyk (?-1963) Rev. M. Porter (1964-1969), Rev. B. King-Edwards (1969-?).
Sources:
- "Archbishop Officiates At Foundation Stone Ceremony on Island", The Algoma Anglican 3, no.10 (1959): 6.
- "Church of Holy Spirit in Manitouwadge Begins Work on New Building",The Algoma Anglican 3, no. 8 (1959): 7.
- Elaine Barnett, “The Story of the Church of the Holy Spirit”, [1969], Anglican Parish of the Holy Spirit (Manitouwadge, Ont.) fonds, Algoma University Archives, 2009-224_001_001_002.
