219 Scott St., Box 1034 Stayner, Ontario, L0M1S0 705-428-3885
219 Scott St., Box 1034 Stayner, Ontario, L0M1S0 705-428-3885
There is a very interesting background to our little story - if only we had space in which to tell of it. In the hills around Stayner one can sometimes almost hear the echo of Huron or Iroquois war whoop, or the rattle of French or English Blunderbuss's, or maybe the porn-porn of the guns that sank the Nancy. The Fort established near Wasaga Beach in 1816 was transferred to Penetanguishene in 1818 in order to secure better harbour facilities.
Little more than a century ago, the best highway in these parts was the Nottawasaga River, the first bridge across which was built in 1833 on the Sunnidale Road.
Settlement was very sparce indeed until after the war
of 1812 but was accelerated after the rebellion of 1837. Most of the area was covered by dense forest, of which it has been denuded by lumbering operations - disastrous
fires - and clearing for farms. Early settlers had to go far over bad roads to grist mill or store. We should know something of all this in order to appreciate the courage and devotion of the men who shared the hardships of the wilderness with the settlers in order to bring to them the ministrations of Christ's Gospel. The men we have in mind were sent out by missionary hearted people in the Old Land. One such man was Rev. Adam Elliot, who covered a district extending from near Newmarket to Manitoulin Island.
Elliot mentions Flos in his Diary. A little over a century ago, the Rev. S. B. Ardagh, then of Shanty Bay,
held services as far from his home as Innisfil - Sunnidale - and Nottawasaga. He held three services every Sunday,
and four through the week, all in different places. These men were in intimate touch with the hopes - the hardships - and the sorrows of those to whom they ministered. Little Churches soon dotted the countryside. The place we are concerned with changed its name from Dingwall, or Nottawasaga Station, to Stayner in 1864. The record tells us that in 1869 the Reverends Stewart and Fidler secured the names of twenty-four members of the United Church of England and Ireland in Stayner, who were willing to help support the clergyman stationed at Creemore. Stayner was to be included in his 'Charge'.
In Feb. of 1870, several members of the town gathered to determine the viability of an Anglican Parish in Stayner. Mr. T. A. Stayner donated the land on which the church is situated. He also gave the sum of $200.00 towards the construction of a church building. At the next meeting, wardens were elected as well as a council to oversee the business of the church. Mr. R.J. Cole, the Station Agent, and Mr. E. B. Sanders, a lawyer, became the first wardens. Mr. Sanders was also elected as the lay delegate to Synod. Other members of the council were: Mr. J. G. Algeo, a member of one of the first families who settled in this area; Mr. A. M. Ingersol, a Returning Officer when the village was incorporated in 1872; Mr. R. Coleman, a Railway contractor who built the first Queen’s Hotel in the midst of the woods; Mr. D. A. Stewart, a Scottish merchant; Mr. H. Seeler, a Councillor for Sunnidale; Mr. G. Collins and Mr. Ira Belfry who were farming land. Rev. W. R. Forster was the first priest.
The total cost of construction was $2700 of which $1600 was still owing. Trustees were appointed until the debt was paid off. The Rev. Foster and Mr. J. G. Algeo were the trustees. As services had been held in the Orange Hall prior to the building of the church (beginning in 1866) attendance was soon well established. An active Sunday School helped to provide children with religious education. The women of the parish were soon active in raising money to pay off the debt. In In 1890 that group of women officially became a branch of the Women’s Auxiliary. Besides doing fundraising and outreach work, it provided fellowship and support to the members.
The first service in the newly constructed Church of the Good Shepherd was held Oct. 29 1870. Mrs. Stewart was the first organist. Later, a bell was added to the church in 1875. This helped everyone get to church at the proper time, including the clergy.
Rev. J. H. Stringer who served as Incumbent from 1931-1941 wrote the following poem:
The sun was setting as I entered there
A church upon a hill. God’s house of prayer.
The soft rays of departing day shone through
An altar window, and in radiant hue
The Saviour stood, the shepherd of the sheep
A lamb upon his breast. In accent deep
From a quaint pulpit, with face slight
A human shepherd led his sheep aright.
But not the sheep of his own flock alone.
The lambs of other folds, his care has known.
And kneeling there I prayed. God seemed so near
God spare this man. Thy shepherd here.
Choir anthems, organ music, the Clearview Community Theatre.
Devoted clergy, men and women of faith, children’s laughter.
World wars, the Great Depression, changing times.
Generations of families welcomed and active in the life of the parish.
Memories of financial struggles, hard times, pulling together to get things done.
Bazaars, pancake suppers, potluck dinners, monthly coffee hours.
Bible Study, Sunday School, Junior Auxiliary, Scouts.
So many memories. So many people.
The Body of Christ alive. Working things out.
What a privilege to be a part of this community, to belong to God’s family at the Church of the Good Shepherd.
2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Anglican Church in Stayner. It is incredible to think about all the changes and world events that have happened during that time. Through all of it, this building and the worshipping community have remained steadfast. That does not mean there have not been challenges, but the faithful and abiding presence of God has been evident in the lives of individuals as well as the larger group. As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities. Our congregation is growing. During the past few months we have been posting worship resources and sermons on Facebook and YouTube. This has increased the number of people we are able to reach. Although our anniversary plans have been postponed, we are eager to get back to doing ministry together. Positive energy has been generated as we look at ways we can connect to the larger community around us.
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