St. George's Anglican Church

NOTE: Also known as: St. George's, Rymal St. George's, Barton East St. George's, Barton
 

For the sake of convenience we are here referring to the Church of St. George as ST. GEORGE'S, HANNON, but it is often referred to in our records as St. George's, Barton; St. George's, Barton East; and as St. George's, Rymal. The photocopied pages included with this index give some indication of the close inter-relationship of the churches at Barton (St. Peter's), Woodburn (Christ's Church) and Tapleytown (St. George's, also called St. George's, Saltfleet). The earliest records included here have entries for Grimsby, Binbrook, Vinemount, Tweedside, Albion, and Caistor as well as the churches mentioned above. St. George's, Stoney Creek, would appear to be another point occasionally served by the rector of Hannon.

(See History of St. George's, HANNON in filing cabinet)

Historical Notes

A.P. Higginson, 1939 (copied/transcribed from file at Church House, 28/9/77)

Before St. George's Church, Hannon, was built, the Anglicans of this community worshipped in St. Peter's Church, Barton. The Rev. Canon Bull was Rector of St. Peter's, Barton, and so preparations were made for its erection.

The Foundation-Stone was laid October 26th, 1864, by the Very Rev. Dean J.G. Geddes of Christ Church Cathedral, Hamilton, Rev. Canon Bull, Rev. Mr. Hebden of the Church of the Ascension, Hamilton, Rev. John Fletcher and Rev. C.H. Drinkwater, assisting.

The Church was opened for worship January 6th, 1865. The Rev. Thomas Green of Wellington Square (Burlington) preached the sermon, his text being: "But as for me I will come into Thy House in the multitude of Thy mercies, and in Thy fear will I worship toward Thy Holy Temple" (Psalm 5/7). The Rev. Canon Bull opened the service, with Rev. John Fletcher and Rev. C.H. Drinkwater assisting. Mr. Samuel Mann, Organist of St. Paul's Church played the organ.

In 1878 St. George's, Hannon, was united with Christ Church, Woodburn and St. George's, Tapleytown, under the Rectorship of Rev. R.S. Locke. Mr. Locke was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Smith in 1880. The Parish flourished greatly in his time: new Church sheds were built, and the Church was redecorated.

The following is a list of incumbents since Rev. Thomas Smith's tenure:

Rev. Henry G. Moore, Rev. Alfred Bonny,
Rev. T. Migot, Rev. H.C. Aylwin,
Rev. J.H. Fielding, Rev. Geo Bull,
Rev. Edward Lawlor, Rev. Oscar Cooke,
Rev. G. Thompson, Rev. P.W. Richardson,
Rev. Geo Vrooman, Rev. James Blow,
Rev. W.H. Langhorn, Rev. A.B. Higginson.

Miss Nellie Bull played the organ in her father's time, and Miss Emma Smith during Rev. Thomas Smith's tenure. Mrs. Barrett played for over 40 years. Other early organists were: Mrs. Chas. Horning, Mrs. Albert Beare, Mrs. Frank Taylor, and Mr. A. Martin.

Some names of families who took an active interest in the Parish in the early days are:

The Servos family who gave the land for the
land for the Church site, the McBrides who later
gave land for the Cemetery; the Procters, Hislops, Rousseaux, Davis' Barretts, Secords,
Theobalds, Rymals, Hannons, Ralstons, Pearsons,
Rennies; and later the Dartnalls, Twisses, McKees,
Shutlers, Beares, Soules, Frenchs, and Parrs.

Of late the Church has been improved by the addition of leaded glass windows. Three handsome Memorial windows in the Chancel, new Altar, Prayer-Desk, Cross and Collection plates.

The 75th Anniversary was celebrated on October 29th, 1939, Rev. G. Thompson preaching in the morning, and Rev. W.G. Sunter in the evening. The Choir were robed for the first time at these services.

Copy...The Parsonage, at Church House 28/9/[18]77 Tapleytown, July 19/[18]87

Dear Mr. Clark:

I sent you the following few facts in reference to my parish.

Woodburn (Christ's Church)

First church built in year 1841. First vestry meeting Oct. 9th 1842. The Rev. J. Flanagan was first Incumbent.  In 1846 succeeded by Rev. J. Alexander who continued in charge 18 years. He was succeeded for a brief period by Rev. J. Westney. He was followed by Rev .James D. Gibson and in the year 1870 his place was taken by Rev. H.B. Wray, and in 1873 Rev. Henry Wadleigh was placed in charge. He was followed in 1875 by Rev. C.E. Whitcombe. His place, again, was taken by Rev. R.S. Locke in 1878. In 1880 the present Incumbent, Rev. Thos. Smith was placed in charge. In 1884 June 10th was laid th Corner Stone of the present church.  It is of stone, and costing about $3,000.00 with seating accommodation for 200.

Saltfleet (St. George's Church)

The church here was begun in the year 1857 just 30 years ago. On Thursday 29th October of that year, Rev. Dean Geddes conducted the opening services, preaching from the text, "We will go into His Tabernacle, we will worship at His footstool."

The founding of the church in this place was mainly due, under Providence, to the efforts of Miss Taylor, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Tweedle. It has continued ever since with varied success.

The Rev J.L. Alexander was put in charge till 1865 when he was succeeded by Rev. J. Westney. He again was succeeded in 1867 by Rev. James D. Gibson when after two years service he was followed by Rev. H.B. Wray. He again in 1872 by Rev .Henry B. Wadleigh. In 1875 Rev. C.E. Whitcombe became the Incumbent. He was succeeded in 1878 by Rev. R.S. Locke.

Two years later viz. in June 1880 the present Incumbent was appointed. There is now, 1887, a new stone church in course of erection, and to be completed in November, costing $3,000.00 and seating accommodation for 200.

Barton East (St. George's Church)

St. George's was ordinally part of Glanford, and built about 20 years ago during the Incumbency of Rev. Rural Dean Bull. In 1878 it was united with this parish under Rev. R.S. Locke.

Since 1880 about $1,000.00 has been spent in erecting sheds, and painting the church outside and in, together with other improvements.

I cannot think of any further information I can give you, and what is contained in the Synod's Reports.

Wishing you every success,

I remain, yours very sincerely, Thos. Smith

I - List of Parish Registers

II - Index of Statistical Records

a) Baptisms

b) Confirmations

c) Marriages

d) Burials

III - Index of Non-Statistical Records

a) Service Registers

b) Minutes of Vestry Meetings

c) Communicants

d) Minutes of Meetings of Church Groups

e) Financial Records