BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PARISH OF PORT HILL
The first church built in 1841, was originally known as THE OLD SHIPBUILDERS CHURCH and today as OLD ST JAMES CHURCH. Money for the construction came from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and Mr. Yeo. Services were probably first led by a missionary from St John’s Parish, St Eleanor’s. In June 1843, the then Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. John Inglis, consecrated St James. This Bishop was the grandson of Bishop Charles Inglis, who became the Diocesan Bishop of the very first Anglican Diocese formed in Canada, the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Another first was on August 2, 1846, when Bishop Inglis ordained Rev. Cooper, who became the first resident rector of the new Parish of Port Hill.
The cemetery at St James is known to be in use from at least 1851 when two seamen who died in a shipwreck of the "Henry Clay” were buried there on October 23rd, 1851.
In 1851, a small church was built at Foxley River just behind where the present day St Peter’s was later constructed in 1914. The Hon. James Warburton donated the land for the church and cemetery.
In 1857 the then rector, Rev. Swabey, is reported as announcing the Glebe schoolhouse, having been moved from Port Hill to Bideford in 1855, was now ready for worship services in the summer. A flag was erected in place of a bell. This old church became known as ‘The Old Cathedral”. When this building became unsuitable for divine worship, it became a necessity to raise funds to build a proper church, and $700.00 was collected in 1890. After 10 years of planning and construction, Ellerslie had their own church when St John’s was consecrated on July 2nd, 1899.
Old St James’ had the steeple and bell removed in 1890 and the bell was carefully stored away until it was returned and mounted outside the church door in 1988. During the early 2000s, Old St James’ building was causing concerns about the integral safety. Sadly the Parish, not being in a financial position to undertake the necessary repairs, had to make a difficult decision. Before being able to access government funding the Old St James had to be deconsecrated as a sacred building of divine worship, and on October 11th, 2009, Bishop Sue Moxley performed this rite.
New St James was constructed across the road from the cemetery and old church, completed in 1885 at a cost of $3197.00, on land purchased from Herbert Yeo for $30.00.
Rectors and their families require somewhere to live and the first parsonage house in 1852, made of stone, was on a farm at Cooper’s Lane. This dwelling was inhabitable and it took until 1855 to bring to a livable condition. Rectors had to keep animals for milk, eggs, and transportation as well as grow their own vegetables and fruit. This old parsonage was eventually sold to Hugh Maynard and the second parsonage was completed in 1876.
The third rectory was built next door to St James’ Church, and completed in 1915. This is a beautiful house built on land paid by the Hon. John Yeo for $300.00. A barn was built close by for the shelter of the rector’s horses, cow, poultry and his carriage. Rev. JJ Bamford and his wife were the first to live in the new rectory. The rectory is still in use today by the current rector and is kept in very good order by the Parish.
For those who take the time to admire the beautiful woodwork in all three church interiors of St John’s, St James’ and St Peter’s and see a creative theme; this is because the handcraft talent and skill of ‘Little’ Harry Williams was responsible, and all are blessed for being able to share and enjoy his wonderful handiwork down through the years.
July 2016 for 175th Anniversary
Thank you to Roy Newcombe for preparing this history and allowing it to be shared.
