Historical Notes

As part of St Paul's 250 Celebrations, the steering committee wants to provide some "historical notes" to inform and hopefully entertain parish members on the history of the Anglican Ministry in Charlottetown. 

The source of the information will primarily come from Dr. Frank Jelks' book on the history of Charlotte and the Church of St. Paul's. Dr. Jelks was a long-time member of our St. Paul's Church family and he spent countless hours researching and writing the book. Dr. Jelks' historical book was truly a labour of love and represented his great love, and deep faith in the Anglican Ministry. A limited number of Dr. Jelks' books are available at the parish office. Short historical notes, extracted from his book, will appear in our weekly church bulletin.  

We would also request that if you have any information that you would like to share with others, please let us know. 

The Beginning:

The Island of St John was formally ceded by the French to the British and annexed to the Government of Nova Scotia in 1763. The Church of England thereby became its’ recognized form of religion.

In 1768 the land in the Island was granted in lots of 20,000 acres to “gentlemen” living in Great Britain. A year later, in 1769, an Order in Council established the separate government for the Island of St John and His Majesty, King George III, ordered that 100 pounds be apportioned for the stipend of a clergyman.

Establishment of the Church of England:

An Order in Council by the British Government in July 1769 detailed the establishment of the Church of England  in the Island with services to be conducted according to the Book of Common Prayer each Sunday and Holiday. The Order stated that churches would be competently maintained ; a house would be built at public charge for each Minister, 100 acres of land be allocated for the site of each church and as a glebe for the Minister. The Ministers were to be licensed by the Bishop in London and all “laws already made against Blasphemy, Profanity, Adultery, Fornification, Polygamy, Incest would be vigorous executed”.

The Parish of Charlotte extended past North Rustico from the west and around Dalvay to the east with Charlotte Town as the centre of administration.

Difficulties in establishing the church on the Island were almost immediately encountered.

The First Rector (1769 – 1774):

Rev John Caulfield was appointed the first Rector of the Parish of Charlotte in 1769 but he never left Great Britain. 

The first visit to the Island of St John by a clergyman was in 1773. Rev John Eagleson who was a missionary serving in Nova Scotia spent eleven weeks on the Island conducting services at Charlotte Town, St Peter’s, Stanhope, and “Traccady and Malpeck or Princetown”. This was the first opportunity for citizens to attend services and hear a Protestant Clergy man since the establishment of the Province into a separate government in 1769. 

Parish years 1769 – 1774:

The Island Governor Paterson and the Proprietors of Lands petitioned Great Britain emphasizing the need for a clergyman to reside on the Island. The main stumbling block was the fact that Rev John Caulfield’s appointment as Rector of the Parish of Charlotte in 1769 was granted for life and he could not be removed from office. However, Lord Dartmouth’s solution to the problem was to appoint an Assistant Minister for the Parish to whom the whole salary would be paid.

Rapid action followed, Col Thomas Desbrisay, living in Great Britain, had been appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Island in 1769. In May 1774 Lieutenant Governor Desbrisay arranged for his 20-year-old son, the Rev Theophilus Desbrisay to be appointed Minister of the Parish of Charlotte. Rev. Desbrisay would serve as Rector of St. Paul’s Church for 49 years!

Arrival of Rev Theophilus  Desbrisay (Rector 1774 – 1823):

Rev. Desbrisay sailed from Great Britain in the autumn of 1775. Unfortunately the wind forced them to stay at Canso (Nova Scotia) where he was taken prisoner by two American privateers who had just previously raided Charlotte Town and taken two officials (Callbeck and Wright) as prisoners. After a short time Rev Desbrisay, and others, were released but the captors sailed off with their vessel and belongings.

On his arrival in Charlotte Town, Rev Desbrisay discovered that there was no church and that no provision had been made for housing, food or payment of salary and that he would have the upcoming winter season to contend with.

Rev Desbrisay therefore took duty as a clergyman on one of His Majesty’s ships of war for two years and visited Charlotte Town as often as possible to minister to the people.

Rev Theophilus Desbrisay  ( Rector 1774 – 1823):

The British Government assumed responsibility in 1777 for paying the salaries of government officials  on the Island of St John.  Rev Desbrisay was to be paid 150 pounds per annum as a Minister of the Church of England and was now able to assume his duties in the Parish of Charlotte. The first entry in parish records bears the date August 21,1777.

Things were difficult for the young parson; there were approximately 600 soldiers and 100 sailors stationed at the Garrison in Charlotte Town for the summer of 1778 which was the cause of much drunkedness and debauchery. There were only about 300 civilians living in Charlotte Town at that time.

In 1778 Rev Desbrisay married Margaret Stewart, the daughter of Chief Justice Stewart, and in 1780 moved to a house in Covehead which was built for him by Benjamin Chappell. He lived in Covehead “among his beloved books and raised his family away from the wickedness of a garrison city.”

Rev Theophilus  Desbrisay: (Rector 1774 – 1823):

Rev Desbrisay journeyed by horseback from Covehead to Charlotte Town at weekends to fulfill his pastoral duties. He always wore knee breeches, silk stockings, shoes with silver buckles, a laced coat and a three cornered clerical hat.

In light of Rev Desbrisay’s meagre salary of 150 pounds per annum, the prices of some food items in 1777 may be of interest:

• 3.5 lb loaf of bread 7d = 14 cents

• Lump of sugar, per pound 2s 6d = 60 cents

• Milk, a quart 6d = 12 cents

• Fresh Butter, per pound 1s 3d = 30 cents

• Beef, per pound 7d = 14 cents

• Pork, per pound 6d = 12 cents

• Veal, per pound 10d = 20 cents

Rev Theophilus Desbrisay (Rector 1774 – 1823):

The lack of a church was a severe handicap for Rev Desbrisay’s work in the Parish of Charlotte.

         Services were first held in a building on the north east corner of Queen and Kent Streets. A little later services were held in a room in either Alexander Richardsons’ house or in his “coffee and ballroom”. In 1790, Lieutenant Govenor Fanning purchased a house belonging to Captain Burns and allocated one part of the house to be used as a chapel for the performance of public Divine Service. Two chalices that were used in services in 1777 are still in possession of the church today.

In 1781 the Parish of Charlotte was constituted as an ecclesatical area by local statutes. It provided that the parishioners would meet on Tuesday and Whitsuntide each year to elect six vestrymen. The vestymen, along with the Rector, would choose two Wardens from the elected vestymen.

One of the Vestry’s most important responsibilities was the support of the poor for whose  maintenance a rate was set at annual meetings of the inhabitants of the Parish. All inhabitants were legally responsible to accept the rate and pay the levy to the church.

Rev Theophilus Desbrisay (Rector 1774 – 1823):

In 1791 the Vestry adopted a table of fees recommended by the Bishop to be paid to the clergymen:

• “for solemnising Matrimony”                                   10s 0d

• “for each funeral where service is read”                7s 6d

• “for registering Baptisms, each”                              1s 0d

Also in 1791, it was ordered “that the Clerk open three Registers – one for Births, one for Marriages and one for Burials in the Parish.”

1792 marked the beginning of collections being made during services. The money collected was to go towards church expenses and to the maintenance of the poor.

In 1798 an Act of the PEI Assembly made church Wardens responsible for the registration of dogs in Charlotte Town and for the collection of dog taxes. This emphasizes the intrinsic role of the church in the early days of both the government and the community.

Rev Theophilus Desbrisay (Rector 1774 – 1823):

Rev Desbrisay, by virtue of his position as Rector of Parish of Charlotte, was a member of the PEI Legislative Council.

In addition to his Ministirial duties the Rector was a Justice of the Peace, Overseer of Roads for Stanhope District, Chaplain to the House and Garrison Chaplain.

Rev Desbrisay was plagued with personal financial difficulties from the beginning of his appointment to the Parish of Charlotte. He was the father of thirteen children and had rather expensive tastes. His problems escalated when his salary was reduced from 150 pounds per annum to 70 pounds. 

The Arrival of Scottish and Ireland Settlers:

In the 1770’s emigration from England was discouraged by the British Government so most of the new settlers to the Island were Presbyterians from Scotland and Roman Catholics from Ireland.

In 1787 Charles Inglis was consecrated Bishop of Nova Scotia at Lambeth Palace and journeyed to Halifax to assume his new duties. In 1789 Bishop Inglis made his first and only visit to the Island and was very alarmed that there was no Anglican church building on PEI. The concerns of Bishop Inglis that there was no church on the Island was shared by the inhabitants  especially in light of the arrival of the new Presbyterian and Roman Catholic immigrants.

In 1778, a petition was submitted from the Lands Commission of the British Treasury stating that it was necessary to build a church, court house and a jail in Charlotte Town as soon as possible to encourage settlers and to enforce obedience of the law. It added that there was no fund belonging to the Island which could be used for that purpose. Gov. Patterson also wrote to the British Government (Lord Hillsborough) and requested the sum of $3,000 pounds for the erection of the three buildings.

The British Government provided some dollars to Gov Patterson but no public buildings were erected. In 1787 the PEI House of Assembly informed Lieutenant Governor Fanning that the $3,000 pounds was misappropriated by Gov Patterson. The dollars voted by the British Government was never recovered and consequently the erection of the three public buildings were long delayed.

The First St Paul’s Church:

In 1795, work began on the erection of  a church in the general area of what is now Memorial Hall in the Confederation Centre of the Arts. The first service was held in that church in 1796, but the building was not completed until 1802and services continued to be held in private houses during the cold months.  

The first St Paul’s church was built by private subscription and was for the use of the Established Church of England and the Established Church of Scotland. The Bishop of Nova Scotia did not consecrate the first St Paul’s church since it was being used by two communions.

The Church of England service in these early days comprised of Morning Prayer followed by a Litany and ending with the Holy Communion. The services were long and members of the congregation would arrive at differing times during the service.

The Lieutenant Governor held a position of authority in the church at this time. The Lieutenant Governor’s arrival and entrance indicated to the Rector that the service may begin.

The First St Paul’s Church: (1796)

The Tables of the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostle’s Creed, which you will find on the walls of our present church, were presented by the family of Lieutenant Governor Fanning and were first hung in the sanctuary of the first St. Paul’s. (A memorial tablet to Lieutenant Governor Fanning and his son is placed on the south wall of our present church.)

The pews in this church were of the “box type” with quite high sides and a door. The government bought three of the pews while the remainder were bought by the affluent and influential. Very little room was provided for the poor.

A communion rail was placed in the church in 1815 and a silver toned bell was cast in London and given as an offering by Mr Birnie of the firm Waters and Birnie. A stove made by Mr MacDougall of Tracadie heated the church.

There is every indication that this early church was poorly designed and built. As a consequence plans were set afoot to build a new church.

Rev. Theophillus Desbrisay - 

Parish of Charlotte (1800 -1823):

Twenty seven years had passed from the time of the establishment of the Parish to the building of the first church in 1796. The Rev Theophilus Desbrisay had laboured for nineteen years without the benefit of such a building.

        Rev Desbrisay had gained the respect of the community by his devotion to duty and his practice of religious balance. The sharing of the first church with the Church of Scotland did not appear to be of any concern to him.

When in the course of his duties, he was called upon to baptise the children of Presbyterians, Rev Desbrisay always performed the services according to their mode, omitting the sign of the cross and praying extempore. A close friend of Rev Desbrisay who was a Presbyterian Minister was always welcome to preach in the church when opportunities arose.

It was also known a strong feeling existed between Dev Desbrisay and the Roman Catholic Bishop MacEachern. The Bishop, when he came to town, often dined with Rev Desbrisay.

Rev Desbrisay was failing in health and died on March 14,1823 after serving the parish for 46 years. His body was buried in the Protestant Cemetery on University Avenue. ( A memorial tablet in memory of Rev Desbrisay and another of his daughter ,Penelope, are located high up on the west wall of the present church.)

Rev. Theophillus Desbrisay – his legacy: (1823)

Rev. Desbrisay was Rector of St Paul’s Church for 46 years – 1774 to 1823.

                 Rev. Desbrisay had established a form of service in St. Paul’s which was to be observed for over 200 years. It was a basic service with an almost complete lack of ceremonial practices. It was evangelical and is today labelled as the “low” church service. 

                 Rev.  Desbrisay was failing in health and died on March 14,1823. His body was buried in the Protestant Cemetary on University Avenue. (A memorial tablet in memory of Rev Desbrisay and another of his daughter ,Penelope, are located high up on the west wall of the present church.)

The following Tribute of Respect was stated on his Memorial Tablet:

“A good soldier of Jesus Christ he studied to show himself approved unto God, a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed. In every Social relation he lived respected and beloved. Supported under a long and trying illness by the rich consolations of the Gospel, and cheered with the hope of a blessed immortality he quitted for a season his earthly tabernacle on the 14th day of March , 1823 , aged 69 years.”

Second St. Paul’s Church: 1836

On July 30,1828 it was decided to build a large church on a site granted by the Governor in Council. This land was deeded to the Rector, Wardens and Vestry on the Authority of King William IV in 1836.

The contract for building the church, located to the south of the present stone church, was let on August 08, 1831. Construction started in 1832 and completion was expected to be late 1833. Unfortunately, the second St Paul’s Church was under construction, nearly completed, when it was blown down by a severe windstorm on August 10,1833.

Rebuilding of the church was not undertaken until the summer of 1835 and the completed church was consecrated by the Bishop of Nova Scotia on August 21, 1836 and was named St. Paul’s. 

This church built in 1836 gave the members of the Church of England a church for their sole use and support. This church cost approximately 1,000 pounds sterling to erect. 

Second St Paul’s Church: 1836

This church was enlarged twice at the east end, first in 1845 by adding 22 feet and the building of two porches at a cost of 292 pounds, and again In 1873–1874 when a brick chancel was erected at the east end of the church. The chancel included a five pane stained glass window and rose windows imported from England. The cost of the chancel was $4,670 and the cost of the chancel windows was $592. The stained glass window, enlarged to seven panels, together with the rose windows, were installed in the south transept of the present church in 1896.

The “Birnie Bell” from the first church was transferred to the second church as were the tablets given in memory of the late Governor Fanning. The tablets were hung in the chancel.

The first service in the second St Paul’s church was held on February 14, 1836 and the last service was in May 1896.

One observer stated “I can well remember the old high box pews, with doors, both in the gallery and on the ground floor, so high that one could lie back and sleep without being observed. I can distinctly remember one individual having done so.” 

Parish of Charlotte 1833 – 1896:

Church attendance had increased over the years and in 1866 it was necessary to consider ways of increasing accommodation.

         The Bishop of Nova Scotia visited Charlotte Town and advised that three options existed:

– Enlargement of present church

– Building a new replacement church 

– Building a second church.

The Bishop recommended building a new replacement church but St Paul’s congregation resolved to erect a Chapel of Ease or a District Church in the western end of the city with seats to be free and unappropriated. In 1867 a start was made on the erection of the district church.

Rev. Fitzgerald , Rector of St. Paul’s, wished to have the “basic ministry and regulation of the same “ considered. It transpired that he wished to maintain some control over the new church which was to be named St. Peter’s.

A congregational meeting, a year later, heard a resolution that the Rector of St Paul’s (Rev. Fitzgerald) would accept the finished church which would be under his control and direction.

State of Affairs St. Paul’s : “High Church – Low Church “ practices:

A brief description of the state of affairs in St Paul’s Church at this time will help to show the significance of the above resolution. The Rev David Fitzgerald and the Rev D. B. Parnther who were the ministers at St. Paul’s were strongly Protestant and strongly opposed to the Tractarian movement which was in progress in England.

       A division in the church existed among the members of the St. Paul’s congregation.

       The ministers entered the church for service with the preacher of the day clothed in a long black gown which had two scrupulously white bands on the front. The reader of the prayers and psalm wore over his coat and trousers a long white surplice. The psalms were never sung and the service was monotonous.The pews were jealously guarded by their owners and lessees. There were two free pews for the poor at the end of the church furthest from the chancel and pulpit. The congregation was comprised of highly respected people among whom were those who wanted a brighter service and free pews. Some members had visited England and returned to the Island highly impressed with the Tractarian movement (literical and theological revival of the Catholic tradition within Anglicanism) and the more highly ritualistic service consistent with it. They were of the “High Church” persuasion and were opposed to the “Low Church” practices at St Paul’s. 

The Rector and the majority of the laity were strongly supportive of the practices of the “Low Church” and feared going over into “Romish ways”. 

It became necessary to have a division of the congregation in order to maintain peace with those desirous of the “High Church” ways going to the new church. Even this move became difficult when those in St Paul’s church wished to have their Rector supervise the new church as a chapel of ease.

The Right Rev, Binney, Bishop of Nova Scotia, was in full sympathy with the Tractarian movement and constituted the new church as the Free Chapel of St Peter in August 1969 thus making it “extra parochial” and removing it from supervision by the Rector of St Paul’s Church. In 1873 Bishop Binney consecrated St. Peter’s as the cathedral of the province. (In 2019 St Peters Church is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the church.)

Continuing Difficulties between Bishop Binney and Parish of St Pauls:

In 1870 the Bishop informed the Rev D B Parnther that his services would no longer be required in St Paul’s Church in Charlottetown but that there was a vacancy in Georgetown if he cared to take it. It was then reported that if Rev Parnther was retained in Charlottetown the CC and SS would withdraw his annual allowance. A committee of St Paul’s Parish found there was a strong desire to retain Rev Parnther, but despite all the efforts, Rev Parnther resigned and then became a rector in a Carlton, New Brunswick church.

More difficulties arose between Bishop Binney and St Paul’s church ...

Bishop Binney was to officiate at a wedding in St Paul’s church and on the evening before the intended marriage a strong feeling of members of the congregation rose against giving use of the church since Mr Hodgson, Rector of St Peter’s, was to take part in the ceremony and they feared the introduction of practices to which they would disapprove. On the morning of the wedding Rev Fitzgerald declared that the Bishop should not have his staff carried before him by a chaplain.

On September 11,1872 a letter from Bishop Binney was read to a meeting of  St Paul’s congregation. The Bishop said that owing to an insult offered by the Rector of St Paul’s it would not be possible for him,as Bishop, to risk a repetition by officiating in St Paul’s while the present Rector was in office or the congregation acquiesced in the opposition. A rector must not dictate to his Bishop the mode of his administration of any rite or service of the church. Bishop Binney then presented critisims of the order of services in St Paul’s and stated it was necessary to separate himself from the Minister and people as a result of the rector’s action.

The congregation expressed agreement with the actions of Rev Fitzgerald in preventing “the introduction of novelties into the ceremonies of the church.” They regretted the determination of the Bishop not to enter St Paul’s while Fitzgerald remained rector of St Paul’s church. Strained relationships continued between Bishop Binney and the Parish of St Paul’s until Rev Fitzpatrick resigned as Rector at Easter 1885. 

Third St Paul’s Church (1896):

The second St Paul’s church was replaced by the present stone structure in 1896 and was consecrated by the Bishop of Nova Scotia in August 1896. The building was completed in 18 months at an approximate cost of $18,500. It is not a large church, its’ capacity is about 450 people but its’ architecture gives it an air of spaciousness.

The following commentary appeared in the weekly newspaper on March 12,1896:

“The ceiling naturally draws one’s attention first. Its style is the groined form of narrow V-pointed sheathing laid with equisite nicety, moulded ribs cover all the angles, abutting beautifully turned bosses set at the intersection of angels and groins. In similar style is the ceiling of the Chancel, but the Chancel wall is, at its outer end, octagonal in conformation, the meeting of the groining adding a dome-like effect that is very fine.”

“Then around the Chancel wall there is a sounding board of equisite Gothic panel work, the panels subdivided by columns having turned and moulded bases and capitals. Over the panel work the walls are covered with embossed tiles, designed by Me W C Harris, the church architect and made by Mr Hornsby , PEI Pottery. The Cancel arch is on an elaborate scale, moulded in dark birch and supported by massive triple columns with turned bases and artiscally carved capitals. The parquetry floor of the chancel is also very fine.”

“We understand that the carving of the edifice is the work of WC Whitlock and certainly his hand has not lost its cunning. Mr Harris, whose name is a guarantee of classical and excellent work, is the designer of the church. But without Messrs. H and S Lowe’s aid, his genius was in vain, for it required these two master builders to carry out with sympathy the skill the splendid plans entrusted to them.” (Patriot) 

The Third St Paul’s Church 1896 (continued):

Connecting Links of old and new St Paul’s Churches:

The 1896 -97 Annual Report lists the following items which were transferred from old church to new church:

• Mural monuments

• Memorial east window  ( obtained from England, enlarged by the addition of two vertical panels and installed in the south side of the transept)

• Marble Font

• Tower bell

• Chairs within the communion rail 

• Gibson circular clock

The Fanning memorial tables of the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostle’s Creed and the Ten Commandments which had been transferred to the 1836 church from the first church were hung in the Parish Hall and in 1981 were hung in the present church.

Additions to 1896 church:

In 1919 choir rooms were built at the north and south ends of the vestibule

In 1975 new front entrance church doors were installed

In 1978 an entry ramp for wheelchairs was constructed

A survey of the church property in 1989 -1990 identified the immediate need for major repairs to the church costing over $400,000. 

Parish Hall and Rectory Buildings:

Parish Hall:

In 1903 the Rector emphasized the need for a new Sunday School building. Parish Council decided to build a new School  House , now called the Parish Hall, on or near the site of the Infant School House. The building was completed in 1906 for a total cost of $13,000.

        In 1930, Vail Brothers constructed a finished basement in the Parish Hall at a cost of $4,000. The Ladies Guild agreed to pay for the renovations. The construction was completed in November 1930 and the Ladies held a “High Tea and Sale” a few days later.

A chapel was built in the Parish Hall in 1940-1941 for the use of Air Force Personnel training in Charlottetown. It is simple in design and has a number of stained glass windows.

The basement of the Parish Hall was renovated in 1951, 1956 and 1963. In 1967 a committee was formed “to draw up plans for a Christian Education Centre that will meet the needs for the next 20 years.” (Mr George Ives was Chairman of that committee, Grandfather of Warden Joel and father of John). The work entailed the almost complete reconstruction of the interior of the Parish Hall. Building contractor was MacLean Construction and the total cost was $101,500.

The Parish presently uses the main floor (kitchen, large meeting space, Chapel, offices) of the Parish Hall for Sunday School, offices, meetings and Parish events, most of the basement and second floor space is now rented out to a number of businesses and Community Organizations.

Parish rectory: 

The stone Parish Rectory was built in 1890 and was used as the Rector’s family residence.  In 1976 the Rectory was no longer considered to be satisfactory for the use of the Rector. 

The Rectory building was then leased out to the Province of PEI, Department of Justice along with a part of the Parish Hall to replace accommodation lost during a fire in the Law Courts building. The Rectory has continued to be rented for the next 33 years to the Provincial Government. The present occupants (2019) are the Speaker and House Offices as the PEI Legislative building is being renovated. 

The Church Choir and Organ:

Records show that a St Paul’s Choir existed in September 1823.

              The choir was seated in the balcony of both the first and second churches in what was often referred to as the organ loft. The choir and organ were situated in the chancel in the present church. The Chancel in the present church is constructed in such a manner that the sounds of the organ, singers and speakers are reflected into the body of the church. An organ was first used in the church on January 01, 1832. 

The Loyal Circle of King’s Daughters presented vestments for the choir and the first robed choir took part in the Christmas Day service in 1919.

A new three-manual organ was installed by Casavant Freres in March 1936 at a cost of $10,980 plus taxes. This organ, with its console on the north side of the Chancel, was completely rebuilt in 1996 and is still in use today.

The leadership of the choir in the musical parts of the service  of worship of Almighty God is often taken as a matter of course. St Paul’s congregations have been very fortunate in having had choirs who have faithfully shared their musical talents with other members of the Parish.

St Paul’s Cemeteries: The Old Protestant Cemetery: (1784 – 1873)

This cemetery situated on University Avenue (formerly Elm Avenue) is the most historic site in the City of Charlottetown. This parcel of land was deeded to Thomas Adin, Rector of the Parish of Charlotte and the Parish wardens to be used as a burial ground. The cemetery was used by Protestants of all denominations for about 100 years. The cemetery was closed by law on January 1, 1874.

A survey conducted in 1947 indicates that there were 597 stones in the cemetery.  Considerable difficulty has been encountered in maintaining the cemetery. The cemetery committee was enlarged around 1904 by including members of all Protestant denominations since all denominations had used it for burial purposes. All Protestant churches then subscribed to the upkeep of the grounds.

In 1998, a number of interested persons, with the support of the City of Charlottetown, organized The Old Protestant Burying Ground (OPBG), a non-profit corporation. St Paul’s Anglican Church transferred the land to the new Corporation. The OPBG has been successful in overseeing the restoration of the cemetery, which is now viewed as a beautiful, serene and social area in the midst of old Charlottetown. Warden Audrey Stewart is St Paul’s representative on the OPBG. 

The Southport Cemetery:

An Episcopal church was built in Southport (now Stratford) around 1856 largely due to the efforts of Rev William Stewart. The church was sold in 1910 but the site and the attached cemetery remained the property of the Church of England.

       The cemetery remained the responsibility of the Diocesan Church Society until 1978 when they voted to hand over the possession and responsibility for the burying ground to St Paul’s Church. An endowment fund of $1,000 for the care of the grounds was also passed to St Paul’s Church. St Paul’s Register indicate that 51 persons are buried in Southport cemetery. Around 1990, a committee under Chair Clive Stewart was established to care for the cemetery and to determine its future. There apparently is no deed to the cemetery in the Lands Registry Office but a map in that office delineates it very distinctly. The site of the graves have to be determined if the cemetery is to be reopened.  

St Paul’s Church remains responsible for the care of this cemetery and Warden Audrey Stewart has expressed an interest in forming a small group of parish members to discuss possible options for the future of the cemetery.

Early Church Organizations:

Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG) was formed in England and provided financial assistance to send missionaries (clergy) to their colonies. The SPG , in the early days, appointed Ministers and school masters as required. The SPG was instrumental in forming new churches on the Island – St Eleanors, Port Hill, Georgetown, Westmoreland, Cherry Valley, Murray Harbour.

         In 1840 the Diocesan Church Society of PEI was formed. Also in 1840, a corresponding committee of the Colonial Church and School Society (CC&SS) was established. This Society was founded in England in 1823 with the prime purposes of establishing Sunday and Day Schools served by its missionaries and cathechists. It was strongly Evangelical and anti-Tractarian and was to serve the Island for many years. (CC&SS  established the Bog School in Charlottetown in 1848 while the local administrative committee for the school was made up of members of St Paul’s church) 

The Bishop of Nova Scotia , John Inglis, absolutely refused to be associated with the CC&SS. The laity of St Paul’s church supported the work of the CC&SS and the PEI Committee was largely made up of members of St Paul’s Church.  

  The need for missionaries existed in the Island which the SPG was unable to meet but the CC&SS was willing to assist in finding clergymen who were willing to serve in this capacity. When the Bishop of Nova Scotia was faced with this situation he was compelled to overlook the low church leanings (evangelical) of the CC&SS and allow it to enter the field even if certain restrictions were applied.

School History in Charlottetown:

It appears that the first Sunday School at St Paul’s was established in either 1801 or 1802 during the incumbency of Rev Theophilus Desbrisay.

         The local committee of the Colonial Church and School Society (CC&SS) , in May 1843, wrote to the Minister and Vestry of St Paul’s Church concerning the need of a School House for the church. The School House was to be vested with the Rector and Wardens and was to be used on Sundays as a Sunday School and as an Infant School during the week. The Infant Schoolhouse was built in 1843 on the corner where the Parish Hall is now located.

The Bog School was established in 1848 by the SS&CC , with local administration by members of St Paul’s church. The Bog School was located at the corner of Kent and Rochford streets. The importance of this Sunday School cannot be overestimated since it provided a means whereby the underprivileged could learn to read and write. The St Paul’s Sunday School (Bog School) was the only Free School available to the poor and even here a nominal subscription of 2s6d was expected from those who could afford to pay.

By 1868 the Bog School had become too small and land for a new school was purchased near the location of the present Bog School. The new school was called the West End School.

By 1903 the public schools were free and there was no need for the West End School. The West End School property was sold in 1911 and in 1918 a deed of trust was accepted by St Paul’s church whereby it agrees to hold $1,000 in trust for perpetuity with the interest to be used for the maintenance of St Paul’s Church Sunday School.

Miscellaneous Historical Notes: Early School footnote: 

Miss Sarah Harvie, a young girl of sixteen years, took charge of the Bog School and initially experienced difficulty in bringing the children under control. Her firm but kindly handling soon resulted in them becoming the most orderly children in town. She taught for 20 years at the Bog School and then for 36 years at the West End School. Her influence among the children in the west end of Charlottetown was felt by hundreds of Families. An inspector of schools once reported that he had never seen more orderly and intelligent pupils in the Island. Miss Harvie was born in 1832 and died in 1907, widely mourned and deeply respected.

Insight on Church matters in early days:

Benjamin Davies wrote a letter published in Daily Examiner on April 6,1896:

“The removal of the old bell to the new St Paul’s church reminds me of the olden time nearly eighty years ago when this bell was presented to the first church – the only one at that time on the Island – when at the bell’s call on a Sunday morning the Christians assembled to hear the reverend and respected rector, Mr Desbrisay, expound the word of God as made known to us by the immortal Jesus of Nazareth.”

“It was a goodly time indeed to see the church filled often with persons of each denomination. The troops from the garrison with the officers marched out of the Fort of Saint George at the call of worship – headed by the band playing a lively tune. When they had taken their place and just as the bell ceased ringing, the military trump and the clank of a sabre announced the arrival of the Lieutenent Governor , who, after unbuckling his harness and taking his seat made his salaam to the parson as a sign to begin. I often think how grand it was to listen to. It was not like the insipid responses of the present day, as if the congregation were ashamed to lift their voices of thanks to our Great Creator. The Lieutenant Governor , Colonel Smith, set the example in a loud, clear voice, Accompanied by the military and all churchmen. Saints and sinners alike acknowledged their thanks to God for their creation and His mercy towards us”

St Paul’s Church 1984 – 2019

For the past 35 years St Paul’s Church has been blessed to have two long serving and remarkable Ministers; Rev Ted Morgan (1984 – 2003) and Rev John Clarke (2004 - present). The following notes will reflect on happenings during their years of ministry at St Paul’s. 

St Paul’s Church Archdeacon Edward (Ted) J. E. Morgan 1984 – 2003: Part 1/2

Rev Ted Morgan was appointed Rector of St. Paul’s on March 1984 and arrived in the Parish on September 1, 1984. He continued to serve the Parish until his retirement in 2003.Ted’s ministry could perhaps be summarized into four main categories; Christian education, Adoption of changes to the worship services, Parish administrator and Mentor/Tutor.

Christian Education:

Some of the highlights in Ted Morgan’s time were in Christian Education including:

• Placed emphasis on Youth Ministry and the Parish hired Rushan Sinnaduray to develop a strong Youth Ministry program,

• St Paul’s became known as a teaching parish where Anglican Deacons were often assigned,

• Formed a Spirit Development Committee that led to the development of various spiritual enhancements, including the adoption of the Bethel Bible study series, A parish Mission was conducted by Rev Robert Wise, USA who was the author and main teacher of the Bethel Bible series.

• Implemented the Bethel Bible Study which was a major bible study that involved significant time and effort by Rev Ted in taking the original training course and over a period of two years training 10 lay people to teach the course. Approximately 120 members of the parish took advantage of this initiative.

• A Parish Mission conducted by the Rev Terry Fullam was held in 1987.

• Rev Ted and Carol hired a 15 passenger van and took a number of St Paul’s parish members down to Darien, Connecticut for a weekend seminar with Terry Fullam.

• Created a Rector’s Advisory Committee, consisting of Parish members, to advise and assist the Rector.

Changes to the worship services during the time of Archdeacon Ted Morgan:

• Renovated the Sanctuary – new enlarged floor, removed the choir pews, constructed a new altar at the front of the sanctuary to enhance the worship services.

• Constructed a tabernacle (Ark) in the sanctuary to store the consecrated bread (Reserve Sacrament) for home communions.

• In 1985, The Bishop commended the use of the Book of Alternative Services (BAS) throughout the Diocese of Nova Scotia. It was introduced into the 9:15am service and phased  into the 11:00am and 8:00am worship services.

• A full set of vestments was donated to St Paul’s Church by Rev Morgan.

• Switched from Morning Prayer being the main worship service to the present “Communion “ service.

• Donated two Candle Sticks from Salisbury, England in memory of Rev Ted’s father

• Introduced the first Pascal candle in the church, donated by John Ives in memory of his mother

• The first Seder meal in the parish was organized by Rev Dawn Davis and held on Maundy Thursday in 1988.

• In 1989 the Synod of Nova Scotia approved the practice of permitting baptized children becoming communicants prior to Confirmation.

• St Paul’s became a strong supporter of the Non Stipendiary Minister Program under Rev Ted Morgan’s leadership. 

St Paul’s Church 

Archdeacon Edward (Ted) J. E. Morgan 1984 – 2003:

• Rev Ted Morgan was appointed Rector of St. Paul’s on March 1984 and arrived in the Parish on September 1, 1984. He continued to serve the Parish until his retirement in 2003.Ted’s ministry could perhaps be summarized into four main categories; Christian education, Adoption of changes to the worship services, Parish administration and Mentor/Tutor.

Parish Administration;

• Rev Morgan, early in his ministry, had developed a reputation of being an effective Parish Administrator and he certainly displayed that skill during his tenure at St Paul's Church.

• Rev Morgan was concerned to find that serious financial problems confronted the church in 1984 and he rapidly introduced a program to remedy the situation. The program basically required members of the congregation to increase their church givings by one percent of their incomes annually until a tithe was attained.

Two of the major milestones achieved during Archdeacon Ted Morgan’s tenure were; 

• In 1991 St Paul’s Parish embarked on a capital campaign to help restore and protect our church buildings for their long term. The 1991 capital campaign had a target of $500,000 and thanks to the generosity of the parish members, the Parish successfully raised the full $500,000!

• In 1994 another main accomplishment during Rev Ted’s tenure was the 225 year celebrations of St Paul’s parish. Among many activities, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada attended the celebrations and planted an Oak tree on the church property. The oak tree, which is still located on the church property was donated by parish member Clive Stewart and came from Mr Stewart’s property.

From Archdeacon Ted Morgan

Mentor/Tutor - Memories of 50 years of ordained ministry:

St Paul’s Church held a celebratory service recognizing Rev Morgan’s 50 years of ordination in May 2019 and many of the Deacons and Priests who were tutored under Ted’s leadership commented on the positive impact that Ted’s ministry had on their lives. The following are some of their comments:

“You were an excellent mentor – dedicated and fair and so very sensible”

“Thank you for serving as a mentor and role model of what it means to be a Parish Priest”

“Many times in my years as Parish Priest I asked myself “What would Ted do?”

“You made significant contributions to the life of the church, from Parish, Diocesan and National leadership, to the care of individual souls finding their way”

“You exposed us to new forms of Ministry, we went to Darien and then grew in a re-imagined Spiritual Development Committee. You saw Cursillo as an opportunity to confront and massively grow in our faith” 

“I hope you know just how powerfully and joyfully you have positively impacted the life of the living church, the body of Christ”

Please note: The above notes were compiled following a discussion between Rev Ted Morgan and George Likely. If anyone in the Parish has additional thoughts on “historical happenings” during Ted’s ministry, please contact Ted, George or Rev John.