On the grounds of the church

Commemoration

This Anglican church was begun in 1851 to replace a frame building erected in 1820. Distinguished by the stepped battlements of its façade, the new building was designed in early Gothic revival style by the noted architect Kivas Tully, who was later responsible for Victoria Hall, Cobourg. After the plan was altered, St. Peter's was constructed by the contractor, Samuel Retallick, and gradually encased the earlier church, which was dismantled. On October 15, 1854, this building was opened for service by its rector, the Venerable Alexander N. Bethune (1800-79), Archdeacon of York and an outspoken advocate of Church of England rights in Canada. St. Peter's was later enlarged by extending the chancel, and in 1893-95, the interior was extensively renovated.

Background

The Church of England came to Canada in the wake of the Treaty of Paris in 1763.  It often settled along with retiring army veterans who were granted land in the colonies.  It was reinforced by steady immigration from England throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.  

Kivas Tully designed many buildings in Upper and Lower Canada.  As well as churches, there were banks including the Bank of Montreal building at Yonge and Front in Toronto that is now the Hockey Hall of Fame.  He was trained in England and came to Canada in 1844. 

Alexander Bethune was one of the last students to graduate from the Cornwall Grammar School established by John Strachan.  Dr. Strachan consecrated Bethune when he was made a bishop.  He is interned in this church.