PAGE TEN THE DAILY TIMES-GAZETTE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1947 Official Opening New Christ Memorial Church Tomorrow Loyalty And Enthusiasum Responsible For Success Of Building Plan Sta Started 1928 The inception of Christ Church Parish originated in the vestry of the Mother Parish of Oshawa St. George's, and the idea began to take shape in January 1928, when a committee consisting of Venerable Archdeacon Warren representing the synod office; Rev. C. R. de- Pencier, Rector, Messrs. F. L. Fowke and T. B. Mitchell of St. George's and Rev. R. B. Patterson, prospective incumbent came togeth- er to determine limitation of boun- dary and site. Asa result of the north and north-east section of the city was the area selected and the .site for. a church fixed at the cor- ner of Mary and Hillcroft Streets. Divine service began to be held dn North Simcoe Public School through the kindness of the School Board, later to be transferred in May to a tent on the newly chosen site on Mary Street. The very first vestry met in North Simcoe Public School on March 19, 1928 and elected Messrs C. A. Ma- son and William Dean as wardens to be succeeded almost forthwith by Messrs. Charles Sweet and 8. J. Maxwell, who gave place later in the same year to W. G. Corben and G. H. Dewberry. At an adjourned meeting on April 4 it was decided 'to build first a Parish Hall suitable for both work and worship. The 'construction of the Parish Hall ad- vanced apace and on Oct. 21 the congregation had a home in the new structure finished in so far as {it went. The corner stone was laid on . Saturday, Oct. 20 by Archdeacon 'Warren, and on the following day, Sunday, October 21, the opening services were held. Canon Wood- cock preached in the morning, Rev. D. B. Rogers in the afternoon, and Rev. R. A. Armstrong in the even- ing to near-capacity congregations. The organization of the new Parish advanced gathering personnel from the Clk 1 Te sapidly growing industrial sec- tion and despite the depressing conditions of the war period which were beginning to be manifest. From the first the women of the W.A. and the work of the Sunday School assumed a prominent part as did also the Boy Scout and Girl Guide activities, On the 2nd of April, 1928 a meeting was held at the Rectory to organize a branch for Christ Church when Mrs. R. B. Patterson was elected President. From the first the women assum- ed a prominent part and contribut- ed immensely to the spirit and work of the Parish, Some of the original members are still working for Christ Church. The loyalty and enthusiasm of the members throughout the years has given inspiration to the builders of Christ Church. Through the years the W.A. has assumed full respon- sibility, There are already tangible me- morials of the witness and work of these organizations among which the honour roll of the valiant youth of the Parish who gave of their best for King and Country, is not least. Original incumbent Rev. R. B. Patterson, M.A., to whom was given the task of starting the Parish in 1928; then Rev, Randel Stringer as- sumed charge. Rev. J. D, Paterson, Jr., followed; he was in turn follow- ed by Rev. J. H. Colclough, BA. whose energetic work all too soon was terminated by his sudden death in January 1946. In February 1946 the Bishop appointed the present in- cumbent Rev. H. D. Cleverdon un- der whose inspiration and leader- ship the Parish ambition to have a finished House for worship and work, an ambition deferred at first by industrial depression and later This beautiful edifice has been the objective of the congregation of Christ Church for many years. Tomorrow night the official Beautiful New Christ Memorial Church at. the Coriib? of ra and Hillcroft Streets Tri te much effort on the Ld part of the Building Committee and the entire congregation, ing will by the 2nd Great War has been ful- filled. REV. H. D. 23 Celina St. TO and his PARISHIONERS we wish to tender our CONGRATULATIONS on the opening of CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH LIBBY PLUMBING co. PLUMBING @ HEATING IRON FIREMAN STOKERS Agents for General Electric Oil Burning Units Oshawa CLEVERDON MAYOR FRANK McCALLUM Extends Congratulations to Members of CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH On the occasion of the of- ficial opening of the new Christ Memorial Church, I am happy to, extend con- gratulations / and good wishes, Particularly do I wish to congratulate the Building Committee who have so faithfully exercised their trust in bringing to a successful conclusion such a beautiful edifice. The Christ Memorial Church is a splendid addition to Oshawa's group of fine churches. F. N. McCALLUM ® TINSMITHING "I am very proud to have the op- portunity of being the General Con- tractor for the erection of the new Christ Memorial Church at Hill- croft and Mary Streets, Oshawa," said R. B. Wilkins popular Oshawa Phone 281 contractor to The Times-Gazette when asked about the construction of the new Christ Memorial Church. ab & ' 27 ARLINGTON AVE. -- OSHAWA -- PHONE 727W We're Proud to have been chosen and to have had the opportunity of designing and installing the Hardwood and Marboleum Floor in the new CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH "In the execution of this con- tract," said Mr. Wilkins, "one of our major problems was that of erect- ing the tons of masonry and later the large roof trusses, while at the Proud of Job ¢ quills Custom Built Floors R. B. WILKINS General Contractor for the new Christ Memorial Church which will Erection Of New Church Will Meet Long Felt Need Contractor Pays Tribute to Rector and Building Committee for Assistance and Co-operation During Building Period. ® 4 | same time keeping the temporary 'e officially opened Thursday, #Aarch 13, ye 4 roof of the basement intact, provid- ing for the water-proofing of the basement." "You see", said Mr. Wilkins, "that it was the desire of the Rector and the congregation to continue ser- vices without interruption during the course of the construction of the building." For 18 years this congregation has carried on with re- gular services in the basement with a temporary roof. "The fabrication of the roof trus- ses and the erection of same was a important undertaking. The trusses having a span of 46 feet. This was an interesting item in the general construction, but I am glad to re- port it was handled without a hitch," said Mr. Wilkins. A "Undoubtedly you encountered the problém of supplies," we asked. Mr, Wilkins said that while he had en- countered some difficulties he was however particularly proud of the fact that he was able to secure pro- pehly seasoned oak for the entrance doors and for the Chancel front. "I take great pride -in this," said Mr, Wilkins, "it really is a fine job". "The building project is now being completed exactly 7 months after the first brick deliveries were made", he said. "Throughout the entire construction of this beautiful edifice we have enjoyed the most cordial co-operation with those re- sponsible, and I would particularly like to mention A. S. Evans, the chairman of the building committee who has neither spared time or en- ergy in helping us to complete this project in the time alloted", he | said. "Rev, H. D. Cleverdon, the rector, has also been of considerable assis- tance to us being in constant touch with every phase of the activity from the time we started." "I would like to pay tribute to these gentlemen and to those asso- ciated with them," said Mr. Wilkins, "for their splendid co-operation." | "The architectural plans fer the structure were largely in the hands | | of Mr, Francis Wetmore of Oshawa, | {and T am sure that when the ' con- | gregation and the public generally | have an opportunity of seeing the | interior of this beautiful church Christ MemorialChurch 1929-1947 By F. H. WETMORE that much credit will be forthcom- ing to Mr. Wetmore," said Mr. Wilkins. The open rafter roof df British Columbia fir, with its pleasing in- | terior lines, is a fine feature of this | well irsulated building. The acous- pe {Pi operties of which are excel- | ent. that should be built. Architect Construction was begun in 1929. In that year the basemen' walls of the present nave, with a temporary | roof, were erected, the walls being | made thick enough to carry the | weight of the superstructure when | In this build- ing, approximately forty-eight :Ly fifty-six feet, services were conduct- ed for a number of years, the seats the South side, and the seating re- arranged to face it. When, a year ago, it was decided to go ahead with the building of the superstructure, the foundations were all in, providing for a nave forty-eight by fifty-six feet, and a chancel twenty-six by twenty-six feet. The design of the church was influenced by the almost square shape of the nave. The present building is of brick and block construction, with wood- en roof, showing Gothic and Nor- Good Wishes For Enduring Success The completion and opening of Christ Memorial Church is an event of considerable local importance. In part it is evidence of the strong de- side of the Church of England in Canada to provide her people in new residential areas with the min- istrations of the Church. A new Church building is moreover plain and visible reminder that consider- able numbers of people, in a period when religion is charged with many nev. uv. M. ROSE Rector, St. George's Anglican Church failures, are convinced that indivi- duals and communities must have a strong religious . life, and that they are prepared to support that convic- tion by effort, work and money, The new church, providing fits congregation with more commodious and worshipful surroundings, will also enable it to render more effec- tive service to the community at large. And none will wish Christ Church real, large and enduring success more sincerely or more whole heartedly than the mother from which it sprang,--St. George's. man influence. Outside, the buff brick and the stone trim blend well | together; inside the exposed beams, | stained dark, form a pleasing con- being so arranged that the congre- | gation faced the East. In 1941-42 the present chancel was erected on | trast with the cream-colored walls and roof. The chancel furniture is largely new. A feature is the triple win- dow, installed by the members of the Women's Auxiliary. The cen= ter unit shows Christ in the Ascen- sion; on the left is depicted Saint Paul holding the Sword of the Spirit, and on the right Saint John, holding the quill and scroll. The body of the church is finishe ed with rough-cast plaster walls, and stained beams and trim. Future installations will include a Baptismal Font, new pipe organ, and new pews in the nave. { i The Most Reverend DERWYN OWEN, D.D. Archbishop of Toronto and Primate of All Canada HARRY DAVID CLEVERDON Rector, Christ Memorial Church Christ Memorial Church OFFICIAL OPENING BY THE MOST REVEREND DERWYN OWEN D.D. ARCHBISHOP OF TORONTO and Ticket Holders Must Be Seated By 7.45 p.m. After Which the Public Will Be Ad- mitted if Space is Available. PRIMATE OF ALL CANADA Thursday, March 13th, 1947 SERVICE 8 PM. ae --