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Extract from the Register of the Diocese, relating to the oaths taken for service under the Bishop of Toronto. Possibly handwritten by Reverend John Smithurst.

Place: Toronto

From: John Toronto

To: Rev. A. Palmer

Details: 4pp

Notes: A copy of a private letter written by John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto to Rev. Arthur Palmer of Guelph, Canada West.

In this letter, Bishop Strachan responds to a letter written by Rev. Palmer which enclosed a letter sent to him by Mr. Geddes, a prominent member of the congregation at Elora. The bishop expresses anger and frustration with Reverend John Smithurst for abandoning his parish at Elora and refusing to tender his resignation. Mr. Geddes proposed a solution to the impasse, but the bishop gives detailed reasons why the proposal in unacceptable. Bishop Strachan plans to appoint a commission to investigate Rev. Smithurst's conduct.

The context of this letter is confusing, given that Bethune, Palmer, and Osler had already visited Elora and completed a report on Rev. Smithurst's absence dated October 22, 1857. Also, Rev. Smithurst indicated in his letter of November 3 to the Elora congregation that he had resigned. Perhaps a delayed postal delivery is to blame for this confusion.

Place: Toronto

From: J.B. Robinson

To: [Reverend C.E. Thomson]

Delivery: unknown

Details: 2pp

Notes: A short letter regarding the approaching Diocesan Synod and representatives from St. John’s Church in Elora.
Note on the back says “J.B. Robinson Esq. Read May 13/59.” While the recipient is not named, it is likely to be Reverend C. E. Thomson who led the Elora parish in 1859. J. B. Robinson is possibly Sir John Beverley Robinson, the noted lawyer and judge.

Place: Toronto

From: John Toronto

To: Rev Adam Townley

Details: 2pp

Notes: A letter marked private, written by John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto. It is addressed to Reverend Adam Townley who was rector in Dunnville at the time, serving the parishes of Dunnville, Port Maitland, and South Cayuga in the Niagara District. Strachan discusses land titles in relation to a new church, and asks several questions to arrange travel. St. John the Evangelist church was built in South Cayuga and consecrated by Strachan in June 1846.

Place: Trinity College Toronto

From: George Whitaker

To: unknown

Details: Trinity College Toronto blue letterhead, one sheet of paper

Notes: A letter written by George Whitaker in his role as provost at Trinity College. He responds to a student who will receive his Master of Arts degree on November 12. The student also inquired about working for the college, to which Whitaker expresses interest.