Showing 4 results

Description
FC 3213 L55 020.041 · Item · October 22, 1857
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Guelph [Ontario]

From: A.N. Bethune, Archdeacon of York; Arthur Palmer, Rector of Guelph & Rural Dean; F.L. Osler, Rector of Ancaster cum Dundas & Rural Dean

To: Bishop of Toronto

Delivery: unknown

Details: 4pp (secretarial copy)

Notes: A copy of the report submitted by Bethune, Palmer, and Osler on their inquiry into John Smithurst’s absence from his missionary post at Elora in the county of Wellington in the diocese of Toronto. John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto, requested these men investigate the allegation that Reverend Smithurst abandoned his post without permission. Churchwardens William Reynolds and J.S. Crossman in Elora confirmed that Rev. Smithurst had been largely absent since the end of April, sometimes remaining only a week at a time. The Churchwardens said Rev. Smithurst was unable “to read or preach in a tone of voice audible to all the members of his congregation; but admitted that his bodily health was on the whole vigorous.” Andrew Geddes confirmed the frequent absence of Rev. Smithurst, who is said to have taken up residence in the township of Minto. The report recommends the Bishop demand Rev. Smithurst's resignation.

Bethune, Alexander Neil
FC 3213 L55 020.042 · Item · November 3, 1857
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Lea Hurst, Minto [Ontario]

From: John Smithurst

To: The C.W, Pewholders and other members of the St. Johns Ch Elora

Details: 4pp

Notes: This document is the rough draft of Reverend Smithurst’s letter of thanks to his congregation for their expression of kindness as he leaves Elora. Addressed to the Church Wardens, Pewholders, and congregation at large of St. John's in Elora, he cites the loss of his voice as one of the reasons for leaving. In a postscript, he says that the bishop [John Strachan] has offered him a compromise on the issue of wages still owing. By accepting this compromise, Smithurst wishes to protect the Church from scandal.

Smithurst, John
FC 3213 L55 020.049 · Item · January 1863
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Date: January 1863, Epiphany

Place: Paris, C.W. [Canada West]

From: Adam Townley

To: The Honble and Right Reverend The Lord Bishop of Toronto

Details: 4 pp

Notes: The rough draft of a letter written by Reverend Townley to John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto. In the letter, Rev. Townley respectfully asks for a promotion.

Townley, Adam