Bishops back at their posts

100 years ago: November 1899

Canadian Churchman commented that with one exception, all Canadian bishops are again at their posts of duty. We are far from saying that the journeys so often made to England are unnecessary, or productive of little good; that is a matter in which we can hardly sit in judgement on our spiritual rulers. But these constant absences from the post of duty do give cavillers an opportunity of questioning the necessity for raising funds for the sub-division of dioceses and the increase of the Episcopate. Would it not be a more judicious economy of energy and money if the great missionary societies were each to send over a trustworthy travelling secretary to enquire on the spot as to the wants of each diocese? Then there would be someone in London able to answer all enquiries from personal observations made and satisfy generously-disposed benefactors that money paid over by them would supply what is really a felt necessity for carrying on the work of the Church in the Dominion.

50 years ago: November 1949

Canadian Churchman reported that at General Synod, on the question of the name of the Church, the debate was hot. On the episcopal side it was probably prejudiced by the fact that the Bishops had committed themselves, in advance of the debate in joint session, to sending the whole problem back to the committee. In the end the Lower House voted for change and the Upper House voted against it. So the name remains. The outstanding speeches were from Canon Cody, on the great history of the name; and from Archdeacon Robertson who recounted the contributions of Ireland to the Church in Canada and wanted to know where England’s exclusive claim originated.

25 years ago: November 1974

Canadian Churchman reported that a Sunday morning festival mixing banners, ranks of red robed priests and more than 8,000 local Anglicans kicked off a year of renewal in New Westminster diocese. At 11 a.m., when most Anglicans between Powell River and Hope usually are worshipping in their 80 parish churches, they came instead to the Pacific National Exhibition Agrodome (in Vancouver). “To minister Christ to the world, as His Gospel calls us to do, first requires a personal and alive commitment to the one who is our lord and saviour,” Bishop David Somerville stressed. “How can Christians witness to the world unless they are first set afire with joy and faith themselves? It’s important for Christians to remember that we are called first to worship and to praise so that we are better equipped to do Christ’s work in the world to witness where we are to human need and suffering.”