St. James Anglican Church, Fenelon Falls, Ontario, 1835-2002 (at right is a sketch by Anne Langton of the Original Log Church that was built on a hill above the present site)

Looking back over 167 years, we are grateful to the small group of Church of England settlers on Strugeon and Cameron Lakes. For it was these deveoled pioneers who, after clearing their own lands and erecting humble dwellings, looked to the task of providing a suitable place of worship for all concerned. Each gave as his fortune dictated, be it land, money or labour and a small log church was built on the hill above the present St. James.

Anne Langton's letters in the book "A Gentlewoman in Upper Canada", tell us of congregation meetings often in the Langton home at Blythe Farm on Sturgeon Lake. These were enjoyable occasions and often necessary because of weather and road conditions, even after the church was built.

In the beginning, not having funds to pay a resident clergyman, certain men or women took turns conducting services and, only occasionally, were able to have a journeying minister to officiate at baptisms, weddings and funerals. Later, with money subscribed by friends and relatives in Great Britain, they secured the services of an ordained man and regular worship became the custom.

The silver communion service was presented to the congregation in 1838 when the original log church was opened, and continues in use today.

No one can be sure whether the log church was destroyed by fire or whether it was decided to replace it, but,  in any case, a second frame building appreared on the hill around 1852. The congregation walked or rode in buggies up a winding trail from Bond Street or used a flight of eighty steps, with three landings, erected to the right of the present church. This sufficed for almost fifty years when it was felt to be too strenuous a climb for some members and, although there was much controversy over the expense as well as the move, the third and present St. James was built during the summer and fall 1902, the services being held on December seventh. This church serves the Anglican community today.

The original rectory on Francis Street West, (now demonlished) was vacated in 1949 when the present rectory on Bond Street E. was built.

Mrs. Leslie Frost, wife of  Ontario's Premier, officially opened the parish hall, a dream of so many parishioners on Bond Street E., in 1960.

The original register which records the first baptism, as well as deaths and marriages, makes very interesting reading. Family names of the area are to be found among its pages as well as the signatures of the many clergy who have served the parish over its long history.

One hundred and sixty-seven years of good times and lean times are partially illustrated by the display of antiquities in a restored cupboard in the church.

Writer not known (please advise Patti (patti@cragg.ca) if you know who wrote this.

St. Thomas, Balsam Lake

(Coming soon)

Christ Church, Coboconk

(Coming Soon)