If you had suddenly been transported to the front steps of Christ Church, Hope at 10am on Sunday, October 23rd, 2011 focusing only on the people and activity in your immediate view you would swear that you had traveled back in time.
One hundred and fifty year’s ago Bishop George Hills, the Bishop of British Columbia, marked a historic occasion for the Anglican Church of Canada when he laid the cornerstone of Christ Church in Hope, BC. In order to get to Hope he had to travel from Victoria, by boat, horseback, canoe, portage and riverboat. Upon his arrival he was greeted by the citizens of the town and members of the Royal Engineers heading west from Princeton. The corps of engineers comprised the choir at the worship service in 1861
Bishop Michael was the preacher and presider at a very special service of Holy Communion commemorating this historic event. The language of the liturgy was from the mid 19th century adaptation of the Book of Common Prayer found in texts brought to the site by Reverend Pringle, the first rector.
Following the worship, the community gathered for the planting of a time capsule, which included among a number of future artifacts: the words of Bishop George Hills, that morning’s Order of Service and a complete list of all those in attendance at the 150th Anniversary celebrations.
Following the planting of the time capsule and many photo opportunities the community adjourned to the Parish Hall for lunch.
One hundred and fifty year’s ago Bishop George Hills, the Bishop of British Columbia, marked a historic occasion for the Anglican Church of Canada when he laid the cornerstone of Christ Church in Hope, BC. In order to get to Hope he had to travel from Victoria, by boat, horseback, canoe, portage and riverboat. Upon his arrival he was greeted by the citizens of the town and members of the Royal Engineers heading west from Princeton. The corps of engineers comprised the choir at the worship service in 1861
Bishop Michael was the preacher and presider at a very special service of Holy Communion commemorating this historic event. The language of the liturgy was from the mid 19th century adaptation of the Book of Common Prayer found in texts brought to the site by Reverend Pringle, the first rector.
Following the worship, the community gathered for the planting of a time capsule, which included among a number of future artifacts: the words of Bishop George Hills, that morning’s Order of Service and a complete list of all those in attendance at the 150th Anniversary celebrations.
Following the planting of the time capsule and many photo opportunities the community adjourned to the Parish Hall for lunch.
Christ Church Anglican & National Historic Site will also host a smaller celebration on November 1 to commemorate the date of consecration. Everyone is encouraged to come out, to take part in this historic occasion and to learn about the role that Christ Church played in the early history of the Diocese of New Westminster. For more information please call 604 869 5402. Christ Church Anglican & National Historic Site is located at 681 Fraser Ave, in Hope, BC
There will be a detailed report on this event in the December issue of Topic, the monthly publication of the Diocese of New Westminster.
Images: Top, Prior to the worship, Christ Church Priest-in-Charge, the Reverend Gail Newell (third from right), Bishop Michael and the Reverends Fred Tassinari and Mike Watkins are greeted by members of the Royal Engineers and a famours Scottish explorer. Middle, Bishop Michael blesses the planting of the time capsule. Below: All who attended the 150th Anniversary worship in costume.