COVERING 100 YEARS AT WELLANDPORT
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 26 November 1931]
This synopsis of Presbyterian church history covering a period of one hundred years was prepared by the present minister, Rev. Donald H. Currie, for the Centennial of the Wellandport Presbyterian church, observed on Sunday, October 25th, 1931, by special services in the church, and on Monday, Oct. 26th, by a supper served by the Ladies’ Aid in the “Tourists Inn,” followed by a reunion and program in the church. The sketch is dedicated to the memory of the pioneers who came into the forest to hew out homes for themselves, and build schools and churches that their children might be provided for materially and spiritually.
My sources of information are from Dr. Gregg’s History of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and from the session and congregational minute books of Wellandport church. The church in Gainsboro on the Twenty Mile Creek was organized by the Rev. D.W. Eastman in 1809. From its organization this church at St. Ann was under the care of Mr. Eastman, something like twelve years, and he was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Goodell. In 1831 there were two Sabbath schools, and Mr. Goodell divided his labors between St. Anns and another congregation six miles distant in the same town.
Read the rest of this entry »
IS THE RECORD OF THE SHIBLEY FAMILY
Foresight Shown in Early Real Estate Purchases-Also invested in Humberstone and Now Operate Flourishing Concerns in Both Centres
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 18 November 1931]
Seventeen years ago there moved to Port Colborne from Buffalo a family by the name of Shibley. No one would have said at the time that this family were going to do as much for the building program of the lakeside town as any other family of old standing and wealth, but such was to prove the case. At the beginning of their career in Port Colborne they were not very well known and without any great show and with a great deal of foresight, they bought up some of the strategical and choice building sites of future years. To keep themselves going they set up a couple of confectionery stores, one on the east side of the canal and another in the old Schooley building which was later wiped out by fire.
The east side store was in the area now a part of the new Welland Ship canal. The family all helped in the stores and by skillful handling of funds they have gradually increased their places of business and opportunities. The family later went in for real estate, investing on a larger scale and bought up considerable property that was taken up by the new canal. One of these properties was the Commercial hotel of old time fame and renown. However, anticipating the growth in the western part of the town, they bought up several desirable building sites there, one of which was the site of the present postoffice.
Always Proud of Port
Joseph Shibley stated that the family has always been proud of Port Colborne and its steady growth ever since they decided to make the town the scene of their attempts in business and that it was their desire to add their contribution to the growth of the municipality and to improve the beauty of its streets. Whatever money they had made through fortunate investments they have spent in improving other locations to the betterment of the town as a whole. He said that of late people were appreciating their efforts and now their business was such that they were able to sell wholesale and retail buying direct from the factory in large quantities.
The Shibley family have not kept their investments and building program to Port Colborne only, but in recent years have built in Humberstone and also bought up considerable throughout the township. At the present time they have one of the finest stores in Humberstone in the middle of the village’s business section where it is in contact with all tourist traffic.
Operate Many Stores
Job F. Shibley, the father of this prosperous family, has five sons and one daughter, all but one of whom are still with him in business. The other son, Anthony, has branched out for himself and now has his own shop on Clarence street, Port Colborne, and his family own the new modern building on the corner of Clarence and King streets, directly west of the postoffice. One of the other sons, Joseph, is now manager of his father’s business. Besides their confectionery stores, they run an up-to-date taxi service. If conditions are favorable they may open a restaurant also in the near future. With the addition now of their new store on Clarence street, this family will own several of the finer-type business blocks in town.
One of the family traits has always been to give the best of service and they are still carrying on this and hope to do so for a long time to come. They also hope to be able to continue their plan of improvement in the future so that the buildings of Port Colborne will rank with those of any other town of its size and population anywhere. Mr. Shibley stated that he had great confidence in the town and its industries and also in the Welland Ship Canal Industrial Area commission. “We pay much to the town in taxes and so we want to see the town on the map,” Mr. Shibley said. “With the erection of the new store, we are keeping our plans of advancement moving and in its style we are also keeping up with the times regarding beauty.”
[Related EVENT: NEW SHIBLEY BUILDING ON CLARENCE STREET]
EDITORIAL
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 31 December 1931]
Only a brief illness preceded the death of Dr. S. Nixon Davis of Welland who passed away yesterday and it was a shock to his friends to realize that his genial presence would be known no more. Dr. Davis was a well known and popular citizen. His professional activities brought him in contact with a large section of the community but he was also a leading figure in the political sphere by reason of his position as president of the Welland City Liberal Association. He took an active interest in the administration of the county hospital and was associated with various organizations for the advancement of community life in the city.
Dr. Davis was a man with a mind of his own. It was this positive feature of his character that made him capable of accomplishment and his influence was invariably felt in the circles where his interests lay. But he possessed a cheerful disposition and a kindly heart which endeared him to many.
His devotion to duty was expressed not only by his attention to the demands of his profession but by his public service and his ready response to his country’s call following the outbreak of the Great War.
CITY SUSTAINS SEVERE LOSS IN DEATH TODAY OF DR. S. NIXON DAVIS
Widely Known Medical Practitioner Succumbs to Pneumonia-In 64th Year
CAME HERE IN 1912
Deeply Interested in Welfare of County Hospital-Had Notable War Record
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 30 Decembe
r 1931]
Death this morning dealt a severe blow to Welland, when Dr. Sidney Nixon Davis, aged 63, widely known medical practitioner and a leading figure in the public life of the city and county, succumbed at his home, 196 East Main street, to pneumonia, which malady he contracted nine days ago. Dr. Davis had been critically ill for over a week, but appeared to be slightly improved yesterday. The end came, however, shortly before noon today.
Dr. Davis, a prominent Liberal was widely known and was president of the Welland City Liberal Association. He was a staunch advocate of Empire principles and always associated himself with any movement for community betterment. He was kindly in disposition and some of his political opponents were his greatest personal friends.
In his death, Holy Trinity church, Welland, has sustained another severe loss, as Dr. Davis, a devoted member of the church, was lay delegate to the synod for many years. He was president of the Welland club for the past several years and members readily credited him with a major part in the placing of the club on its present excellent status. He was a member of the Masonic order, being affiliated with a lodge at Parry Sound, Ont.
Notable War Record
Dr. Davis possessed a notable war record. He enlisted in January 1916 with the 114th Haldimand Rifles and went overseas holding the rank of major and second in command. On the re-organization of the Canadian forces overseas, he joined the Canadian Army Medical Service Corps and served in France and England. He returned in 1919.
He was born in York, Haldimand county, September 5, 1868, and attended Caledonia high school, then entering Queen’s University for the study of medicine. He graduated from the Kingston college in the early nineties and established practices at York and Cayuga. During his college days he had the honor of being a member of the first hockey team to represent Queen’s University.
After a few years sojourn at York and Cayuga, Dr. Davis moved to Parry Sound and practiced there for some time. He located in Welland in 1912 and with the exception of the war years, had been here since that time.
He was extremely interest in the welfare of the Welland County General hospital and for a number of years represented the medical profession on the institution’s board of governors. For some years he held the position of coroner, and was still active in that capacity until his fatal illness. He held membership in Lookout Point Golf and Country Club, and the Ontario Club, Toronto. He was also a director of the Davis Stationery Company, Welland.
In addition to his widow, Daisy Maud Davis, four sons and one daughter survive. They are: Cecil R., Toronto; A.E.N. Davis, William A., and Patrick, all of Welland, and Miss Mary Florence Davis at home. Two brothers and two sisters also survive as follows: Arthur F. Davis, Chicago; Herbert H. Davis, Montreal; Miss F. Davis and Miss M. Davis, both of Hamilton.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed but it is anticipated the service will be held from Holy Trinity church on Friday.
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 24 December 1931]
The above picture (inset) shows all but one of the founders of the Welland Hungarian Self Culture Society and also a number of the members of the society. The founders were C. Kovacs, Louis Szabo, Mrs. Victoria Szabo, John Szuch, Joseph Videki and Frank Ahman. In the centre of the front row are Louis Szabo, the re-elected president, and Rev. Father Jerome Hedley, priest in charge of the Church of Our Lady of Hungary, Hellems avenue, and Rev. Frank R. Nagy, minister of the Welland Hungarian Presbyterian church.
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 30 December 1931]
Funeral services for the late Fred Fisher were held Tuesday afternoon at his late residence on Welland street, Rev. N. Argyle Hurlbut of Central United church officiating. The late Mr. Fisher, who passed away December 27, was born in St. Catharines November 16, 1877. He was the only son of the late Fred Fisher and Mary Seymour-Armworth Fisher of Fonthill, and is survived by his wife, Sara Martin Fisher, and by two sisters, Mrs. F.M. Lymburner, Fonthill, and Mrs. J. Edgar Martin of Welland.
The pallbearers were: Charles Miller of Chippawa, Charles Vasbinder and Ellis Holditch of Niagara Falls, Leslie Lambert, Pelham, Charles Weaver and David Weaver, Chippawa. Interment was in the family plot in Fonthill cemetery.
EDITORIAL
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 28 December 1931]
In the sudden death of Venerable Archdeacon N. Perry, the Grim Reaper has laid a heavy hand on Holy Trinity parish in particular and on the city of Welland as a whole. The revered Anglican rector, during his 12 years ministry here, was loved not only by his own parishioners but by the members of other denominations as well and the news of his tragic passing came as a profound shock to the entire community.
Only a few brief hours before his death the archdeacon had celebrated holy communion at three services, and after wishing his congregation the season’s greetings, had hurriedly taken the train for Toronto to spend Christmas day with his family. It could not be known then that his life’s journey was drawing to a close and that when the rector returned to this church, to which he was so deeply devoted, he would come back wrapped in the mantle of death.
Archdeacon Perry was one of the older graduates of Wycliffe college and in his student days was much beloved by his classmates. It was manifest then that he would be extremely sympathetic, an able preacher, a commanding leader and a wise counsellor. These attributes he cultivated during the years of his ministry and as a result he was recognized for many years as an outstanding clergyman in the Niagara diocese. Deeply religious, he was known as a man of strong character, ever ready to express his convictions on what he believed right and just. His was a firm stand on all matters affecting the policy or interest of the church.
The death of Archdeacon Perry was untimely, yet he would say with Saint Paul, “I have fought a good fight; I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” He had lived to see the completion of the Guild Hall, a task to which he had devoted his energies for many years in the interests of the boys and girls of his Sunday school; the mortgage on the church had been burned only last week, he had lived to attain what he considered was the crowning success of his life, the conferring upon him by his alma mater of the degree of doctor of divinity, and finally, he had that day administered the last communion of the year to his congregation.
Archdeacon Perry has preached his last sermon, his life is done. But his ministry here will be as a beacon shining out to lead his congregation and as a guide to his successor whoever he may be.
SUDDEN PASSING OF FRANK KILTY IN QUEEN CITY
FORMER WELLANDER WAS VISITOR HERE ONLY YESTERDAY-FRIENDS SHOCKED
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 13 October 1931]
Many Wellanders were shocked this morning on learning of the sudden death early today in Toronto of Frank Kilty, former Wellander. Mr. Kilty was in Welland only yesterday and appeared to be in the best of health. In addition to his widow, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. James Kilty, North Main street, Welland, one sister, Mrs. William Bartz, Welland, and one brother, James of California.
Deceased was born in Brighton, Ontario, but came to Welland as a boy and was educated here. He was actively engaged in contracting operations and spent some 18 years in Kansas City and other United States centres.
Welland relatives left immediately for Toronto on receipt of the news of Mr. Kilty’s death and funeral arrangements will likely be completed on their return this evening.
It is understood that Mr. List, father-in-law of the late Mr. Kilty, left Kansas this morning for Toronto by aeroplane and is expected to reach the Canadian city this evening.
CECIL BAUMANN DIES IN DETROIT
FORMER WELLANDPORT RESIDENT PASSES FOLLOWING ILLNESS OF FEW DAYS
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 14 October 1931]
Wellandport, Oct. 14.- Word was received in the village, Tuesday morning, that Cecil Baumann passed away at Detroit, Mich., Sunday afternoon, following a three days’ illness suffering from heart trouble. The late Mr. Baumann resided in Wellandport for several years, while engaged in farm work, leaving for Detroit about three years ago. He is survived by three sisters: Mrs. John Kinkle, Wainfleet; Mrs. John Smythe, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; and Miss Elizabeth Baumann, Welland. His father, Henry Foster Baumann, who resides at St. Catharines, is now on a visit to England. The funeral will be held Thursday morning with interment in Rosewood cemetery, Flint, Mich.
PROFOUND SHOCK CAUSED BY SUDDEN PASSING OF VEN. ARCHDEACON PERRY
Beloved Rector of Holy Trinity Church Succumbs While Paying Christmas Day Visit at Home of Son in Newmarket- Had Conducted Three Services Here in Morning and Appeared in Good Spirits-Funeral Services in Welland Monday Afternoon
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 26 December 19
31]
About to partake of Christmas dinner shortly after seven o’clock last night at Newmarket, Ont., Nathaniel Irwin Perry, M.A., D.D., venerable archdeacon of the counties of Lincoln and Welland, and rector of Holy Trinity church, Welland, collapsed and died in the home of his son, Ronald Perry. Dr. D.H. Guy was hastily summoned, but could only pronounce life extinct on arrival.
Funeral Here Monday
At noon today, in telephone communication with The Tribune, Ronald Perry, son of the archdeacon, stated the funeral would be held from Welland on Monday afternoon, with service at Holy Trinity church at 1.30. Interment will be at Mount Pleasant cemetery, Toronto. It is expected that the body will be brought to Holy Trinity church from Newmarket on Monday morning.
While arrangements for the funeral had not been completed at press time today, it is expected that Rt. Rev. Derwyn T. Owen, lord bishop of Niagara, will officiate.
His lordship was informed of the archdeacon’s death by E. Cardwell, people’s warden, last night and was deeply grieved at the sad intimation. The bishop said he would arrange for services to be held in Holy Trinity church on Sunday.
Mr. Cardwell is in Toronto today, completing arrangements for the funeral.
Causes Profound Shock
The staggering news of the sudden passing of the archdeacon, dean of Welland clergymen, and a noted figure in Anglican church circles, was received in the homes of church officials and parishioners in Welland last night with profound shock. First in Welland to learn of the sad affair was Hon. Richard Harcourt, K.C., who was informed by telephone by Ronald Perry. The news stunned Mr. Harcourt, as the archdeacon had been his guest at breakfast yesterday morning and had appeared to be in fine spirits.
For half and hour last night, between 9 o’clock and 9.30 the bell at Holy Trinity church sounded the sad tones of the death toll, and grief and sorrow made their way into the homes of many parishioners when the news of their beloved rector was conveyed.
While it was known the archdeacon, who was in his 65th year, was afflicted with heart trouble, yet there was no indication yesterday that the end was so close at hand. The Welland rector was the celebrant at three Holy Communion services at 7, 8, and 10 o’clock, and left for Toronto by train at 11.15 to join his sons and spend the remainder of Christmas day with them. At the church here before leaving he was in a happy frame of mind and it was evident to many close friends that he was looking forward to the reunion with his sons with great eagerness and anticipation.
The last person to see him alive in Welland, was Ervin Cardwell, people’s warden of Holy Trinity church, who motored the archdeacon to the railroad depot. The archdeacon was met in Toronto by his son, Carl, and they lunched together before leaving for Newmarket, where they were to join the other son, Ronald, for Christmas dinner.
Dies Almost Immediately
It was just as the three were about to take their seats sat at the dinner table when the Welland rector was stricken. He passed away almost immediately.
Hon, Mr. Harcourt, friend and neighbor of the rector, was staggered and grief stricken at the news of the tragedy and last night told a Tribune representative that the archdeacon had seemed bright and happy at the breakfast table. “He was lively and looking forward to the visit with his sons very much. The news of his passing is a staggering shock,” Mr. Harcourt stated. The fact that a great friend of Archdeacon Perry, the late Rev. W. Archer, rural dean and rector, of Stamford, had been called only a few months ago in similar manner was feelingly referred to by Mr. Harocurt.
It is said that the prospect of being present with Nick Kozub, December 30, when the execution of the Beaverboard man is scheduled to take place, had caused the archdeacon considerable worry. The Welland rector had been acting as spiritual adviser to Kozub at the request of Greek Orthodox church authorities.
One of the archdeacon’s last acts of kindness in Welland took place Thursday evening when he visited the governor of the Welland county jail, Colonel Donald Sharpe, and left with him a specially prepared Christmas pudding to be given to the condemned man.
The Archdeacon had been in failing health for a number of years and only last Spring collapsed in a street in St. Catharines. He was rushed to hospital, where he remained critically ill for several days. He returned to his parish however, several weeks later after making good recovery. About four years ago he was forced to give up church activities for several months and seek rest in a New York state health resort.
The late rector came to Welland 12 years ago and since that time has accomplished noble works in the large parish here. His chief interest lay in the boys and girls, not only of his own church, but all over the city and for years he was superintendent of Holy Trinity Sunday school, the largest organization of its kind in the city.
Always striving to obtain better accommodation for the Sunday school scholars, Archdeacon Perry worked hard to secure a new Guild hall and largely through his efforts the present fine structure was erected. He served on the Welland board of education and was the first president of the Canal Ministerial Association, formed last year.
Beloved By Parishioners
He was beloved by his parishioners and citizens generally and his preaching always contained a strong evangelical strain. He was kind, sympathetic and always ready to aid those in distress. The rectory was a calling place where many persons in straightened circumstances looked for aid and not in vain.
One of the proudest moments in Archdeacon Perry’s career was on October 5, last, when the honorary degree of doctor of divinity was concurred upon him by his Alma mater, Wycliffe College, Toronto. This degree, rarely conferred, was a fitting reward to a splendid record of service to the church by one of Wycliffe’s sons.
Only last week, the archdeacon was happy in the role of chairman at the ceremony in which the mortgage on Holy Trinity church was reduced to ashes.
Advice Much Sought
Archdeacon Perry’s advice in diocesan affairs was much sought and he was an intimate friend of His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Derwyn T. Owen, bishop of Niagara. The archdeacon was chairman of several diocesan committees and for many years was a member of the executive council. When the late Bishop Clark died, the archdeacon was prominently mentioned as a possible successor.
The archdeacon was born at Lloydtown, near Newmarket. He attended school there and later at Newmarket high school. He received his M.A., at the University of Toronto and graduated from Wycliffe College in 1895.
In Halifax for Time
After being ordained he was assistant to Canon Marsh at Lindsay and then went to St. Paul’s church, Halifax, as assistant to Rev. Canon Dyson Hague. Following this, he became rector of St. Thomas’ church, St. Catharines, and remained there for 21 years. For two years he was organizer of the Forward Movement, with headquarters at Hamilton.
The he came to Welland, had remained here since, taking an active part in all church activities. In addition to his widow, formerly Jean Harris, two sons survive him, Ronald Perry, on the staff of Pickering college at Newmarket, and Karl R., an employee of the Robert Simpson Company, Toronto. Three brothers and two sisters also survive. They are: Rev. R.J.W. Perry, Streetsville; William, Schomberg; Robert L., Islington; Mrs. W.E. McKinley, Toronto and Miss Ettie, Toronto. Rev. T.H. Perry, an uncle, noted professor at Halifax, died several years ago. The archdeacon was formerly a chaplain of the Second Dragoons and was a member of the Masonic order.
“He was one of the older graduates of Wycliffe College,” Principal R. McElheran said in Toronto last night, “and was highly respected by his classmates. As a pastor, he was extremely sympathetic, an able preacher and a wise leader. I am indeed distressed to hear of his sudden death, and I know that all over the Canadian church his loss will be felt.”
Tribune of An Old Friend
“I counted him as one of my oldest friends,” said R.W. Allin, secretary of the Synod of Toronto. “I first met Archdeacon Perry when I was attending high school at Uxbridge. He was then a student assisting the rector of St. Paul’s church. As a priest he had been highly successful, always earnest and devoted. A man of strong character and pleasing personality, he was known for his firm stands on all matters affecting the policy or interest of the church. He will be missed as a friend, and from the councils of the church. I am deeply grieved by his death.”
Bishop is Shocked
“Archdeacon Perry was for most years an outstanding clergyman of this diocese,” said Rt. Rev. Derwyn T. Owen, Bishop of Niagara, “For 20 years he was rector of St. Thomas church, St. Catharines, for two years educational secretary for the diocese and had been rector of Holy Trinity church, Welland, since 1920. He had been archdeacon of the counties of Lincoln and Welland for about 20 years.”
“He was held in the highest regard by all the clergy and laity and was a leading figure in all undertakings of the Synod. Deeply religious and strong in his views, he was also very charitable in his outlook. I saw him on Monday, at the ordination service in St. Catharines. He was then in his usual robust health and his death is a great shock. As his bishop who knew of the magnitude of his work, I can only say he has left a place that will be hard to fill.”
Possessed Kindly Spirit
“It is with deep regret that the members of the Canal Area Ministerial Association learn of the death of Archdeacon Perry,” stated Rev. Dr. P.K. Dayfoot of Port Colborne, president of the association, this morning. “As a man and former president, he had won the esteem of the association by his kindly spirit and his fraternal attitude toward his fellow pastors. In the discussions concerning local and general problems, his counsel was always appreciated, and he will be missed in the days to come. To the family sorely bereaved, and the church so suddenly bereft, on behalf of the association I tender deep sympathy,” Dr. Dayfoot stated.
Visited Europe
Prior to coming to Welland, the archdeacon visited Europe and while in London had the honor of dining at Lambeth Palace with the late Rev. Randall Davidson, the archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Cosmo Gordon Lang, the present archbishop and the present Archbishop of York, Dr. Temple. Autographed pictures of these church dignitaries grace the walls of the archdeacon’s vestry room at Holy Trinity church.
Subscribe..
