St. George’s website

Jacob Ellegood was born in 1923 and grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick. By the age of twenty-six (1849), he had settled in Montreal, received holy orders and began work as an assistant at the old Christ Church Cathedral, then located on Notre-Dame Street, which was the centre of the city and its business district.

His next assignment found him rebuilding St. Ann’s Chapel in Griffintown (a neighbourhood of Montréal), which has been destroyed in a fire. He soon became known as a church builder, and during the next forty-one years helped found Grace Church in Pointe-Saint-Charles (Montréal), the Church of the Redeemer in Côte-Saint-Paul (Montréal), St. Stephen’s on Dorchester Boulevard and St. James the Apostle on Sainte-Catherine Street West (downtown Montréal).

The Foundation

In 1890, Canon Jacob Ellegood, Rector of St. James the Apostle, recognised his congregation’s need for a mission chapel. He consulted his vestry, which approved the establishment of a “Chapel of Ease”, more convenient for the parishioners living to the west. A temporary place was soon arranged for on Staynor Avenue, and on March 23, 1890, Passion Sunday, the service of Evensong was conducted at 7 p.m.

Over the next two years, a Mission Church (Chapel of Ease for St. James the Apostle) was built. It was affectionately called “The Little Church on Wood and Western” [De Maisonneuve Blvd. was then named Western Avenue]. The first service – Mattins – was held on Advent Sunday, November 27, 1892. Present at the service were Rev. G. Abbot Smith and Rev. C. Cameron Waller. Canon Ellegood preached the sermon. Rev. Waller was placed in charge of the new Chapel of Ease.

On the Second Sunday of Advent, Bishop William Bennett Bond paid his first visit to the chapel. In his sermon he declared: “The seats were to be free and unappropriated forever; anyone could enter the Church of the Advent and sit where he wished.” At this time, families in many parishes would “buy” their pew, which would be reserved for their use alone. Free seats would often be designated at the side or back of a church for visitors and the poor. This was a means of income for a parish, and in a way, necessary in an age in which churches were crowded on Sundays.

In May of 1896, Bishop Bond established the Church of the Advent as a parish on its own. Rev. Henry Kittson was appointed its first Rector and inducted on February 16, 1897. He served the parish for five years (1896-1910). Rev. Meredith Ogden Smith assisted at the service.

Growth in the Early 1900s

In 1901, Rev. Alexander John Doull, M.A. became Rector of the Advent, and faithfully tended the needs of his parishioners for nine years (1901-1910) before leaving to become Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, British Columbia.

Rev. Henry M. Little was installed as Rector on September 1^st, 1910, and continued as such for thirty years (1910-1940). During his ministry, the Parish Hall was built (1924). Rev. Little established a Daily Eucharist and the Sung Eucharist on Sundays at the Advent.

In 1936, Rev. Sydenham B. Lindsay was appointed to assist him. Bishop Carlisle appointed Rev. Lindsay as rector in October 1940. Rev. R.G. Stewart was his assistant. Made a Canon of the Church, Rev. Lindsay wrote a chronological history of the parish.

In 1946, the bell for the tower was given to the Church as a memorial to Gordon and Isabel Brock. It was more than 200 years old, and cast in the foundries at Colmar, France.

An Anglo-Catholic Parish

During Canon Lindsay’s years as Rector, the parish remained faithful to its Anglo-Catholic heritage. Each Sunday saw the celebration of the Holy Communion; Mattins; Procession, Solemn Eucharist and Sermon; and Solemn Evensong, Sermon and Procession. In addition, Mattins and Evensong were recited daily. On special days, additional services of Holy Communion were held, and Confessions were heard every Saturday after Evensong.

In 1953, Rev. Alexander Mellor, who had served as assistant to Canon Lindsay, was appointed to succeed him. He served the parish admirably for 14 years until 1967. From 1967 until 1970, Rev. Kenneth G. Rutter served as Rector of the parish.

On the 25^th of November, 1970, Rev. Eric Dungan was inducted. His first service was held on Advent Sunday, November 29^th, 1970. Rev. Dungan served the parish for 22 years, a kind a devout gentleman who is much loved by all. He retired in 1992.

Recent Years

In 1992, Rev. Robert Warren became Rector of the Advent. During his time, the main altar was moved forward, so that the minister could face the congregation during the Eucharist. The Book of Alternative Services replaced the more traditional Book of Common Prayer. Services were simplified – becoming more personal and informal, yet retaining a spirit of respect. Sermons were delivered from the nave rather than the pulpit.

In May of 2000, Rev. Donald Skowronski became Rector. He served the parish with great devotion for two years, and we were saddened when he was transferred to St. Margaret’s in 2002. Fr. Don passed away in April of 2004. He was sincerely loved by all and will be missed.

In 2002, Rev. Lawrence Mascarenhas came to the Advent. His kindness and wisdom have served to steer the parish through a time of much soul-searching. In January of 2004, the Vestry decided to close the Church of the Advent and – together if possible – unite with another parish. Several churches in the area were visited.

Closing and Merger with St. George’s

It was at this time that Rev. Ralph Leavitt wrote to us. His letter of warm invitation to “come to St. George’s Church” spoke to our hearts and our concerns. His assurance, that we could bring our high altar, impressed us deeply. This feeling of welcome has been confirmed by the people of St. George’s themselves.

On September 12^th, 2004, a joint service of The Advent and St. George’s has been held. It began at the Advent. After a sermon delivered by Fr. Mascarenhas. Fr. Leavitt twinned each Advent family with one from St. George’s, and all of us were bussed to St. George’s where we held the second part of the service.

© 2005 – Updated onMise à jour le 2009-11-22