The placing of the plaque was the result of a collaboration between members of the St. John’s Anglican Cemetery Board and members of the St. Lawrence Branch, United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada. The plaque was installed by SLB member Michael Eamer, U.E. with assistance from Lorna Armstrong.

This historic cemetery is the burial site of Colonel John Crysler, UEL who served during the Revolutionary War with Butler’s Rangers. Following the cessation of hostilities and the defeat of the British, Crysler became a loyalist refugee eventually settling along the St. Lawrence front and then in the village of Crysler that now bears his name. He and other members of his family were very involved in the social, cultural, political and religious life of their new home communities.

Lorna Armstrong, a member of the cemetery committee, gave a short but informative address on the role played by the Crysler family, noting the land for Saint John’s Anglican Church and cemetery was purchased from one of Colonel Crysler’s sons.  Another son John Pliny Crysler donated the land for the construction of Holy Trinity Anglican in nearby Chesterville.

A beautiful stained-glass window, now located in the Crysler Hall in Upper Canada Village, had been donated to Saint John’s Anglican Church in his memory by his wife following his death 1852.  Darlene Fawcett-Montgomer, U.E, gave a brief outline of the loyalist burial site program noting this was the sixth plaque to be dedicated in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry including one at Trinity Anglican Church in Cornwall.

Askwith then dedicated and blessed the installation of the plaque by these words: “Gracious God, we remember before you those who were loyal to the Crown in times of conflict, and whose earthly remains rest in this hallowed place. We ask that their life and witness may be to us an example of steadfastness and loyalty, and we dedicate this plaque to their memory, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Amen.

Those in attendance were able to gather afterwards to socialize and learn about Saint John’s Anglican Church and the cemetery where burials date from the early 1800s. People learned of vandalism that desecrated the church and of its subsequent demolition. They visited the memorial to its memory near where the church had proudly stood and served its community for decades.

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“In my short time here,… I have already noticed how well parishioners, who came from the separate churches originally part of the parish, work together, and how well parishioners who have joined St Clare’s after the new building was built have been integrated into the life of the community,” said the Rev. Jonathan Askwith, incumbent.

As people began arriving for the service, a sense of excitement permeated the building. Congregational leaders were busy greeting people, members of the church’s catering ministry were making last minute preparations for the dinner following the anniversary service, while guests and members of the congregation renewed acquaintances.

As the service began, Rector’s Warden Arlene Armstrong; the Rev. Jonathan Askwith, incumbent of St. Clare’s; Regional Dean of East Ontario, the Rev. Mark Lewis; the Ven. Rhonda Waters, Archdeacon of East Ontario and Bishop Shane Parker processed to the front of the church’s nave.

The bishop blessed the baptismal font, pulpit and altar. Music was provided by members of St. Clare’s music team Judy Hilson, Shawn Snider, Susan Rutters and Tracy, Ezra and Silas Van Gilst.

“I am very optimistic for St. Clare’s. It is a beautiful, practical and efficient building with a congregation and a priest who are willing to do whatever it takes to thrive,” said the bishop.

A delicious dinner had been prepared by members of the congregation and was served in buffet style after the service with ample opportunity to talk with friends new and old.  Memories of a joyous celebration of a decade of service by members of St. Clare’s Church will remain with those who attended.

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The Area Parish of the Saint Lawrence is composed of St. John the Evangelist in Lancaster; Christ Church Seaway in Long Sault and Trinity Church in Cornwall.  Early information on Trinity Church is found in the history of the Diocese of Ottawa, Faith of Our Fathers by The Right Reverend Robert Jefferson and Leonard Johnson. “Trinity had its origins as a mission which was established in 1784 to minister to United Empire Loyalists who settled in the area,” with the services held in homes until “the first church house” was established in 1787 at which time, “the Parish of Trinity was founded.”

An integral part of the early history of Trinity Anglican is the role played by Bishop John Strachan who arrived in Cornwall in 1803 after being appointed as the first resident rector, and it was under his leadership that the construction of a parsonage and stables began. A log church, which fronted on Second Street, was built upon a stone foundation, with services held in early 1806. Cornwall Grammar School became an important centre for learning under the leadership of Strachan. Strachan and his family moved to Toronto (then called York) during the War of 1812, where he served as Archdeacon of York and the first Bishop of Toronto.

King George IV provided six acres of land to “the rector and his successors,” upon which in 1868 the construction of the present church was begun, and in 1875, it was consecrated by the Right Reverend John Travers Lewis, Bishop of Ontario. Initially, the name of the church was The Bishop Strachan Memorial Church, but it is now known as Trinity Anglican Church.

“I do see a lot of hope,” Father Brown said, observing that the church is looking back to its roots in music ministry as the congregation moves forward. He explained that Trinity has historically been a centre of education, combining learning with arts and music.

The renewing of the music ministry has begun with associations being formed with the Royal School of Church Music, as well as developing a senior choir as well as junior choir programme and the creation of music camps for school aged children.  He noted that a relationship between Trinity Church and McGill University has begun.

Trinity Sunday, June 15, 2025, was a day of celebration. A Eucharist service was held, with almost 100 people attending the service at which Bishop Shane Parker presided.

The Ven. Frank Kirby commented in an email that “Trinity Church in Cornwall was my last church in full time ministry. It was an honour to serve there for 10 years — the oldest parish in the Diocese of Ottawa, predating all the dioceses in Ontario. It is an impressive legacy, worthy of celebration. The liturgies on Trinity Sunday (June 15) were grand, with our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Shane Parker, who began his ordained ministry as assistant curate here, presiding at the morning Eucharist.”

Archdeacon Kirby described the later choral evensong as as “a treat, with glorious music, fitting for the occasion. It was a joy to be part of it.”  Father Brown estimated that almost 60 people from the three churches that form the St. Lawrence Parish attended the choral evensong.

During the following afternoon tea held in the church hall, people were able to view historical memorabilia and displays from the St. John the Evangelist, Christ Church Seaway and Trinity Anglican Church.

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“The turnout, as always, was incredible,” said Centre 105 executive director Taylor Seguin.  “The Cornwall community is always willing to step up and support the charities in our city.”  He mentioned in a post-event email that 167 meals were provided at the fundraising event which ran between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.

He explained the funds raised will be used for general operations, noting, “Funding, especially government funding, is often tied to new or special projects.  At this time, most charities in this area are actually in need of funds for regular operations.”

Seguin added that fundraisers such as this are important for the organization as it increases public awareness of its work with city employees, local politicians as well as the general public.

Guests at the fundraiser were able to tour the centre, including its “food storage space, laundry room and newly built shower space.”  Seguin mentioned that Centre 105 provides essential services such as the use of laundry facilities, showers, referrals to agencies, a safe social space and hot meals.

“Thank you SO much to our amazing community for showing Centre 105 so much love and support.” said Seguin.  He said staff were anticipating the summer of 2025 would be a very busy one, but noted that the Centre 105 team feels they will be able to meet the challenges ahead because of the support provided by the local community.

The next fundraiser for Centre 105 will be the annual Fall Breakfast Fundraiser, scheduled for Oct. 23, 2025.  More information can be found on their social media pages or website located at www.centre105.ca.

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“The turnout, as always, was incredible.” commented Centre 105 executive director Taylor Seguin.  “The Cornwall community is always willing to step up and support the charities in our city.”  He mentioned in a post-event email that 167 meals were provided at the fundraising event which ran between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.

He explained the funds raised will be used for general operations, noting, “Funding, especially government funding, is often tied to new or special projects.  At this time, most charities in this area are actually in need of funds for regular operations.”

Seguin added that fundraisers such as this are important for the organization as it increases public awareness of its work with city employees, local politicians as well as the general public.

Guests at the fundraiser were able to tour the centre, including its “food storage space, laundry room and newly built shower space.”  Seguin mentioned that Centre 105 provides essential services such as the use of laundry facilities, showers, referrals to agencies, a safe social space and hot meals.

“Thank you SO much to our amazing community for showing Centre 105 so much love and support.” said Seguin.  He said staff are anticipating the summer of 2025 will be a very busy one, but noted that the Centre 105 team feels they will be able to meet the challenges ahead because of the support provided by the local community.

The next fundraiser for Centre 105 will be the annual Fall Breakfast Fundraiser, scheduled for early September.  More information can be found on their social media pages or website located at www.centre105.ca.

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Centre 105 executive director Taylor Seguin thanked all who organized the drive and those who donated.  Centre 105 had worked previously with the Cornwall Police Service, but this was the first initiative with the Cornwall Islamic Society, he told Crosstalk in an email after the event.  “At Centre 105, our management board and entire team are huge supporters of interfaith work. We have worked closely with various faith groups, especially on joint fundraisers. We are stronger when we all work together. This includes the Presbyterian, Pentecostal, United, Catholic, and of course non-faith-based groups,” he wrote.

“As always, the Cornwall community came out in high numbers, to support Centre 105. The public are always extremely supportive of local food agencies, like Centre 105, the Agape Centre, the Salvation Army Food Bank, and the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank,” Seguin said.

More information on Centre 105 is available at www.centre105.ca

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The RFVQC was started by Anne Mains who joined a craft club soon after moving to Russell.  After learning about Victoria’s Quilts Canada, Mains and five other women decided to transform the craft club into a quilting club. Over the years the group have created approximately 3,500 quilts, which have been provided to people affected by cancer both locally and across the country.

The RFVQC are an outreach ministry of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, with the women gathering each Friday to create the quilts, which are blessed at a service at St. Mary’s before they are sent.

The quilters were joined by Russell Township Councillor Lisa Deacon and Lucie Doré, vice-president of the National Board of Victoria’s Quilt and Chair of the Ottawa Branch of Victoria’s Quilts Canada, who both praised the work done by the group.

A PowerPoint presentation of the highlights over the groups 20 years was followed by the sharing of a specially decorated cake and the opportunity for more socializing.

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Following the Easter service, Jim was presented with a token of appreciation from the congregation which he is holding in the photo.

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The Rev. Adam Brown, assistant curate at the church, mentioned the event provided an “opportunity to see a sense of normalcy in our lives”, with Archdean Peter Crosby commenting the evening was “a great idea” for the community to come together.  Brown noted that this has been an annual event for more than 20 years. (It was virtual in 2020.) There was a good turnout of people, without being overcrowded and following Eastern Ontario Health Unit pandemic protocols.  Nancy Hallberg, one of the event organizers, commented it was “a very successful evening on many levels not the least of which was the social benefits” and raised just over $3,600 for the church.

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