Our history is largely the story of courageous
and independent pioneers, The Church of the Epiphany (1852) originally was a log hut erected in a forest clearing. An actual church was planned in 1852 and hewed from oak timbers nearby. The original church was named St John's. It contained box-type pews, wood burning stoves, kerosene lamps and the choir stalls and gallery were in the back of the church. This picture of a school teacher on a donkey held by Rev Horton's son, was taken in front of the original St John's Church. PRESENT CHURCH
June, 1891 the cornerstone was laid by former Rector, Rev J W Ashman whose son is buried in front of the south wall of the church. On All Saints Day, Nov 1, 1891, Bishop Baldwin dedicated the church and the name of the Parish was changed from St. John's to Epiphany, to commemorate the day the sod was turned. Construction took 6 years to complete. The church has progressed much since that time. In 1903 the small one-manual hand pumped organ was removed and a two-manual organ pumped by water power was installed at a cost of $1,550. In 1949 a more up-to-date organ was installed and dedicated to those who fell in both World Wars. The current 1889 church originally had the Kingsville cenotaph which was donated after WWII to the RCL on Division S. Our pipe organ was entirely rebuilt and a new console installed in the church which includes a midi system in 2012. We have a stone font, stained glass windows where 5 are depicting the Christian life.
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PROPERTY
In 2002 we added a new heating and air conditioning system to our church. A plaque in our front garden was placed by the Masons to commemorate their 100th anniversary. 2003 major renovations to our chancel area brought our rail
and kneelers to the entrance of the chancel. Summer 2012 the murals were repainted and repaired along with the entire interior of the church. 2012 The Organ was Rebuilt by Pole and Kingham with a Midi system for $65,000. It's inaugural recital was performed by Angus Sinclair Sept 23rd to a crowd of 222 people. Spring 2017 the entire church and hall was refitted with LED lighting to not only brighten our space but to help us to conserve energy. Motion sensors to turn lights off and on were also a new feature.
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Key Notes
* Our church bell was found to have a problem with the hammer that with the cold weather of winter could easily crack this over century old treasure. Thanks to the generous donation from Don & Hazel the clapper was removed and sent to the original crafting company in Pennsylviania for a newly molded clapper. It was installed in time to ring Easter Sunday when we rededicated the bell with an ancient tradition of ringing it once for every year since the resurrection. |
RECTORY
THE RECTORY was SOLD August 2005. Our Rector
now owns a house here in Kingsville. A special Vestry voted in favour of selling the 124 year old building.
During
the incumbency of Canon Matthew (1884-1891) the present brick rectory and stable
(now a garage) were completed at a cost of $3,525.00. The home still has 5
bedrooms, hardwood floors, but of course has running water (!) with 2 bathrooms
and a U shaped kitchen.The large decks are a joy to sit on to watch the bird life in the
mature trees. The home was sold to a private owner in the Summer of
2005 when a pool and new bathroom were installed. 2013 the house was up for resale again and sold in the spring of 2014,
then again in 2021. |