About Us

The first Missionary to come to, what we know today as the Province of British Columbia, arrived in 1836. He was followed by many others during the succeeding years, all of whom made a considerable contribution to the establishment of the Church of England in this province. They represented a wide spectrum of thinking, and were in no way alone, as in all cases their wives proved to be as equal, suited to missionary work as their husbands, Their abilities were especially evident in the teaching and ministering to the women and children.

These pioneers in faith went to the far North, and across the U.S. border, and at least one of them was a licensed Minister in a neighbouring U.S. Diocese. For this great work we are deeply grateful to such groups as The Church Missionary Society, Colonial and Continental Church Society, Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. All of these groups not only trained men and sent then out, they also contributed to their financial needs and helped in building Missions, some of which are still active.

The first Missionary to reach Westbank (now known as West Kelowna) was Bishop Sillitoe, who came here on horseback from New Westminster in 1880, accompanied by his wife. They visited the Allison homestead in Sunnyside and the Bishop baptized seven of the Allison children, four of whom had been born here. The Bishop mentioned later that he was surprised to learn that four of the children had only seen Europeans twice before.

Bishop Sillitoe was a great administrator and set up Missionary districts all over the southern  half of the Province where they were needed. He died in 1894 of pneumonia, brought on by anxiety and overwork. It was said that he was deeply loved by all whose lives he touched.

The Allison’s home was the first European dwelling on this side, and Mrs. Allison was the first white woman to live here. In 1881 the Allison family left and returned to their original home on the Similkameen River. Some of the descendants of this pioneer lady still live in the Princeton area and on the Lower Fraser River. The log home of the Allison’s is still standing at the corner of Boucherie and Sunnyside Roads. The Allison name is perpetuated in Allison Pass.

From1881, until the beginning of the twentieth century there does not seem to have been any Church of England in Westbank. Around 1910-11 there were two families here: C.P. Dundas and John Faulkner.

People would gather in these two homes as well as other homes to hold church services. These gatherings included other denominations as well. As the numbers grew more was needed so they met in the old Gellatly home, long since gone.

After World War I, some families arrived who were to be a source of great strength to St. George’s for years to come. Edwin and Margaret Paynter came in 1919 as well as Capt. R.A. Pritchard, who married and brought his bride here in 1920. Albert and Edith Drought, who lived in the Trepanier area came in 1921. About this time too we see the names of Capt. and Mrs. Frank Browne, the Reece family and Mr. and Mrs. F.A. Dobbin.

By now the Church of England was having services in the old school house and the Rev. Solly came from Summerland to hold services. Henry Paynter began to keep church records and continued to do so for many years. The earliest record is for the year 1921, under the heading, “Westbank Church of England” and shows that for the last seven months of the year the total collections amounted to $67.25.

The year 1922 shows quite an improvement, collections being $122.30. This just covered expenses which were:- Rev .Solly’s stipend, coal oil for the lamps and a small amount for hymn books. During the time the old school was used a Harmonium, which could be described as a miniature organ and could be carried around under one’s arm, was used to supply the music. The site of the school house has since been covered by George Pringle High School. Many today remember the old school, and some even attended it.

St. George’s Camberwell, London

When the First World War broke out in 1914, among the many thousands who enlisted in England was a man by the name of Leslie Lang. While we do not know where he served, we know that he survived the conflict. However he did not come through completely unscathed, as he had received a bad wound to one of his hands, which was to affect him in some way for the rest of his life.

At the end of the war many Britishers came to Canada to begin a new life. Among the earliest to arrive in British Columbia was Leslie Lang, who decided above all things that he would like to work in the logging industry. This industry was rough enough at any time, even without the encumbrance of a maimed hand. With true British Stoicism he tried it, but soon found that it was beyond his capabilities. While in Canada he had been in the Kootenays, it is probably where he worked, and there is a suggestion that he may have been in this valley, but this is not certain.   However he later held very fond memories of this province.

Lang did not stay in Canada, but returned to England where he soon decided to enter the Priesthood in the Church of England.   In 1924 we find that he was the Vicar of St. George’s Camberwell, London. On April 23rd of that year St. George’s Congregation was celebrating the centenary of their church, and a service of thanksgiving was held to render thanks to Almighty God for all his blessings over those years.    It was a very happy time for all, and the congregation felt that they should do something tangible to show their gratitude. It was then that the Vicar, the Rev. Leslie Lang thought of the happy but short stay in British Columbia, and suggested that their centenary thank offering be offered to the Diocese of Kootenay for the building of a new church.. The amount of the offering was five hundred and fourteen pounds Sterling, which at the rate of exchange of the day gave $2,500.00 in Canadian funds.   This was truly a princely sum in 1924.   The vestry of St. George’s then wrote the Bishop of Kootenay advising him of their intended gift.

In 1983 an old and faithful worshipper at St. George’s reminisced for us through one of the church wardens, Miss Rita Bell. Frank Webb had then been a constant worshipper there for over 70 years. Truly a glorious witness in faith.  He recalled very clearly the centenary service in 1924, and of their gift to the diocese.  Frank told us that Lang wore a glove on his maimed hand for the rest of his life.   He recalled very clearly having seen Lang preach from the pulpit many times with the gloved hand resting on the edge of the pulpit.

Another elderly member of the congregation gave us yet another facet of Leslie Lang. Miss Wadey at 93 remembered Lang very clearly. She said he was an extempore preacher, never using a note and keeping his gaze constantly in the congregation. She added that he was a truly wonderful preacher, and many people came to hear him.

There was another young man at St. George’s, Camberwell at that time who had a great interest in this area, even though he had never visited here. His name was Harry Joseph Jackman, and celebrating his 21st birthday that year, had received some money as a birthday gift. Shortly after this Jackman died, and his parents wishing to perpetuate his memory in the new Church in British Columbia, decided that they could do no better than to use the birthday money to purchase a gift.   That gift, the beautiful brass cross and candlesticks, graces our altar today.   At that time the people in Camberwell were beginning to show a great interest in the new church in Canada.   Shortly the children at the Camberwell church saved up their pennies, and purchased some religious pictures and books which they sent out to the children of St. George’s Westbank.  Unfortunately they seem to have gotten lost over the years.

Camberwell, south of the Thames, is in a rather old part of London.   During the Second World War some damage was sustained in the blitz. Long years of exposure to grime and soot also took its toll, and in the late fifties it became evident that the old church might have to be replaced. About the same time considerable damage was done to the interior by vandalism and theft. In 1970 is was decided to leave the old church which had then stood for 146 years. Services were held in the school for the next twelve years. During that period the Westbank church sent a gift of 50 pounds Sterling to mark their 150th anniversary in 1974. With this gift was sent a picture of our church. On seeing it the Vicar, the Rev. Michael Vonberg said, “How happy we should be to have a church such as this for our own at this moment!”   In August l982 the new church was completed and dedicated, and the people were indeed happy to have a beautiful church to worship in once again.

Over the years contact has been maintained between the two churches.  For the first twenty five years or so we received periodic sums of money, and these were times when it was very much appreciated.  On some anniversaries, Westbank has sent gifts to the London church and in the sixties some members of the guild visited Camberwell and were well received.

On a very wet and cold day in March 1984 1 visited Camberwell, and was surprised to learn that the remains of the old church were still standing. In the early seventies it had been destroyed by fire., but the walls and the spire are still there. The church was much larger than I had imagined.  Any action on the old ruin has been stayed by government authorities, until it has been decided what value it has as a heritage site, due to its great age.  The old canal which once passed close by, and added a picturesque aura has, long since been filled in, and the barges no longer pass by.

I also visited the new St. George’s which is now part of the Trinity College Centre, and is much smaller than it’s predecessor.  The inside is finished in brick, and the sanctuary is very modern in design, with a bare minimum of furnishings.  There is just one part of the old church incorporated in the new, and that is a circular stained glasswindow, which now rests in the left wall, in line with the sanctuary.

Trinity College Centre and the church are carrying out an active outreach program in Camberwell, and I was told that the hall in the centre is in use almost nightly. This general area of London could be described as a vineyard where the needs are great, but the labourers are few. As we go about our Sunday worship, it would be appropriate to remember our friends in Camberwell, so many miles away.

The brass plaque on the east wall of the -church commemorates the occasion of the gift of George’s Camberwell London to St. George’s Westbank.

TO THE GLORY GOD

AND IN SUPPORT OF THE WORK OF HIS CHURCH

IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

THE CENTENARY THANK OFFERING

OF THE CHURCH OF

ST. GEORGE CAMBERWELL LONDON

WAS OFFERED TO THE

DIOCESE OF KOOTENAY

FOR THE BUILDING OF

ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, WESTBANK

APRIL 23RD. 1924

St. George’s, Westbank – The Early Years

In 1924 Rev. Solly held a parish meeting,, and read a letter from the Wardens at St. George’s, Camberwell, London, offering- the sum of $2500 towards the building of a church in  Westbank. Bishop A.J. Doull, who was Bishop of Kootenay at the time, advised the acceptance of the kind offer, provided that the people wished to do so, and that they were willing to guarantee a suitable share towards the building.

Apparently all were in agreement and a building committee was appointed consisting of A.E. Drought, E.C. .Paynter and R.A. Pritchard. The enthusiasm of the people was running quite high, and there were many contributions of time and materials. The area wasnot experiencing a time of surplus cash, but in spite of this a sum in excess of $500 was soon pledged.

Reflecting back to 1924, anyone who lived in that period will realize that this was quite an undertaking. The number of people is not unknown but they were few indeed. However, what they lacked in numbers they made up for in determination. The getting together in the old school house for services, over the years, must have given them great impetus to have their own church. The number of good organizers in the group helped greatly in their efforts.

However, the church worldwide was beginning to lose members and Canada was no exception. Looking broadly at history, people flock to the church in times of trouble and danger, such as World War I, and when peace comes they drift away.

For the year 1924, total collections amounted to $110.40. This was spent for Mr. Solly’s stipend:- $75.00, Hymn Book’s:- $21.40, and other small expenses, such as coal oil for the lamps etc., leaving a balance at year’s end of 95 cents with which to face the New Year. At this time a new name appearing on the list was that of Mrs. Herbert Acheson, mother of Mrs. R.A. Pritchard.

The work on the church continued smoothly, and in less than two years, it was completed. It was officially opened and consecrated by the Right Rev. Alexander John Doull, Bishop of Kootenay. The Rector was the Rev. H.A. Solly of Summerland. The warden was Capt. R.A. Pritchard. The date was July 11th 1926.

In the early years, the inside of the  church was somewhat different from what it is to-day, the main difference being in the East or Sanctuary end. There was no hall at that time and the main entrance was from Main Street as it is to-day.

The area where the organ now stands was curtained off to serve as a vestry for the Rector. The entrance to this area from the outside was by a door at the North East corner. This door was later taken away. However, looking at the North end of the Church from the outside the form of the entrance is still visible.

Inside the Sanctuary, in this small curtained area, Rector put on his robes. The Communion Vessels were also kept there. It was not a large area by to-day’s standards but it apparently sufficed and everybody was happy.

The Altar was covered in front by frontals and super-frontals. These were changed according to the liturgical colours of the seasons. At the back of the Altar was a curtain with corresponding side curtains. These curtains were selected and -purchased in Ireland, and given to the church, by Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Bartley, who like many others took a deep interest in their church. The carpet in front of the Altar was made by Mrs. Margaret Paynter, and the carpeting covering the kneeling step was woven by Mr. C.F. Bartley. Apparently one of his hobbies. The Altar was one step higher and was against the wall, as was the style of the era.

The Pulpit, Lectern and Prayer Desk had antependia hanging in front, which were also changed according to the seasons. The Pulpit has an interesting story about it.  It was built by the Royal Engineers for St. Michael and All Angels in Kelowna, and as they had no further use for it they offered it to St. George’s, where it has welcomed and appreciated. The front was inscribed with the inscription from the Greek, I.H.S. The letters were intertwined an some people thought it bore a strong resemblance to the dollar ($) and so it was called the dollar pulpit. This was not said with any disrespect as the Dean of the day the Rev. R.D. Catchpoole referred to it as the dollar pulpit. The Lectern was designed, made and given by Mr. L. Fetherstonhaugh. The Sanctuary also had a Bishop’s Chair which was wicker and very ornate and supposed to be quite old. In later years the records show that Rev. Tannar asked if another one could be brought in for the coming Bishop’s visit as the wicker one looked very shabby.

The first organ was given by St. Michael’s and All Angels Church and as there was no electricity it was pumped by foot pedals. It was situated on the opposite side from where the present organ now is. Curtains were  to prevent the evening sun from annoying the organist.

There were less pews than we have.  More were  added years later and are identifiable to-day by the lighter colour.

The granite Font was made and donated by a man in Vernon, who wished to remain anonymous.

Until 1944 the church was illuminated first by coal oil lamps then by gasoline lamps. They were hung from the ceiling, and the hooks are still in place. Two of the gasoline lamps are stored in the church porch. These lamps needed constant cleaning and refilling, a long way from “the

Flip of a switch” of today. A lamp rest still can be seen by the window in the church porch.

Besides giving much less light, lamps were a constant source of danger. An oil lamp knocked over meant a fire for sure.

Heating was supplied by a wood furnace in the basement. This also meant a lot of work. The furnace needed cleaning out. Someone had to bring kindling and a good supply of this was necessary at all times. In addition someone had to light the furnace long before the service, so that the church was warm when the people arrived.

Everyone was anxious to do something in those days and soon the church was sufficiently furnished. Albert Drought made the cupboards in the porch, Henry Paynter made a wooden chest which is still in the church porch also, and Henry Drought made the first hymn board. Doubtlessly there were other items, unknown to us today, which were gladly given and gratefully received.

A few years after the church was built, L. Featherstonhaugh found a bell in an old burned out mission. Permission was finally obtained to take possession of it, and it was brought to Westbank. Mr. Albert Drought built the belfry and hung the bell, which we still use today. For many years it was the custom to have the children of the Sunday School ring the bell for the Sunday service. This they enjoyed doing very much.

The first record of an annual meeting is dated January 21st, 1927, with Rev. Solly in the chair. It was unanimously agreed that the Rector would receive. $150.00 per year. E.C. Paynter was appointed auditor, Mr. Drought and Mrs. Brown were elected sidesmen for the year.(today sidesmen would read sidesperson). Meeting adjourned.

It is a little frustrating when reading old records to find someone mentioned as Mr. or Mrs. so-and-so without giving the initials, but when the records were written I am sure all the concerned knew just who was who. It never occurred to anyone that someone else would be trying to figure it out 50 years down the road.

In the 1928 annual meeting, first mention was made of the W. A.. Miss Jean Brown read her report and was congratulated for the very fine financial showing for the year. In that same meeting the sidesmen for the coming year were elected namely: A.E. Drought, A.C. Hoskins, and C.E. Bartley was elected Auditor. So many declined the post of warden that it was decided to defer the election to another time.

In the minutes of the 1929, there is an interesting entry:

“Mr. E.C. Paynter raised the question of allowing the church to be used for funeral services for those, who in life had not been members of the Church of England. The general trend of the meeting was towards giving such permission. However the Rector pointed out that the matter was not in his hands, and official permission could not be accorded owing to the conditions laid down by Synod in the consecration of the church.”

This was indeed a magnanimous and Christian gesture, especially as St. George’s was the only church in Westbank at the time. However the people who lived through those years know full well the rigidity of the church in that era. Rev. Solly was indeed correct  in saying the question was out of his hands, regardless of  what his personal opinion may have been.

The United Church was not built until 1938. Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in 1950. A group of Christians met in a Gospel hall in Glenrosa since 1908 and moved to Westbank in 1939.

By 1920 we see the names of the A.P. Hoskins and A.C. Hoskins families in the records. Members of  the latter are still with us and very active in the church. The Bartley family had already settled in Westbank, as in 1928 Mr. C.E. Bartley was appointed auditor for the church.

All through the thirties conditions could be classed as desperate at times. Apples sometimes sold for 10 cents a box, and even worse than that was when the seller went in the red and actually had to pay to get rid of his produce, so the loss was charged against the next year.  This meant that people had to be indeed ingenious, in trying to support a family. In spite of these conditions the faithful still supported their church.

As all work pertaining to the church was voluntary, A.C. Hoskins and Mr. A.E. Drought set up a duty schedule for looking after the lamps and the old wood furnace. This they did faithfully until their duties became redundant with the coming of electricity, and later the installation of an oil furnace. There were then many menial jobs which people took in their stride. For example: when Mrs. Margaet Paynter planted the Acacia trees and Forsythia. bushes there was no water on the church site, so she carried water, from somewhere up the road to water the trees and bushes so that they might grow, and grow they did as we can see today.

Another task undertaken by the Ladies Group for many years, was the cleaning of the church. A monthly schedule was set up and no one shirked their responsibility. As the rector resided in Summerland until 1972, someone had to act as his host for dinner or some meal during his visit. Again the ladies carried out yet another duty with distinction.

In speaking of the Rector’s visits, let us remember that the road was narrow, winding, rough, and in places very steep. Unlike the highway we enjoy today.

OriginalIy there was only one warden and he was elected. The first instance of the second warden was in 1938, when A.C. Hoskins was elected people’s warden and C.E. Clarke rector’s warden. Meetings then were usually held in private homes, but on occasion if it were a Sunday meeting it was held in the church, presumably because the church was heated for the Sunday service anyway.

Until the early forties financially the church was just about breaking even. However some of the older members of the congregation speak of years when there was not quite enough to cover the Rector’s stipend, so it was necessary to do a little canvassing where prospects were brightest. On some occasions this deficit was covered by the W.A..

In 1931 a fence and gate were built, and in due course the grounds were improved and a concrete walk and steps were put in. On the left side of the top step was an iron blade, about 5 inches long known as a mud scraper. As there were no paved streets in those days this prevented mud being carried into the church on people’s boots.

Also in 1931 the first record of anyone being elected as a delegate to Synod is seen. Synod that year was held in Vernon. C.E. Bartley proposed the name of Mr. Martin. After this delegates were annually elected.

1938 brought a legacy to the Church of $1000.00 from the estate of the late J. Faulkner. The income from this was used in succeeding years towards the upkeep of the church.

At the Annual Meeting in 1938, it was unanimously decided that the President and the Secretary of the W. A. be members of the Church Committee. The logic being that this group who raised so much money and did so much work for the church should be in on all discussions and decision-making.

By the late 1930’s numbers were still few.  Mrs. Edith Drought was organist since the beginning and continued until 1944. Mrs. Margaret Paynter and Mrs. Acheson had started a Sunday School in the early days and Mrs. Paynter, as Superintendent, supported by many able workers continued until her death in 1958. That Sunday School, started so long ago, was and still is an integral part of our parish life.

In September 1939 war broke out, and suddenly the past ten years of depression were forgotten, for a while at least, as all attention was on the grave tasks ahead. These have been referred to as the “Lost Ten Years”. They were certainly not lost, no time is lost unless you want it that way. Children grew up, married, and raised families and through their faith and the ministry of their church they were able to carry on despite the difficulties and as a result were happy and content. Some did not get to college to become Doctors, Engineers or reach lofty goals but in later years as they looked back it did not seem that important.

Soon men were going to war, joined this time by the women, who served in various capacities with great distinction. Few of us realized it at the time, but this was the end of an era. Many of those who enlisted were members of St. George’s Church, some of whom did not return.

This is a moment to look back to 1924. Membership had not increased very much as few people were moving into the area. St. George’s, Westbank was sustained by a relatively small number of people – the faithful few – who served year after year because they liked to do so. It was their personal ministry.

Women’s Work In The Church.

Sometime after it was decided to build a church in 1924, Mrs. Solly came up from, Summerland and suggested that the ladies set up a branch of the Women’s Auxiliary (W.A.) This was done and it continued so until l950. Mrs. Solly was a good organizer and a constant help to her husband in all his work. As late as 1948 she was Diocesan President of the W.A.

Regular monthly meetings were held in the various homes, and the minute books from 1943-1950) still exist. These records are concise and to the point. It was war time and while some projects were stymied because of material shortages, there were many others to keep the group very busy.

In 1943 application was made to the federal Government for an “Honour Roll”. There is no further record of this but presumably it is the one which now hangs at the back of the church.

In 1944 funds were sent to Sunday School by Post. A plan whereby children living in remote areas could get Sunday School instruction by post, sending back their completed lessons to the main office to be assessed. It was particularly beneficial on the prairies where homes where far apart and few churches existed, and also in the North. This plan still operates in various parts of Western Canada.

In 1945 a branch of the Little Helpers was established. Theidea originated in New York and eventually made its way into Canada. It was intended for children under 7, and helped Mothers and Godmothers to bring before the children the missionary work of the Church of Christ. Each child kept a mite box into which they were encouraged to drop an offering each Sunday if possible. Each October a Little Helpers service was held, when they presented their boxes at the Altar. Following the service a party was enjoyed by the Helpers and their Mothers.

This period also saw donations being made to the Dorcas Fund of the W.A.  This fund helped supply outfits for children in residential schools in the North. When possible ,complete outfits were sent, otherwise cash donations were made.

During these years the W.A. met in the afternoon. This was found to be inconvenient for young mothers wth young children. The evening meetings being more suitable as Dad  was home at that time to look after them. To accommodate them the evening ladies group was formed. By 1950 numbers in the W.A. had dwindled and at the December meeting the four remaining members unanimously agreed to leave the balance of funds in the bank until the W.A. was active again. The four members were:- Mrs. E. Drought, Mrs. E. Stubbs, Mrs. M. Paynter and Mrs. Irene Blackley.

In the spring of 1950 it wasthought that the ladies of the congregation should organize into a guild. To this end a meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Gaddes on May 2nd. 1950 and after much discussion the St. George’s Guild was formed. Perhaps it would be interesting to quote the minutes of that meeting in full:

“After much discussion at the home of Mrs. Gaddes on May 2nd, with eleven ladies present, we decided to organize a St. George’s Guild. Officers were:-

Mrs. Almeda Paynter – President by Acclamation.

Mrs. Wyn MacKay –  Vice President by Acclamation

Mrs. Stevens – Treasurer by Acclamation

Mrs. Doris Maddock – Work Convenor

Mrs. Jean Bleasdale – Secretary

A membership fee of 50 cts. each was decided upon.

Mrs. Maddock. suggested that we endeavour to turn in one piece of sewing a month for the fall bazaar.

A vote of thanks was extended to Mrs. Gaddes for the lovely pair of bath towels which she donated for the raffle, which was won by Mrs. Blackey.

Mrs. MacKay volunteered her home for the June 6th. meeting. The evening concluded with a delicious lunch served by the hostess Mrs. Gaddes.”

(Sgd.) O.J. Bleasdale.

Unfortunately the names of the eleven ladies went unrecorded, but at the next meeting on June 6th. twelve ladies attended and their names were:-       

Mrs. Wyn MacKay                 Mrs. Sepha Hoskins

Mrs. Anne Stevens               Mrs. Dorothy Saunders

Mrs. Charlotte Ingram          Mrs. Jessica Johnson

Miss Jeane Brown                Mrs. Honey Gaddes

Mrs. Sheila Paynter              Mrs. Olivia Bleasdale

Mrs. Almeda Paynter Mrs. Doris Maddock

From 1950 on the organization was known as St. George’s Guild. Sometime latter the word Anglican was added to make it St. George’s Anglican Guild, as the name in the 1970’s. In 1983 it was thought that another change would be in order and it was decided that it should henceforth be known as the Anglican Church Women. More generally known as the A.C.W.

But what’s in a name? Their aim was asit had been down through the years, getting together in Christian fellowship to further the Lord’s work especially in this Parish.

Records have been faithfully kept since 1950, and like records of any organization do not make exciting reading on the surface. However, if we reflect for a moment on any one item, we realize that it may be the final word on an important and enjoyable project. In that span of time there were many motions made, seconded and carried: Very few of them were defeated. There were many moments of joy and sorrow- weddings and funerals- new people arriving and others departing. As an urge to carry on (if were indeed needed!) there was always the stark reality that the Parish never seemed to have an over-supply of funds, and unpaid bills seemed to be daily fact of life. Although the amounts concerned seem small to us today, at that time, they were substantial and real.

As there was no Parish hall, the ladies met in each other’s homes, while this was very cozy the day would come when the normal house would not accommodate the increasing numbers.

Perhaps it would be of interest to glance briefly over the years, as some of the items will undoubtedly bring back memories to some of the senior members of the congregation.

At one of the early meetings Mrs. Harrison came from Summerland to tell the ladies all about the Women’s Auxiliary (W.A.), suggesting that the Westbank ladies should come under this group. However no enthusiasm was aroused by the suggestion and no change was made.

In 1951 and in subsequent years it is noted that food parcels were sent to Rev. N. F. Tucker in Kent. In November a donation towards the “Westbank Room” of the Kelowna General Hospital was made. In this year also a project was started which is still carried on today, namely the collection and sale of rags. Does anyone know how many pounds have been collected since then? I doubt it, but it can be safely assumed that this project has helped greatly in raising funds for our Church.

It is noted that as early as 1952 mention is made of setting up a fund for the building of a Parish Hall. Food parcels were again dispatched, one going to St. George’s, Camberwell for distribution to needy members of the Mother’s Union.

On June 7th. 1953 an oak tree was planted , to commemorate the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. It has grown quite big now, and is seen on your left as you enter the church. Later in that year the fence around the church was repaired and a hedge planted. We still have the hedge, it was the fence that died.

During the 50’s there were Canasta parties in members’ homes to raise funds, as well as strawberry socials. Catering for community functions was in full swing, and apparently some people were experts in estimating the amount of food requiredfor x number of people, a veryimportant point.

In 1958 a suggestion was made to move the church back on a new basement. This was eventually abandoned.  Clothes were collectedfor Korean relief.

During these years it is noted that cleaning of the church was on a voluntary basis, looked after by the Guild. A roster of names were set up for each month.

1959 saw carpeting put in the church. The Guild sponsored a young girl who wished to attend Camp Owaissi. Christmas cards were sold to raise funds. Assistance was given to help cover the deficit of Owaissi.

In 1960 home Canasta parties were still popular and provided a ready source of funds.  The Guild was asked to address and mail Church Magazines & Parish Letters and as usual did so cheerfully. Within the Guild an Altar Guild was formed at the suggestion of Rev. Tannar.

At the beginning of 1961 the Guild decided to purchase a new Hammond Organ at a cost of $1655. 75.  The June meeting was held at the Rectory in Summerland, at the invitation of Rev, and Mrs. Tannar. In June the Sunday School Picnic was held on the beach at Scottish Cove followed by the evening service.

In previous years there are many notations to the effect that “bills from the church committee were received and paid.” Apparently the Committee had devised a novel idea for getting all bills paid. Bills were paid to the extent of their bank balance, and all remaining bills were pinned together and sent to the Guild with a notation “Please pay these bills.” By March 1962 the Guild appears to have felt that enough is enough and so we find the following note:- “It was moved by Mrs. Maxson and seconded by Mrs. Hoskins that we pay the bill to Church Supply House and other outstanding bills, with the stipulation that in future we be informed before the articles are ordered. The Guild members on the church committee were asked to mention this at the next church meeting.

In May 1962 some discussion was taking place concerning the possibility of a Parish hall.  In June the Sunday School Picnic was held at J. U. Gellatley Beach, the A.Y.P.A. to look after prizes.

1963 saw the usual catering being done. One occasion was the Chamber of Commerce dinner. The Guild paid for one delegate to the A.Y.P.A. conference in Nelson. The Garden Party in July was at Mrs. Pritchard’s. Annual Bazaar yielded $232.00.

In 1964 $40.00 was sent to St. George’s, Camberwell to mark our 40th anniversary. Kneelers were completed by Mr. Jennens and his son.

In 1965 a Blossom Time Tea was held in the Community Hall on Friday May 7th.. Adults 40 cts. and Children 20 cts. Later in the year plans were being made to put in a new reredos, Altar, Prayer Desk, Pulpit, and Lectern, in co-operation with the Church Committee.

All through these years and since the ladies have looked after the flowers for the church and have also done the decorating of the church for special festivals such as Easter, Harvest, and Christmas.

During the 60’s there was much discussion concerning a new hall. A dream came true when on April 23rd 1967 the new hall was opened and dedicated. After many years of meeting in various homes, having Bazaars and other events in rented halls, the Guild finally had a place of their own.

1968 saw the completion of the Reredos and oak. paneling in the Sanctuary, as well as a new Altar Lectern and Pulpit and Prayer Desk. Total cost was $2084.00, of which the Guild paid $1309:00, the balance being paid by Memorial donations.

It was decided in l969 that a Christian child in Taiwan would be sponsored. This involved payment of his living expenses thus freeing him to attend school. Without this help he doubtlessly would have had to join the work force. Extra funds sent at Christmas, and on one of these occasions he mentioned having used it to purchase a new winter uniform and leather boots. There was a little money left over so he bought some rice flour, and sugar to make cakes. The Chinese Lunar New Year was just approaching and he wanted to be ready for the celebration. His name was TSENG HONG-SUNG and was 14 years old.

In 1971 the Guild decided to pay $1000.00 per year so that Westbank and Peachland could have their own Rector. Not quite full time, as he would be working two days per week at Synod Office.

1973 saw great improvements in the family of TSENG HONG-SUNG, and while he was still in high school apparently they were now able to look after themselves.

Outside the Parish the Guild (or A.C.W. as it is now) gives annual financial support to:

1- Parish of Coppermine in the North West Territories

2- Arthur Turner Training College in Pangnirtung.

3- Camp Owaissi.

4- Kelowna General Hospital Chaplaincy Fund.

5- Primate’s World Relief Fund.

6- Rector’s Discretionary Fund.

7- Sorrento Centre.

They will help any other deserving causes when called upon to do so.

And so the good work continues on to the present day. Many busy hands and minds working to further the Lord’s work wherever and whenever needed. It is interesting now to review the list of the 1950 members, and to be grateful that so many of them are still very active.

St. George’s – The Later Years

Membership was still small in 1942. Total receipts for the year amounted to $251.86. Open collection accounted for $71.10 and envelopes (7) accounted for $139.35, plus other small items of income.  Main expenditure was $200.00 for the Rector’s stipend, and the balance of small items such as insurance, fuel for the furnace and lamps, etc. Trust fund for church repairs were kept separate and stood at $169.82 at year’s end. Income for this fund was earned from investment in securities.

The minutes record such names as R.A. Pritchard, F. Browne, A.C. Drought, E.C. Paynter, H.O. Paynter, J. Paynter, C.E. Bartley, C. Clarke, A.C. Hoskins, A.R. Hoskins, W. Brown, Mrs. W.C. MacKay, Mrs. Gladys Holmes, Miss Coles who was the school teacher, and Mrs. Stubbs who was very active in the W.A. for many years. In 1944 Mrs. Almeda Paynter was appointed organist, a post she has faithfully filled, with few breaks up until the present day. There were others who assisted.  Mrs. Woods was one who helped. The church has been very fortunate in having a beautiful ministry in music over the years.

1944 brought a big change in the lighting system. Electricity had reached Main Street, and the church was wired for electricity!  No more lamps to clean, fill, pump and light!  The era of the coal oil and gasoline lamp had passed, and there were some who were not sorry to see it go. Two gasoline lamps remain to remind us of those bygone years.

The wartime years of course meant that there was a scarcity of the ordinary materials that we  take for granted today. One example was a good quality paint, and so several attempts to have the church painted were just unsuccessful. Some thought was given to using stucco, but this attempt met the same fate.

When the war finally ended in 1945, things began to slowly return to normal, and some progress was gradually made in the ordinary maintenance of the church building. By 1952 membership had increased somewhat, there were over 25 children in the Sunday school, and there was a request for more teachers. Young people who were a year or so on either side of 20 in 1939, were now married and were busy with the serious business of raising a family.  It did not occur to us at that time, but what has since been called the wartime baby boom had already started, and by the late sixties, would be taxing existing school facilities to the fullest. In his 1952 annual report Canon Harrison expressed himself as being very pleased with all aspects of church life at St. George’s.

1956 saw another great improvement in the maintenance of the church, when an oil burning furnace was installed to replace the old wood burner.   No more kindling to chop, wood to be stored, furnace to clean, or any of the nasty chores which wood burning saddled upon us! Furnace oil sold for 21 cents per gallon, not a bargain by any means when compared with the incomes of that year.

The late fifties saw many people settling in the Lakeview Heights area, and when the bridge was finally opened in 1958 Westbank was no longer isolated. All through the fifties the number of Sunday School children was increasing, and it appears that there was always a cry for more teachers. In 1957 the average attendance was 37. When Mrs. Margaret Paynter died in 1958, she had given many years of faithful service to the Sunday School, a contribution which would be hard to match. In 1959 Robin Drought was appointed superintendent, and served faithfully and well for ten years. During the period he was assisted by Rhoda Bilsland, Nellie Drought, Margaret Pritchard, Bobbi Pritchard and Dudley Pritchard, and by others I am sure, whose names have gone unrecorded. In 1965 a note of thanks to Judy Johnson (now Ingram) for playing the piano in Sunday School is recorded. Judy started in 1962, and except for a few years out to raise a family, has been teaching there ever since.

In the early seventies, the Sunday School, now referred to as the Church School was meeting on Wednesday afternoon, under Mrs. Sylvia Rufli, assisted by Mrs. Diane Waldron. In the seventies it was back to Sunday School meeting on Sundays with Diane Waldron as co-ordinator. She was followed by Elizabeth Corrigan, while at the present time Jim Rolfe is the co-ordinator.

During the fifties a branch of the Anglican Young people’s Association was formed. This group was better known as the A.Y.P.A., and while great enthusiasm was shown for some years interest seems to have waned in the sixties, a condition shared by most other member groups across Canada. In 1962 the A.Y.P.A. under Bud Maddock approached Mr. Tanner with a view towards taking a more active part in the church services. Several ways mentioned were acting as servers, sidesmen, taking part in the prayers if this were considered possible. Mr. Tanner was pleased with the suggestions, and promised to pursue the matter further.  Bud also mentioned an upcoming conference at Revelstoke and a car-wash in Westbank to raise funds to assist them to attend.

Some years ago it was apparently the practice of the Archdeacon to make inspections of any churches as he saw fit and presumably such visits were unannounced. In 1962 the Archdeacon of the day made an inspection tour of St George’s, and in due course made his report to the church committee. The report listed some 9 items which he did not feel were up to standard. They covered almost everything from burdocks in the front lawn, to the untidy condition of the kneelers in the church.    The committee considered each complaint in turn and took the necessary steps to correct them The whole report was received in good spirits, with no trace of animosity.

For quite a few years it had been evident that all concerned would like to have a Parish hall and many were the suggestions that were made. However, one stumbling block in the earlier days was the lack of funds. This was also true if to a  less degree, right up to the time that the hall materialized. One early suggestion was that St. George’s would share a hall with the United Church. As this idea was pursued further, it was realized that joint ownership between the United Church and our Diocese would have many difficulties to overcome, some of which were probably impossible to solve. In any case it was soon realized that both churches would want the hall at the same time, and so that suggestion was abandoned. Another suggestion was to build a basement under the church. In fact this idea was put forward several times, but then there was the problem of flooding down there. A further suggestion was to move the church at right angles, so that it would be partly over our present parking lot. Various hall committees worked diligently on the problem over the years, but always money seemed to be scarce at synod level. Precluding any outright grants or even a loan at the then low interest rate.

In 1966 a committee came up with what appeared to be an adequate hall, and approximate cost of same. The suggestion was also made that this was a “now or never” situation. Soon a letter went to each member of the congregation, stating what could be expected, and to what extent they would have to increase their giving by, to attain this goal. The letter was signed by Derek Parkes and J.M. Jennens, and the plans had been drawn up by B.A. Trump. The whole suggestion was well received, and soon a committee under Col. G.Y.L. Crossley was busy collecting funds. Synod did come through with a loan at a reasonable rate of interest, and soon construction was under way, and enthusiasm was running high.

The hall was opened and dedicated April 23rd. 1967. The Wardens were Derek Parkes and Alan Bilsland. Rex Hardwicke who had worked hard on this project too, did not live to see its completion.  To honour his part in it, the ribbon at the opening, was cut by his son Daryl. Also present at the ceremony was the Ven. Archdeacon, and of course the rector, the Rev. Norman Tannar.

This was a memorable occasion indeed. Over 40 years people had been holding meetings in private homes and in the church. Sales and other social functions were held in the community hall, and sometimes in Kelowna.

Now St George’s finally had a hall of their own. This seems to have spurred people on and the loan was repaid within a few years.

While the hall materialized in 1967, it is well to remember that is was the culmination of many efforts by many for some years. Most insistent of all were the members of the Guild, on whom the absence of a hall caused more work and frustration than for any other group.

About the same time as the people were busy in the cause of a new hall, another problem was coming to the fore. All the altar curtains and other hangings in the sanctuary had been there for quite a few years, and were showing wear. As replacement was definitely needed, the question arose as to whether it would be better to replace them exactly as before, or to have a complete renewal of the sanctuary, in natural oak. There were many who had been very fond of the former, especially those who were there in the early days.

The cost of the renewal in oak was slightly higher than the curtains and hangings, but it was finally decided to follow this course. Probably some thought was given to aspects of less maintenance with the oak, and at that period natural oak seemed to be gaining in popularity for both new churches and renovations generally.

The change was made  in late 1967, and it was soon learned that other churches would like to have some of the old furnishings. The old pulpit which had come to us from St. Michael and All Angels, was eagerly accepted by  Christ Church in Falkland and the lectern was given to St. Margaret’s in Peachland. The new sanctuary was dedicated on January 9th 1968. Since then several items in oak have been made by members of the congregation, adding to an already beautiful sanctuary. The processional cross, Pascal candle stand were made by Lawrence Walker, who also rebuilt the prayer desk from a larger one. The processional candles, organist’s bookshelf, flower stands and offertory table were made by Gordon Williams. At the same time various groups in the church have made and hung some very beautiful banners, each with a message to all who glance that way for a brief moment.

While St. George’s was going through this period of growth, another church in the parish was growing too, and to an even greater degree. In 1968 St. Stephen’s church in Summerland decided they would like to have their own rector, and indeed were in a position to do so. As that year came to a close the Rev Norman Tannar, who had been ministering to the three churches since 1960 said his “good-byes” to Peachland and St. George’s and on January 1, 1969

became full time rector of Summerland. After a span of three years the Rev. Ray Bray (later Canon) arrived to care for the new parish of Okanagan West, and with his wife Daphne, worked tirelessly during 8 years to put the new parish on a firm foundation.

Although the Okanagan Anglican Camp (Owaissi) belongs to the Diocese of Kootenay, it has been because of it’s proximity to St. George’s, an integral part of our life and worship. During the depression years it was a work camp, one of many set up and owned by the Government of British Columbia, to try to relieve in some measure the unemployment situation. It was purchased by the Diocese in 1951, and within a few years was completely free of debt. For all ages, it has been a place for fun, solitude, reflection, planning or decision, just depending on what the participant desired.

Prior to the Second World War, most people’s lives revolved around the place of their birth. The great eras of immigration were past, and comparatively few families moved very far. In the early fifties we saw a new mode of living – the transient society – families moved in, but within a few years were on their way again, Sometimes this was at the behest of their employer, or on their own, seeking greener fields. This way of  life does not always help church membership, as some people, newly arrived in town are not always prompt in seeking out the church. Some people even admit to shopping around other churches in town.

In 1982 the church hall was enlarged and finally a basement (though not a full one) was completed for the Sunday School. The old flooding problem had been solved over the years. The church building has not been enlarged as yet, but accommodation is now available in the hall for any overflow congregation. Westbank has indeed grown, a far cry from the young town of the young town of the early twenties.

In the church of the eighties, the emphasis is on evangelism, a word which means different things to different people. The church is now endeavoring to reach out into the community, and at the moment is supporting with other churches, programs to help the unemployed and the traveler. Women’s groups are busy with visitations to the homes of the ill and of the aged, to rest homes and hospitals, and in fact to wherever they feel their presence can bring a measure of comfort. St. George’s can be justly proud of the wheel chair ministry and those who run it, enabling our friends in wheel chairs to join us in our Sunday worship.

A branch of the Anglican Youth Movement has been meeting for several years, and great interest has been aroused. We now have an enlarged Altar Guild composed of very dedicated members as well as an enthusiastic group of men who have chosen as their project, the general maintenance of the church buildings and the grounds.

And so as we come to the close of 60 years, may we glance back once again, and be ever grateful for those faithful people who laboured earnestly and long, and for the heritage which they left for us.

For the founding members of this congregation;

For their vision, their obedience, their enterprise;

For their work of faith, for their labour of love,

and their patience in hope;

For the fruits of their labours, in the hearts of your servants;

And for the joy of the reward into which they have entered.

We worship and adore you for ever and ever. Amen.

(From the 150th. Anniversary of St. George’s, Camberwell.)

Rectors:

Rev. H.A. Solly                    1907-1937

Rev. H. Pearson                  1937-1940

Rev. L.J. Tatham                 1940-1946

Canon F.V. Harrison           1945-1954

Rev. A.A. Northrup              1954-1959

Rev. W.S. Beames               1959-1960 (3 mos.)

Rev. N. Tannar                    1960-1968

Canon Ray Bray                  1972-1980

Rev. John Briscall                1981-1988

Canon Doug Hodgkinson       1989-2002

Rev. Dorothy Barker            2002 Interim

Rev. Kenneth Watts              2002-2010

Rev. Albert McLean              2010-2011

Rev. Canon Roger Cooper      2011-2021

Rev. Alan Akhurst                2021

Rev. Jacqueline Graham        2021 to present

Between the incumbency of Rev. Northrup and Rev. W.S. Beames there was a period of several months when services were taken by the rev. Peter O’Flynn and lay readers: Col. Crossley. J. Jennens, J.W. Blackley, A.W. Bilsland, and R. Hardwicke. There was a happy reunion of two of those families on June 6 1961, when Rev. Peter O’Flynn married Miss Jean Northrup, daughter of Rev. A.A. Northrup and Mrs. Northrup.

Rev. Tannar left in November 1968 and became the full-time rector of Summerland in January 1969, leaving Westbank and Peachland without a Rector for nearly three years. During this period they were served by priests from the Central Okanagan region centered in Kelowna.  The services were taken by: Rev. K.B. Howes, Rev. Canon R.S.W. Brown, Rev. Paul Robinson, Rev. E.S. Somers, Bishop Scott and lay readers: A.W. Bilsland, A. Henley and D. Parkes. For the final three months able assistance was also rendered by Rev. W.A. Sparrow, even though he was ill at the time.

During these three years it was always felt that Westbank and Peachland were left out in the cold, and there was always dissatisfaction over the situation generally. After much discussion the Rev. Ray Bray became Rector of Westbank and Peachland in Feb. 1972. Almost immediately, the church committee of St. George’s requested the executive committee of the Diocese to designate the congregations of Westbank and Peachland as “The Parish of Okanagan West”. This was done and everyone looked to the future with confidence.

However the rector was still not on a full time basis, as he spent two days each week in the Synod Office. This continued until 1977. At this time the Parish increased its giving to the extent that they were now able to support a full time Rector.

After Canon Bray left us in October 1980 we were again without a Rector for six months.  During this period services were taken by Rev. F. Butler, Rev. R. Calderwood, and Rev. R. Waller. Diane Waldron and Jim Rolfe acted as lay readers and Ralph Reeves as church warden ably looked after the administration.

In April 1981 some of us journeyed to Nelson, where in the cathedral we witnessed the ordination of the rev. John Briscall who was to become our new Rector. On May 1st we welcomed him and his family when he took the first service in St. George’s Church.

Note: Rev. W.S. Beames retired in 1951, but served the area in various capacities for another 25 years.

Members of St. George’s Church who volunteered for active service with Canada’s Armed Forces

1939-1945

H.R. Drought

E.M.C. Paynter

W.C. Drought

J deC. Paynter

J.R. Drought

H.O. Paynter

E.F. Drought

W.V.S. Yeulett

M.G. Hicks

A.J. Watts

L.A. Hoskins

G.A. Stevenson

G.J.W Stubbs

R.H.O. Jonsson

E. Freathy

O. Jonsson

B. Paynter

E.V. Stubbs

J.W. Paynter

J.W. Maddock

 “They shall not grow old as we who are weary grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them.”