Saint Stephen's Mailbag

Last June, Violet (née Hague) and Cecil King sent greetings on the occasion of Saint Stephen's 176th Anniversary. A donation was included, "in memory of the Hague Family who lived on 17th Avenue for many years, then on Victoria, and finally, on 9th. Lilly Hague (the Mother) was a member of Saint Hilda's Guild for many years and always made her fish-cakes for the suppers." Editor's Note: My grandparents, Nelly and Arthur Leonard also lived on 9th Avenue for many years. Eric, the youngest, was the last to leave "the nest" there. Violet and Cecil continue that, "Saint Stephen's is very dear to us - John Kirby married us on September 15th 1951, almost 56 years ago." The Kings close with, "Congratulations to Shirley on her ordination as Deacon. We wish you many fruitful and successful years of ministry in the service of our Lord."

Lorna (née Clark) Treich wrote last November 1st. "Greetings to all from High River, Alberta. There is no better day than All Saints to send this small donation to Saint Stephen's. As I reflect upon All Saints Days, I thank God for all the saints who have influenced my life. Numerous people touched my life in a positive way during the years that I worshipped at Saint Stephen's and I appreciated each one of them. I have been richly blessed throughout my faith journey. With prayerful best wishes to all the saints who now worship at Saint Stephen's. May God bless each one of you as you continue to serve Him."

Thank you, Lorna, for the very moving words. Lorna's parents, Hilda and Alf Clark, - who now rest in our churchyard, - were very active for many years at Saint Stephen's. Both sang in the Choir, and Alf was a Warden for a long time when Ernie Grigsby was the "other" Warden. What stands out most vividly, this blizzard-y March morning as I collate this column, is tobogganing on Grovehill near 36th and Provost with the Clarks who lived on 41st Avenue, across the street from the Davidsons, where Myrtle resides to this day.

We have received a couple of notes reflecting two different seasons from Jean Duncan (niece of Grace Goodwin). Jean recently moved to the Laurentians and is obviuosly enjoying the surroundings. Back in October, Jean wrote, "the colours are breathtakingly beautiful. Just like the Rev'd Jenö wrote, "God is a master artist". When I look out of my window, the sky is blue, the lake is blue and in between is a mass of colour." In February, Jean is talking about snow. Haven't we all, in the East, this winter? Jean says, "I'm keeping in shape by shoveling. I'm lucky that I have great neighbours who take away most of it with tractors. One neighbour, who does most of my helping out, is French. I don't speak French and he doesn't speak English, but we are learning a word here and there. I never ask him to do anything, he just comes along and does what needs to be done." Editor's Note: Unfortunately, those are not the English-French relationships that grab the media's attention.