St. Paul's Anglican Church

ST. PAUL'S ANGLICAN CHURCH - HISTORY
Appended May. 3, 2013

1905 - 1909

Our History starts in July of 1905, when the first Church service was held in the new settlement of North Battleford, just seven weeks after the first construction train pulled into town. The first services were conducted by the Reverend David Currie in Mr. Wright's store and Mr. Fraser's shack on Main Street(now 100th street). By September of 1905, the congregation had grown so rapidly that a building committee was formed. The committee was composed of Mr. Pettypiece, who would become the first incumbent’s Warden, and Messrs. Wilson, Snow and Fraser. The first service was held in the new church that measured 14 by 18 feet, with square windows, unpainted walls and roof, and no foundation on the second Sunday of December 1905.

The church organ was rented until May 20, 1907. The organist was Mrs. Bailey, playing on a rented organ. The church was crowded; the collection was twenty dollars; and, the preacher was the Reverend David Currie. The first load of wood to heat the church came from the bush on the nearby homestead of Mr. H. Basil Thomas, a veteran of the Boer War. The first recorded baptism in the new church was John May, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles May on December 31, 1905. The earliest marriages include Ernest Warren Marshall and Gwendoline Rebitt on February 22, 1906 and Edward Wintersgill and Esther Jane Baker, both of Baljennie on October 6, 1906. Charles Tubb and Bertha Thorne were married in November 1908. The first recorded funerals C.S. Fraser in August of 1905 and Thomas Batchelor, age 64, August 7, 1906. Reverend Currie Resigned in October of 1907 and was replaced by the Reverend A. J. Oakley.

At your left - is the front cover of a detailed book that was prepared at the time of St. Paul's 100th Anniversary by the St. Paul's History Book Committee.
This book contains all kinds of information about the church, its members, all the ministers and a pile of photographs, letters and awards.

If you would like to have a copy of this 135 page
book, please Phone the church office
at (306)445-4155 OR send us an e-mail...

E-mail the church office

The Women's Auxiliary (W.A.), without which the church would have never survived, comes into the records in November of 1907. At this time they gave $50 to pay for interior decorations, including an alter, carpet matting and other furniture for the church. The alter and collection plates were made by Mr. Fraser and the desk and lectern were made by Mr. Snow.

In November of 1908, the old building was raised, a brick foundation was laid and a addition was added to the front making the church 50 feet long. A 10 by 12 foot vestry and a bell tower were also added. The new church was opened on January 31, 1909.

During the winter of 1911-1912, the congregation once again found itself outgrowing the church. A special congregational meeting was held in March 1912 and a decision was made to move the existing church building to one side of the lot where it would be used as a parish hall and to build a new church on its original site. This building with a seating capacity of 450 was to be 40 by 60 feet with a 24 by 22-foot chancel with a 45-foot tower on the south side. It was ready in October of 1912 and was used for the first time October 11 to 22 for a ‘Mission for Help” conducted by the Reverend W. E. R. Morrow.

Through the work of the Ladies Auxilary, a bell was installed and rang for the first time on Easter Sunday 1910.

St. Paul's in 1909

Old Church used as Parish Hall

St. Paul's in 1912

Scouting began in North Battleford in 1911 and the Troop was attached to St. Paul's. A former church member H.F. Boyce, created the Boy Scout badge for Saskatchewan.

During the winter of 1911-1912, the congregation found the church to small. A special meeting of the congregation was held and a decision made to move the existing church to one side of the lot to be used as a parish hall and build a new church in its place.

This church would have a seating capacity of 450, was to be 40 by 60 feet with a 24 by 22 foot chancel and a 45 foot tower on the south side. The new church was dedicated November 11, 1912 by the bishop of the diocese. The total cost of the building was $6500.00 of which $3500.00 came from the congregation and the remainder from a $3000.00 mortgage. The W.A. provided the seating in the chancel and the pews for the congregation. The Girls’ Auxiliary donated the electric light fixture and the Juniors the sanctuary carpeting and matting. The Boys Auxiliary gave the collection plates and St. Paul‘s W. A., Toronto gave two brass prayer book rests, a large alms basin and a Credence Table. The windows of the church were made by a local firm, Sterling Millworks.

Senior Choir 1913

In the winter of 1912, a pipe organ was installed, a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Arnold and her sister Miss Ward.
A $2000.00 bequest to the sisters from a brother in England made this gift possible. The organ built by the Warren Church Organ Company was played for the first time in public February 16, 1913 by Mr. Geoffrey Brichta. As North Battleford had also been growing, the bell at St. Paul's rang out at 12:00 noon of April 30, 1913, proclaiming North Battleford's new status as a city.

Scout troop from 1913. Source: The North Battleford Archives. The picture was given them by Mrs. Robert Dawson and it is believed that her brothers George Hope and John Hope are in the group. Reverend R.S. Lound is on the left.

St. Paul's Church 1914.

A new rectory was built north of the church and was occupied by October 1918 by Reverend and Mrs. Wrenshall. History records reveal that in 1921 Mr. Alfred Sharp and Tom Cogland set up a tent at the Fair Grounds and served as many as 500 meals, twice daily to raise funds for the church. The following year a dining hall was built and equipped with all necessities by the men of the congregation after their regular working hours. It is unknown weather this was a separate structure or weather it was the dining hall which was located under the bleachers by the race track which was used until 1952, at which time it was replaced by a free-standing dining hall (still by the racetrack!).

By the end of 1928 a basement was placed under the parish hall so that it could be heated with a furnace instead of the wood stoves used prior to this time.

This pulpit was dedicated at a special service in November 1929. The beautifully carved oak pulpit was dedicated to the glory of God and in honor of the men of St. Paul's who gave their lives in the cause of freedom during the years 1914 to 1918.
This service was attended by the Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides, the Brownies, a contingent of Veterans glowing with medals and the Women's Auxiliary of the Canadian Legion. The Rector, Canon I. J. Jones as a Veteran of the Great War, conducted the service. At the end of the service, Mrs. W. Warters ascended the steps of the pulpit to carry out the unveiling. The pulpit was covered with a large Union Jack which she removed to unveil its beauty.
In September 1933, Canon Jones suffered with heart problems. However due to continued ill health, he resigned as of August 31, 1935.
January 27, 1929 was a happy occasion, Bishop Lloyd attended St. Paul's to carry out the consecration of the parish church.

1919 - 1935

At that same service, the title of Honorary Canon was conferred upon Reverend Ifor J. Jones(left) who ministered from 1919 to 1935.
Reverend Robert Willis,(right) his wife Mary and son Alan moved from Saskatoon to North Battleford in October 1935.
His induction service was held November 8, 1935. Reverend Willis' first years in North Battleford were during the Great Depression of the 1930's. There was much unemployment and poverty. People frequently knocked on the rectory door during the night looking for a place to stay or asking for help.

1935 - 1949

People frequently knocked on the rectory door during the night looking for a place to stay or asking for help. Heating the church and rectory during these years was a challenge. Frequently the church was not heated during weekdays and the organ froze from time to time! Because of the lack of heat, weddings were often held in front of the fireplace in the living room at the rectory.
In the late 1930's, the choir held musical services once a month. In the spring of 1936, St. Paul's choir, under the direction of Mr. G.A. Kevan, won the Church Choir, Class B Competition including the Grand Challenge Shield for the best choral singing in the North Battleford Music Festival and also won competition No. 8.

St. Paul's marked the Coronation of King George VI in 1937 by establishing a Coronation Fund in order to acquire a piece of church furniture. In September, a prayer desk was purchased through this fund.

World War II had a great impact upon the parish of St. Paul's. An Air base was developed in North Battleford early in the war years and hundreds of Royal Air Force (RAF) young men and women, came to train as RAF pilots. The church was packed for both Sunday morning and evening service. Sunday nights after church there would be a concert in the parish hall. Often the talented airmen would perform skits followed by singing, coffee and lunch. Thirty-six British pilots died in airplane accidents at the North Battleford training base.
The "Christ the King" stained glass window in St. Paul's was erected by the Royal Air Force in memory of their comrades of No. 25 SFTS (Service Flying Training School) who died on active service in North Battleford. The unveiling and dedication service was held on October 8, 1944. This window is believed to be one of only two such window in the world. NOTE: Visit St. Paul's Photo Slideshow to see pictures of the windows.
Prayer Desk

There is also a single oak payer desk dedicated to a female trainee who perished during her training.

A motion was made in the August 1941 vestry meeting that a weekly Sunday bulletin be printed.
In June of 1942, Reverend Willis consecrated 12 stained glass windows which were gifts to the church by members of the congregation and the Women's Auxiliary.
In September of 1945, a parish visitation was conducted to increase the Building fund. In early 1947, church services were being broadcast live by radio station C.J.N.B..
In 1948 permission was received at a special congregational meeting to excavate under the east end of the parish hall and kitchen, approximately 20 by 42 feet to make suitable quarters for toilets and other rooms as space became available.
In January of 1949, Reverend Willis accepted a call to St. Mark's Church in Victoria, British Columbia and the parish reluctantly bade farewell to him and his family.

1949 - 1956

Reverend Percy Jordan began his ministry at St. Paul's on February 24, 1949. He and his wife Gretchen, and their young family Dee, David and Mary arrived in North Battleford following their incumbency at St. George's in Sasktatoon. During his years here he was "Chaplain to the militia units of North Battleford, the Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, and the North Battleford Branch and Saskatchewan Hospital branches of the Canadian Legion. He was active in the care of patients at the Saskatchewan Hospital and Notre Dame Hospital. With the help of lay readers as Rural Dean he helped to keep congregations active at Denholm, Lilac, Whitewood Lake, Baljennie and other points, as well as helping during the absence of ministers at Maymont, Paynton, Meota, Langmeade, Bresaylor, Battleford, Prongua and Cut Knife.

Reverend Jordan had no car until 1955, so he was dependent on the layreaders and other members of the congregation to get him around to his rural points. During 1950 new furnishing for the church were commissioned to be designed and built by Mr. Taunt, a gifted wood-worker and a former choir director and warden of the church. On May 11, 1950 new choir stalls and frontals were dedicated.
The Lectern

This lectern was installed as a war memorial to complete the chancel furniture. It was dedicated on May 13, 1951. A letter dated 1952 grants permission from the diocese to install the oaken font, the prayer desk, and the memorial window of the Good Shepherd (see the windows in the photo gallery). As new furnishings were added, the old ones went to smaller churches; the old lectern went to Evesham after the memorial lectern was installed.

During this time, vestry minutes record numerous church parades by the Air and Sea Cadets, other military personnel, the Scouts, Girl Guides and Cubs. There were ten Women’s Auxiliary groups in this period and their support included donations to the Dorcas Society, the vestry, the fuel account, Bishop’s box, Primate Owen Memorial Fund; British and Foreign Bible Society, and Indian Child fund. They catered to the fair dining hall, the harvest supper, and held numerous rummage sales, teas, and the Christmas bazaar.
During Reverend Willis’ time at St. Paul’s, an additional Sunday School class had been started in Riverview. Jessie Neilebubb began this in her living room with three children; however, the group quickly expanded to as many as thirty-five on a Sunday morning. Ruby Crane was one of Jessie’s assistants and would occasionally arrange for a car to take the children to the church Sunday School for a special occasion. Otherwise, the little band would study their lessons in Jessie’s home and receive the previous week’s Sunday School papers left over from the classes at the church. Classes continued into Reverend Jordan’s time when Ruby Crane and Vi Gavin took over for some further years. This continued until more car-owning families made the second location unnecessary.

The News-Optimist reports that choir director Miss Phoebe Wesson was feted by the choir on February 1, 1951, and gives colorful details of the party. She married Bill Cutbush on February 14, 1951. During this period the choir was at its peak. With senior, junior and intermediate sections, its performance of cantatas and oratorios such as the Messiah, the Crucifixion and others at Good Friday and Christmas was a tradition for over 40 years. A news report in 1956 describes the performance of Handel’s Messiah at St. Paul’s, with "seating filled to capacity and overflowing."

Many notable events occurred during Reverend Jordan's incumbency. The visit of His Excellency Governor-General Vincent Massey took place November 2, 1952. The bulletin of the day notes that services the following week "will also mark the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the present church, Nov. 10, 1912, honouring the memory of our pioneers."

Click on the play arrow once or twice to listen to the sermon
given by Reverend Jordan on the occasion of Governor-General Vincent Massey's visit. Reproduced from an old cassette tape found in St. Paul's archives.
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, June 2, 1953. The ChiRho Fellowship (a group of young working adults) entered two floats in the community's Coronation Day parade, depicting scenes from the Coronation of Elizabeth II, and scenes from the time of Elizabeth I.
A special service of commemoration was held in the church Tuesday June 2^nd. The bulletin for this service notes that "Our Church Bell will be rung when Abbey Bells and Tower guns announce the actual crowning at 5:30 a.m. our time." A service of Holy Communion was held at 8:00 a.m. and another at 10:30 a.m. which included parts of the Abbey service. Junior and Senior choirs provided special music, and the Lectern Stand commemorating the Coronation was dedicated.

On September 4th, 1955 the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, The Most Reverend W. F. Barfoot visited St. Paul's accompanied by the Right Reverend S.C. Steer, Lord Bishop of Saskatoon. This marked the occasion of the church's Golden Jubilee. The service was broadcast by CJNB radio and a portion of it was recorded for the CBC. (Church services were recorded during these years on a monthly basis, and CJNB wired microphones into the church for this purpose. There were also regular radio services to the native community led by the Indian Commissaries of the time.)

Reverend Jordan was made a Canon in 1955. Instructed by him, forty-one candidates were confirmed in April by the Right Reverend S.C. Steer, Lord Bishop of Saskatoon, who commented elsewhere that it was the largest group he had confirmed to date.
The ChiRho Fellowship was a strong group of young working people, who played an important part in the church with work bees, fundraising, whist drives, variety shows, fellowship and study. Some of these went on to the ministry with David Tatchell, Doug Pratt and Bruce McAllister, as notable. Vestry minutes note that David Tatchell was invited to preach at St. Paul's at an evening service on May 24, just prior to his ordination May 27, 1956.

Canon Jordan's health had been failing for some time, and sadly, he passed away in January 1957. The News-Optimist reported "What was probably the largest congregation ever to attend St. Paul's Church in North Battleford was present Monday afternoon at the funeral service of the late Canon Percy Hall Jordan, rector of the church, to pay their last respects to a well-beloved and greatly mourned friend and pastor." A later issue of the paper noted that the Rotary honored Canon Jordan with a two-minute silence in his memory.

1957 - 1968

The McGregor family arrived at St. Paul's Rectory on October 7, 1957. He stated "that it was an exiting place to come to after living in the wild town of Meadow Lake for two years. One of my first memories is of going into the old parish hall to sit on the old wooden chairs for choir practice with Mrs. Cutbush.
Wednesday, October 16, 1957, Reverend William McGregor was inducted as Rector of St. Paul's by the Right Reverend S.C. Steer, Bishop of Saskatoon. The sermon at the induction service was given by the Very Reverend S.A.R. Wood, Dean of St. John's Cathedral, Saskatoon. Reverend William McGregor came from Meadow Lake with his wife Dorothy and their five children, Wenonah, Bill, Dorothy, Rob, and Ailsa.

One of the first actions taken by Reverend McGregor was to organize an every-parishioner visitation in order to bring the church list up to date. Seventy people volunteered for this visitation and four hundred visits were made with three hundred seventy-eight cards completed as a result. He also issued licenses to five lay readers. (This was required because lay reader licences were automatically cancelled before the appointment of a new rector).

The church organ was having continual problems and later in 1958 refused to function. In 1959 it was rebuilt and electrified by Dr. H.D, Hart of Saskatoon with the assistance of Albert Tatchell and his son Laurie Tatchell. A significant event in 1958 was the launch of a building fund, named the Jordan Memorial Building Fund, for the construction of a new parish hall. Also, the heating in the church was converted to natural gas and at the same time the Sunday School was given permission to install heat in the clubroom. (The clubroom was located in the partially excavated basement under the kitchen of the old parish hall).
The Anglican Deanery Conference was held in St. Paul's in November of 1958.
In 1958, four collection plates were given to the church by the Chancel Guild, Mrs. Yorke, the Sweetnam family and Mr. & Mrs. Budd and the O.K. Economy store donated Bibles to the Sunday School.

In 1959, the Intermediate Choir received the John Hogg Memorial Shield for the most outstanding choral entry in the Battlefords and District Music Festival. The choir, conducted by Phoebe Cutbush, received the mark of 90 for "All in an April Evening." The adjudicator, Mrs. Merle Parsons, remarked she was "at a loss to describe the beauty of their singing." The Senior Choir presented "The Crucifixion" by Sir John Stainer on Good Friday Evening, and on Wednesday, October 7, 1959 there was a service to re-dedicate the organ. The Right Reverend S.C. Steer, Bishop of Saskatoon was present to lead this service. The organist was Mrs. Aveline McFarlane and the Director of Choirs was Mrs. Phoebe Cutbush.

In 1959, the Vestry considered options for a new parish hall. The Fire Marshall had inspected the old hall and had issued several warnings. In June, the city approved the sale of two lots to St. Paul's for $900.00. Bertha and Charles Tubb, pioneer members of St. Paul's, turned the first sod for the new hall at the end of October. The City required the rectory be moved by December 31, 1964. On Sunday evening, May 28, 1961 the new parish hall was dedicated.
Other improvements to the fabric of the church included the installation of new lights, ongoing repairs to the tower, and the purchase of office equipment and furniture. The Vestry approved the printing of a monthly bulletin which was sent to the 537 families on the parish list. This publication was financed by advertisers and was the forerunner of the present St. Paul's Epistle.

The implementation of the Sector Program, in which St. Paul's took part, began in November. Nine Protestant churches in Saskatchewan's northwest embarked upon Visitation Sunday, November 20. If followed a plan of action laid down by the Canadian Council of Churches. Members of St. Paul's on the city committee included Mr. William Cutbush and Reverend McGregor who was the assistant director.

In 1962 St. Paul's celebrated the present church's 50th Anniversary. The official celebration was held September 1^st, with speaker Archbishop Ahab Spence who had been ordained at St. Paul's in 1937. He told those gathered that , "the glory of God is not found by mere wishing, neither is the glory of the church to be found within these walls, but in the extensions." On September 16^th two services were held with Bishop Steer as the preacher. He remarked that twenty-five ministers had served in the building during its fifty years but only four of them in the last forty-two.
On September 23rd, The preacher for morning service was Reverend David Tatchell. After this service twenty-two parishioners who had attended St. Paul's for fifty years, gathered for a dinner held in the parish hall to honour them. Reverend I. Jones took the evening service.

Also, in 1962, the largest confirmation group on record, forty-one teens and seven adults were confirmed at St. Paul's. Shirley Martin received her Sunday-School-by-post certificate that year and the Brotherhood of Anglican Churchmen was formed at St. Paul's with Dr. Lowe as its first president.
During this period the choir was blessed with two families each with three generations in the choir. These were the Tubb family: Charles, daughter Constance and granddaughter Heather; and the Pratt family: Walter and Winifred Pratt, daughter Marjorie Tatchell and grandchildren Jack, Muriel and Don. On Good Friday the choir combined with the Third Avenue United Church choir to perform the Messiah under the direction of Mrs. Phoebe Cutbush and organist Mr. N.A. Elwick.

In March of 1963 the Saskatoon Diocesan W.A. held its 55th Annual meeting at St. Paul's. In June Reverend McGregor expressed our condolences at the death of Pope John XXIII.
Nineteen sixty-five brought more noteworthy events. Winston Churchhill died and a memorial service was held at the 11 a.m. Sunday service on January 31st in remembrance of his life. The flowers at this service were given by former members of the Royal Air Force "in memory of their comrades and in tribute to Sir Winston Churchill."
Plans to build a new rectory began in 1966 and finally took shape in early 1967. The lot at 1601 - 99th street was purchased and the tender for the house was awarded to Maher Agencies. Financing, proposed and approved by the Executive Committee of the Diocese, would consist of loans from parishioners and Canada Mortgage and Housing. The ACW provided a donation of $500.00 and the old rectory was sold to W.H. Stowell and moved off the lot where it had served for so many years.

In April of 1967 Reverend McGregor received the honorary designation of Canon and as the year drew to a close, Mrs. Ella Kelly, a long time member of the parish, was named Beta Sigma Phi "Lady of the Year."
At the January 5, 1968 vestry meeting, it was reported that Reverend McGregor had resigned to accept a call to the parish of St. Savior's East Kildonan, Winnipeg, Manitoba and the church began the task of preparing for the absence of a rector.

Reverend McGregor's last Vestry meeting was in March and arrangements were made in April for Mr. John Mash, a student minister, to serve the church during the interregnum (a period of discontinuity). Upon the completion of the interregnum period, John Mash told the Vestry that he appreciated the challenge of working at St. Paul's. He was subsequently married to Reverend McGregor's daughter, Dorothy.

1968 - 1974

Reverend Douglas Blackwell was inducted into St. Paul's October 16, 1968. In his first message through the pages of the Epistle, November 1968 edition he noted the following.
The 1960's were marked by bewildering social change. The teenage explosion brought a questioning of traditional values. Changes in dress codes and hair styles, the advent of punk rock, Beatlemania, and transistor radios were set in the context of Marshall McLuhan's global village, the first man on the moon, the Vietnam War, student riots, and the rise of terrorism. His first rector's report for the year 1969, also recognized that "There is not an established institution in our society today that stands on as firm a base as it did yesterday - including the institutional Church!!" He saw this period as “an opportunity to re-define our purposes and our goals.. (and to recognize) a new call from God to greater sensitivity, awareness, and dedication.”

Reverend Blackwell participated in six experimental Radio Panel programs on CJNB radio. An Evening of Renewal for the parish was held March 18, 1970, with Reverend Henderson Hill. Wine and Cheese evenings of music and fellowship were begun, and this tradition continued over the next several years. A meal of a different kind was held during Lent, 1971, when St. Paul's joined other churches in the city to conduct special fund raising programs for developing countries. Sunday, March 28th a Hunger Dinner was served, a very simple meal of soup, crackers and tea, sold at a suggested price equivalent to what a full meal downtown would cost. A Daycare centre was opened in the lower hall, which has continued to the present day.

PHOTO - Les Hainworth in his office
A sign posted upon the nursery door indicated...
“We shall not sleep, but we shall All be changed.” Reverend Blackwell shared a sense of humor with his “office boy”, church secretary Les Hainworth, and it is uncertain to which of them this should be attributed.

Reverend Blackwell's zest for life also led to his participation with Arthur Gans, the minister of St. George's Anglican Church, Battleford. The PHOTO on the right shows the North Battleford's Fair parade, July 23^rd, 1973. Rev. Doug and Rev. Arthur are carrying the Banner as part of "The Humperville High Girls Band" in the parade.
1972 was our Diamond Jubilee year, marking 60 years since the present church was built on this site. On Good Friday the choir presented Stainer's "Crucifixion", which was the first work presented in the church after the pipe organ was installed in 1912. On May 5^th<, the Jubilee celebrations were held, and the Bishop of Stockport, England, the Right Reverend Gordon Strutt was in attendance, along with our own Bishop, Douglas Ford.
On Sunday November 26^th, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Most Reverend Edward W. Scott, visited the Battlefords, and preached the sermon at the 11 a.m. Service.
On March 18^th, 1973, Reverend Blackwell was appointed archdeacon. In this positon he was responsible for communication between the bishop and the parishes in Battleford and the Lloydminster deanery.
In November of 1973, Doug accepted the invitation of the Bishop of Toronto to join his staff as Associate Director of the Conference Centre for the Diocese of Toronto. He took up his new post in February, 1974. Right Reverend Douglas Blackwell is now a semi-retired Bishop, making his home in the area of Toronto, Ontario.

1974 - 1989

Reverend Don Wootten and his wife Peggy came to North Battleford in July of 1974, bringing with them their four childeren: Johanna (13), Elizabeth (11), Mark (7), and Martin (3) along with their St. Bernard, Turuk (3).
Reverend Wootten was formerly incumbent of the parish of Macklin and had, some years prior, served for eight years in the Indian mission of Fort McPherson, North West Territories. Reverend Wootten was inducted by Right Reverend D.A. Ford, Bishop of Saskatoon on Friday, September 13^th, 1974. Six years later, in April 1980, the same Bishop Ford gave him the honorary title of Canon. Several Traditions began during Reverend Don and Peggy Wootten's years in St. Paul's. Most notable, in terms of community outreach, was the commencement of the Lenten Lunches in 1975.

This year (2012) marks 37 continuous years of this important interdenominational event. People come to St. Paul's every Tuesday during Lent to partake of a sandwich and a bowl of homemade soup for their bodies and a 10-minute meditation for their souls.

Another equally important tradition continues to the present. An old, worn, stained wooden cross, built by Dick Bunce was put in place on Ash Wednesday and remained up during Lent for the purpose of focus and meditation. Easter morning it was alive with fresh flowers and greenery, decorated by the ladies of the church. This was an impressive way to connect the struggle and suffering of Christ with the joyful resurrection to new life. The old, rugged cross is still in use but is only erected in time to be decorated for Easter morning.

Maundy Thursday also saw a regular re-enactment of the Last Supper. A light meal and fellowship were shared in the church hall followed by the Eucharist. Those attending remained seated around the tables but passed and shared the communion bread and wine with each other in contrast to the more formal priest/communicant experience of Sunday morning.

Reverend Wootten is also credited with starting the first Advent Event in St. Paul's. This was a worship service and activity program to visually teach the meaning and significance of Advent. The advent wreath and lighting of the advent candles is still incorporated into the services each December. The five advent candles are displayed in a wrought iron candleholder made by Reiny Bischler.

In 1975, our organ required rebuilding. The organ doctor, Dr. Hart, assisted by Fred Denton, worked on the organ and men from the congregation, including Frank Hargrave, Harry Broley, Duncan McLean, Don Wootten, Wally Nelson, Laurie Tatchell and Walter Pratt united to build a better insulated room to house the restored instrument. The massive undertaking resulted in an additional set of chimes, more pipes, a new room for the chancel guild, the relocation of two choir pews and the moving of the Dr. Hurlburt Memorial window to its present location behind the pulpit. The rebuilt organ served the congregation until 1984 when it was replaced with a new Rodgers 900 organ purchased for just under $60,000.00. The pipe organ was eventually sold to the Pipework Organ Services Co. of Calgary.

Reverend Wootten’s 15-year ministry saw many different individuals and groups arrive to augment the regular worship services. They included “The Hakamu,” from Ontario in May of 1975, “The Covenant Player,” “The True Life Singers” in 1982, the multi-talented “Ambassador Choir” who came in may of 1987, also, “Double Portion” from North Battleford, Patricia White, a delightful gospel singer who always included St. paul’s when she came to visit friends here, “The St. Stephen’s Consecration Singers,” and “The Anglican Youth Choir from Regina.

The Reverend Dr. William Beachy from Kansas City, Missouri, conducted a healing mission in 1977 and many will also remember the sweet voice of Kathy Rempel who accompanied him. The fall of 1977 also saw 1,800 people attend the eight nights of the Ken Campbell/Jim Reese Crusades.

In keeping with the Gothic style of the church, a 1700 square foot addition was designed by local architect Murry M. Cheetham and built by Soule Construction in 1979. The $70,000.00 addition houses offices, nursery and a narthex graced by four stained glass windows.

Retreats continued to be conducted from 1979 to 1989 with Reverend Brian Bostock Bracebridge, Ontario (1979), Reverend Marney Patterson (1980), Father Ivan Futter, International Order of St. Luke (1983), Reverend Tony Bowman (1985), Sister Angie from Albany, New York (1985), Brian Stiller (1987), and the Right Reverend Desmond Hunt, retired Suffragan Bishop from the Toronto area (1989)

Mariam Fletcher, a faithful member of St. Paul’s congregation, spent many years travelling to Mexico in the winter months to teach English to boys at Internado San Miguel. She travelled by car and took her own books and teaching supplies. Parishioners of St. Paul’s helped these travels both financially and with payer for they were a very important part of Miss Fletcher’s life.

The Wootten’s celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 1979. Their daughter, Johanna, was married in 1983 to Lyle Peters of North Battleford. Canon Wootten wore many hats on that occasion since he was not only the father of the bride, and had the honour of walking his daughter down the aisle, but he was also officiant with the assistance of Reverend Roy Parker of Quill Lake, a former parishioner.

St. Paul’s 75th anniversary in 1980 included many celebrations but a permanent reminder was the addition to the church building. The proposal and first floor plan was drawn up in May 1977 and the addition was completed in 1979. It included new offices, narthex, and the nursery, known as the Jim Gillies room. These were dedicated in January of 1980. (The narthex has been appreciated by wedding parties and, most particularly St. Paul’s choir, which formerly had to line up outside, sometimes in the rain.

In 1987 the old dinning hall at the exhibition grounds was closed and the operation moved to a new booth without a place for patrons to sit down to eat their meal. There were Sunday school picnics at Meota, winter “Sno-Ball” at Howard and Mary Mattila’s farm and family fun fairs. Suppers were held for the Servers Guild and occasionally the Junior Choir.

In 1988, the Chancel Guild celebrated its 50th anniversary. The celebration included a large cake and, more importantly, the presentation of a plaque, by chancel president Mrs. Kathleen Wooden, to Mrs. Bessie Rogers. Mrs. Rogers was the only founding member still active in the Guild in 1988 and her daughter June Halewich, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are still members of this congregation.

Les Hainworth, who with his family had been a parishioner at St. Paul’s since 1947, was the volunteer in the office when Canon Wootten arrived in 1974. He humorously referred to himself as “Office Boy” and could be seen in the office, sometimes with his feet up on the desk, quietly puffing away at his beloved pipe. Les brought good humour and common sense to the office scene until he retired in 1987 after 18 years of dedicated service. His duties were assumed by Susan Smith, a granddaughter of Charles and Bertha Tubb, one of the original families at St. Paul’s. Susan and her children were third and fourth generation members of this congregation. Susan and family moved in 1988 at which time vestry decided the “Office Boy” position should become a permanent and paid post. At this time Kathy Adams was hired. She is now the present Administrative Assistant and works five mornings a week.

Marj Tatchell, the organist in 1974, resigned temporarily in 1977. Doug Hazen took over until 1979 when Mrs. Tatchell again filled in where needed. Barry Bett was hired as organist in 1980 with Mrs. Pat Hickley taking up the duties of Choir Director and the two worked together in this ministry until spring of 1987. Glenn Goodman was hired in September of 1987 and was the organist at the time of Canon Wootten’s resignation.

Kathy Adams: Starting in 1988, Kathy evolved from a volunteer position previously held by Les Hainworth to the position of church administrator
a position she held until she retired in December of 2012.
April 8^th - St. Paul’s upper hall was the setting for High Tea to celebrate her 24 years of service as parish administrator. Kathy was seated at a head table with her husband Jim, her mother Rhianon Dolby, daughter Sabrina and grandson Nicholas. A silver tea service was presided over by Cathy Baerg and Debbie Norman and were assisted by tea servers, Barb, Mackenzie, Nolan and Piper Mutch. Reverend Ron Baerg and wife Cathy spoke briefly of their appreciation for the friendship and expertise Kathy provided when they came to the parish in 1997. Mary Mattila showed a powerpoint presentation of highlights from Kathy’s tenure as parish administrator.

In 1989, Canon Wootten accepted a call to Wetaskawin, Alberta. His last service as rector of St. Paul’s was June 4, 1989. He summed up his mission at St. Paul’s by saying, “it was to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable.” His final message was for the people at St. Paul’s to love one another, be loyal to their church and to be faithful whether they agreed with everything or not. Don Wootten, who was appointed and Archdeacon in 1995, is now retired and he and his wife Peggy make their home in Salmon Arm, British Columbia.

The Wootten’s oldest son Mark, passed away while they were living in North Battleford. A Sedalia, which was placed in the sanctuary for the use of the servers, was dedicated on April 25, 1982 to the memory of Mark Thomas Frederick McPherson Wootten. A part of them and their ministry among the congregation of St. Paul’s remains with us still.

1989 - 1995

Reverend Donald Cochran and his wife Louise came to us from Holy Trinity in Saskatoon with a strong background in parish outreach and a wealth of experience in working with the poor and disadvantaged. The September 13th issue of the News Optimist quoted Don, “The only time the church has ever grown is when it remembered the poor...when it forgets who it is there to serve, it shrivels and dies.” But he also added,
“it is important for people to have fun in the church...the good news is for everyone.”

At the Reverend Cochran’s induction service November 17th Reverend Doctor Adam Cuthand gave the sermon exhorting the congregation to become praying people and to foster concern
for one another.

He encouraged the congregation to reach out to the surrounding community and to stir themselves from occupying a “comfortable pew.” During his incumbency at St. Paul’s, this was Reverend Cochran’s personal mandate. There were two ordinations of note in 1989; David Lajeunesse, who was assistant to Canon Don Wootten for three years, and Roy Parker, a member of St. Paul’s congregation, were both ordained in a service at the cathedral in Saskatoon on December 21, 1989. Dr. George Carey became the new Archbishop of Canterbury in 1990, and the Anglican Church worldwide began a “Decade of Renewal.”
St. Paul’s was visited by Rob McGregor who preached his first sermon in March of 1990 from the same pulpit where his father, Reverend Bill McGregor had stood. Bill Warwick reported that the sermon he preached proved beyond a doubt that he chose the right vocation.

Reverend Cochran and Laurie Tatchell planned a Commemorative service to recognize the World War II “Battle of the Atlantic.” This service, a first in North Battleford, took place on Sunday May 6th, 1990, with the Royal Canadian Navy vets joining our congregation in St. Paul’s.
On February 29, 1992 the Anglican Church Women (ACW) hosted a tea to honour Phoebe Cutbush on her 90th birthday. Former pupils and family members were included and many were the stories told that afternoon.
In November 1992, Bishop Wood resigned. A new bishop, Tom Morgan, was elected at a special synod held at the end of February 1993. The 1993 Annual Meeting saw the appointment of James Barnardo, Rex Benning, Joan Bunce, Ruby Heidel, Rosemarie Katzell, Ivan Katzell, Mary Mattila, and Jim Peach as lay-readers.

In November 1993, a plaque was presented by Stuart Tubb in memory of his parents Charles and Bertha, one of the earliest couples to be married from St. Paul’s. A new women’s group, the Soul Sisters, was organized and took as its mandate the support of the Sunday School, the Nursery, and assistance with social events. The Soul Sisters functioned as part of the ACW for several years but eventually became an entity in itself.

The war veterans always occupied a special place in Reverend Cochran’s heart and, as chaplain of the Legion, he was able to link a number of events to St. Paul’s since it had held a particular place in the life of the community in both World Wars. Sunday June 6, 1994, a memorial service was held to commemorate the D-Day landing. September 16-18 1994, St. Paul’s and the Legion hosted a reunion of #35 Service Flying Training School, Royal Air Force (RAF) Station North Battleford, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the RAF window. Visitors came from various parts of Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom as well as local RAF veterans. In October, a plaque was put up in memory of George Thacker, the last of the First World War veterans in the parish.

December 6, 1994, Phoebe Cutbush passed away and the Phoebe Cutbush Memorial Scholarship was set up in her memory. A Building Reserve Fund was also begun with a gift from her estate.
Reverend Cochran had been under a great deal of stress since his battle with cancer and, in June, after consultation with the bishop, he wrote a farewell letter to the congregation. In it he stated "We are leaving you with many happy memories, and we leave behind many good friends..."

St Paul’s 90th anniversary celebration was held October 14-15, 1995 with Saskatchewan Lieutenant-Governor J. E. N. Wiebe and Mrs. Wiebe in attendance. Former parishioners from Victoria and Toronto attended and Bishop Douglas Blackwell of Toronto (our own Reverend Doug) was celebrant and guest preacher for the service assisted by Canon Ash of Saskatoon. The Colour Party of the North Saskatchewan Regiment delivered the Colours of the 1st Battalion to be displayed for the first time since their release from the Canadian National War Museum in Ottawa.

1996 - 1997

Reverend Don Byrt and his wife Donna came to this parish in January 1996 from the Parkland parish which included Lashburn, Maidstone, Paynton and Forest Bank, Saskatchewan. Reverend Byrt was appointed by Bishop Tom Morgan as an interim minister, for a term of not less than 18 months and not more than 2-1/2 years, to promote healing and reconciliation within the parish of St. Paul’s.

Reverend Byrt, in his first report at the annual meeting stated: “In this church, at this time, we have the opportunity to be ambassadors who speak a message of hope to the broken world around us: ‘There is a God among us, and His work is the healing of your hurt.’ I invite every one of you to enter this work of God among us...”

A Saturday evening service, entitled "Saturday Night Alive", was initiated by one of St. Paul’s parishioners, Val Jamieson, in November of 1995. Reverend Byrt readily committed to assisting with this service twice a month. The second and fourth Saturday was set aside for an alternative service to the traditional Sunday morning form of worship. Piano and guitar music, with singing from the Book of Renewal, along with readings by the young people, set the tone for these family services.

The search for a new organist continued and Terry Froese, a former student of Glenn Goodman’s agreed to come from Saskatoon to provide music for the Sunday morning services. This trip proved to be to much for him and forced him to resign. With the help of the ever-faithful Marj Tatchell and a substitute organist, the music continued.

In 1995 parishioner Bea Bull had been asked to organize St. Paul’s collection of books. With the assistance of Joan Bunce the total collection was evaluated and catalogued to become more accessible to the paritioners. The new library opened in 1996, housed in the Best Room, and has continued to expand ever since.

Reverend Don and Donna Byrt left North Battleford in June of 1997, 18 months after their arrival. The wardens, in their farewell message, said "...they are truly a team ministry that shows radiance, enthusiasm, love, sincerity and understanding. These qualities have had the positive effect of rubbing off on the congregation."

1997 - 2006

A new chapter of St. Paul’s began on a warm summer evening in July 1997, Reverend Ron Baerg, his wife Cathy and twelve and a half year old Christopher parked their U-Haul truck and their car outside St. Paul’s rectory where they met parishioners who were ready to help them move in.
Ron Baerg had been ordained to the deaconate on May 25, 1997 in Hamilton Ontario, just prior to coming to St. Paul’s.
On Sunday evening, September 14th, our congregation, and clergy of the diocese and the city attended the induction of Reverend Ron Baerg, deacon, as rector of St. Paul’s.
The Right Reverend Tom Morgan, Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatoon, led the service and presented Reverend Baerg with
the Covenant of Ministry. As with rectors before him, he was presented with the traditional symbols of his pastorate, and of course, the keys to the church.

Reverend Baerg’s ordination to the priesthood on Sunday, November 2nd marked the first time that the rector of St. Paul’s had actually been ordained in our church. Again the Right Reverend Tom Morgan, Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatoon, officiated. The Reverend Charles Sterling of the Diocese of Niagara, spoke on ‘what an Anglican Priest is expected to do’. Ron’s wife Cathy, an x-ray technician at Battlefords Union Hospital, has, like rectory wives before her, entered into the life of this congregation with gentleness and enthusiasm.
The ever-popular Lenten Lunches continue as community outreach. Lent now concludes with the Good Friday ‘Walk of the Cross’ which has been an annual event since 1990. Members of St. Paul’s and St. George’s Anglican Churches and Zion Lutheran Church in North Battleford walk across the bridge from Battleford to North Battleford, carrying the cross, each Good Friday. Stopping along the way for brief prayers and meditation, the participants find great meaning in the feel of the weight of the cross that Jesus carried. The conclusion of the procession alternates between St. Paul’s and Zion Lutheran each year and includes a brief coffee, hot cross buns and the Good Friday service.

The year 2000 was the 95th anniversary of St. Paul's. Events marking this milestone began with a service of thanksgiving led by the Right Reverend Tom Morgan reminding us that the "church is more than just a building, more than just a congregation. The church is a place to 'rehearse what we do in the rest of the week'". Following the service, he dedicated the new archival cabinet, built by local craftsman George Haegebaert. The celebrations also included an anniversary concert with singer Henri Loiselle and former organist Glenn Goodman.

The Alpha Program was initiated at St. Paul's in 2000. Two sessions were held, spring and fall, each including a ten week practical introduction to the Christian faith as well as a weekend retreat and celebration supper. Alpha stands for Anyone can come; Learning and laughter; Pasta or other food; Help one another; Ask anything.

A Lenton event called "Proclamation 2000" brought special meaning to all as people took part in a fourteen hour a day, 10 day complete reading of the Bible. Participants came from all denominations in the area and a total of 140 hours of reading took place in English, French, High German, Low German, Greek, Cree, Dutch, Aafrikaan, Tamel and Filipino. The event ended with a service of paraise on Sunday Evening.

The ceiling of the kitchen was lowered to accommodate expansion of the "Upper Room". This was named "The Irene Webb Room" in memory of a longtime member of the parish. Bessie Rogers was also remembered when the Anglicn Church Women officially named the updated kitchen "Bessies's Kitchen", celebrating the term by which it had been affectionately known for years. A plaque may be seen over the door carved by Ernie Dennis, a talented wood-worker.

Operation Christmas Child, a branch of Samaritan's Purse, was embraced by the congregation in 2001. Parishioners fill shoeboxes each Christmas with a selection of small gifts for needy children around the world. In May 2004, we held a "Shoebox Banquet" to learn more about this cause and raised enough money to provide a lifetime of water for appoximately six families.
Varied activities such as Ladies Night Out, Ice Cream Socials, Midford in May, the serving of Simnel Cake on Mothering Sunday, and St. Patrick's Day bowling parties continue to be enjoyed by all. Much needed improvements were made to the Rectory in 2001. New doors and windows were installed , and thanks to a bequest from the estate of Jack Amous and the carpentry skills of Reverend Ron Baerg, a garage was added.

Reverend Ron Baerg took a four month educational leave in 2002 to work on his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) dissertation. Many gifts continue to recall those parishioners who have been part of our lives. New hymnals were given in memory of Laurence Tatchell and Evelyn Ulmer, both of whom had seen the choir and congregation through 'the old blue,' 'the new red,' and now the 'new blue' hymn book. Olive and Monty Manning presented the church with a new chalice "in memory of six generations of Mannings who have been part of the life of St. Paul's". New front doors in memory of Bud Ham; a new side door and church sign in memory of Dolly Crook; a chalice and paten in memory of Phyllis Crook; and new Advent hangings in memory of Isabel and Robert Dawson continue to enhance our worship surroundings.

Bishop Tom Morgan's retirement at the end of 2003 led to the need for an Electorial Synod which was held in November, resulting in the call to Rodney Andrews from British Columbia to head our diocese. Bishop Morgan visited St. Paul's for a farewell event in October.

At the annual meeting in February 2004, a committee was struck to formulate plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Paul's in 2005. The vestry and congregation also gave approval for the compiling of a history of our 100 years. Later in February we were visited by our newly consecrated bishop, the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, who attended one of the Lenten Lunches and joined parishioners afterwards for an informal get-together.

In May 2004, after much attention to protocol, St. Paul’s welcomed Her Royal Highness Princes Anne, the Prince Royal. Her Royal Highness was in Saskatchewan to visit her regiment, the Royal Regina Rifles. While here, the princess stopped at St. Paul’s to see our famous "Christ the King" window and spoke with two local veterans who had been stationed at the base. She also went on a walk-about to visit war brides and veterans at the Cenotaph located behind St. Paul’s Church.
Another noteworthy visitor to St. Paul’s that year was the honourable Lynda Haverstock, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, who attended a service at St. Paul’s for St. John’s Ambulance.

In September 2004, St. Paul’s reluctantly accepted the resignation of Marj Tatchell from her position as organist and choir director. A retirement tea was held in her honour later in the year. Marj and her family have become synonymous with music at St. Paul’s over several generations and while the church continues to search for another organist, it is evident to us all that an era has ended.

On Christmas Eve 2004, for the first time in St. Paul’s history, there was only one Christmas service. Over time, trends have changed and the earlier family service became more popular with parishioners.

2005, our 100^th anniversary year, began with a celebration service led by Bishop Rodney Andrews of Saskatoon on the Feast of St. Paul’s. After the service, Bishop Andrews dedicated the newly installed stained glass window given in memory of Bill and Ruth Hubert. The central theme of the window, the Tree of Life described in Genesis, is providing the theme for other events throughout the year.
As we prepare for July 2^nd and 3^rd our One Hundredth Anniversary weekend, many parishioners and friends are working very hard to make it a memorable event.

On August 28, 2005, the congregations of St. George’s and St. Paul’s met to consider their future. A letter written by St. George’s member in May to St. Paul’s asked that they consider a joint future for the two parishes. St. Paul’s held its congregational meeting August 28^th and after a potluck meal the meeting was called to order. Matters concerning worship patterns, leadership, worship service times, finances and lay readers were discussed. A vote in favour of each of those motions was unanimous. Both parishes agreed that this new arrangement would take place by November 1^st, 2005.

Sunday, September 10^th, a large crowd comprised of St. George’s and St. Paul’s congregation gathered at St. Paul’s for Reverend Ron’s last service. Following the service the parish hall was packed with well-wishers who gathered for a potluck lunch highlighted by Reiny Bischler’s famous barbecued beef, boar and elk.
Gail Morgan, Rector’s Warden of St. Paul’s, chaired the program which followed the lunch. A power point presentation by Mary Mattila and Linda Nelson detailed highlights of Ron, Cathy and Christopher’s years here. Numerous other presentations followed, then Ron spoke briefly, yieding the last word to Cathy who expressed deep and heartfelt thanks to all. The program ended with a payer by Ron Dewald.

2006 - 2007

Canon Wilson Tibbo arrive to act as an interim minister until such time as a new minister answers the call of the parochial committee. He led his first service on Sunday, October 1^st, 2006, at St. Paul's Church. He and his wife Lillian were greeted with warmth by the parishioners of both St. George's and St. Paul's at a luncheon in the upper hall after the service. Reverend Tibbo a vibrant 76-year young retiree, comes from Conception Bay South in Newfoundland. He studied at Queen's college, St. John's, Newfoundland and served in Labrador after ordination. A call from Stanley Steer, Bishop of Saskatoon,
brought him to Watrous in 1967, where he served for three years, and then moved to Weyburn for another four years.

Lillian and Wilson were also devoted square dancers. The Tibbos have four children, Paul in Nova Scotia, Diane in Fort McMurray, Joan in Newfoundland and Philip in Edmonton. Six grandchildren complete the family.
On Sunday, March 4th, St. George's and St. Paul's congregations gathered at St. Paul's for Canon Tibbo's last service in the Battlefords. Presentations made to Lillian and Wilson from St. George's and St. Paul's, included books, stained glass, and
Prairie Lily tea cups. All mementos of their five months here.

A Tribute to Marj Tatchell.
Marjorie Daphne Pratt was born in North Battleford September 23, 1925. Since that day she has been a resident of the Battlefords.
Marjorie came from a musically gifted family and was the eldest of three children, including her brother Douglas and sister Sheila.
In 1931 she began her schooling at King Street School and started taking piano and voice lessons with her brother from Phoebe Wesson (Cutbush) and she accompanied Mrs Wesson's singing pupils. Marjorie fondly tells the story of her dad putting a large penny on the piano and telling her that it would be hers if she started lessons. That was the start to the musical history of Marjorie Tatchel, also known as a "legend in her time."
Marjorie joined the Junior Choir at St. Paul's in 1933 and this was the beginning of a lifelong involvement with the choir and the church. She carried on this commitment for a number of years and even added to it by playing the piano and organ for all of the St. Paul's choirs during the evenings and weekends. All of this was accomplished while she was attending high school at the North Battleford Collegiate Institute.
In 1948, Marjorie married her childhood sweetheart, Laurence Tatchell. Laurence was a devoted choir member and he and Marjorie together shared their lifelong passion for the church and music.
From 1963 to the 1980's Marjorie accompanied many children including her own in the North Battleford City Kinsmen Band and was also the official accompanist for the Battlefords Music Festival. She helped children with their solo competitions in the Music Festival and the Moose Jaw International Band Festival.
Upon the retirement of Phoebe Cutbush in 1968, Marjorie took on the duties of choir director for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior choirs. She always directed the choirs at St. Paul's with a supportive and encouraging attitude. She would often take on the task of putting together wonderful Christmas services that included lessons and carols that everyone enjoyed.
Over the years, Marjorie delighted audiences with her proficiency on the piano as she accompanied her brother, sister, father, choir members, pupils and guests in their vocal performances. On one memorable occasion, world-renowned singer Jan Rubes came to the Battlefords to put on a workshop sponsored by the Allied Arts Council. Later, at the concert where Marjorie accopanied him on the piano, he was reported to have commented that she could have played the piano anywhere in the world.
During the Music Festival's 50^th Anniversary Concert, a highlight for Marjorie was the singing performances by the Pratt family along with her husband Laurence, as they performed several numbers as part of the gala evening's program.
In 1964 Marjorie was officially honored by the Music Festival Committee for her tireless commitments. The North Battleford Rotary Club recognized Marjorie for her musical contributions to the community when it presented her with its prestigious Integrity Award in 1998.
Marjorie not only gave her life and talent to the church, but to the community of the Battlefords as well. She also lent her musical abilities to Macdonald Funeral Home for over 50 years, as well as to numerous weddings and concerts until her retirement in 2005. That same year, she was awarded the distinction of Organist Emaretus in recognition of her outstanding service to the musical ministry of the church.
Marjorie continued to support musical concerts and events as often as possible within the community as she offered her praise and encouragement to participants.
Marjorie was surrounded by her loving family of five children, eleven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one brother, one sister and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marjorie Tatchell was inducted into the Wall of Fame on May 3rd, 2008.
On October 18^th 2010 Marjorie left us to be with her Heavenly Father and she will surely hear those words, Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

OUR PRESENT MINISTER

Reverend Peter Norman came to us May 1^st, 2007
from St. Mary's Anglican Church in Nanoose Bay, British Columbia. He came at an age of fifty-six and has lived a life of many experiences. After working in sales, marketing, teaching and management of a travel agency, he chose to enter the ministry in 1987.
His training was taken at the College of Emmanuel and
St. Chad's in Saskatoon. Peter and his wife Debbie have four adult children.
Peter plays and teaches guitar and has some friendly puppets which he shares during his children's time on Sunday mornings. Peter has had considerable experience in dealing with crises of various types and both he and his wife have been at times very involved with youth at risk. Along with being a parish priest, his interests are photography, music, reading, writing and camping - R.V. Style.

The Baja Mission Project, June 2^nd to 14^th, 2012
Ivan Katzell and Gordon Yarde, along with 26 others, went on a mission to build two houses in Vicente Guerro, Mexico. The terrain to Vincente was cactus and scrub bush fences, but no cattle and absolutely no water ponds, creeks or rivers.
The first house to be built was for a family of four. Two daughter, Mom and Dad. They were fortunate to receive a higher weekly wage of $75 each. The second family was a young mother and her three children. Her seven year old son attended school, a small two room building. Her six year old son had suffered a tragedy having one foot crushed by a water truck and his leg was amputated above the knee. She also had a five year old girl.
Work proceeded mostly in the mornings as it got very hot in the afternoon. The houses were only 20x22 feet with one wall down the middle. Both families chose their own color of paint, one yellow and the other turquoise. The homes were not insulated and there were no furnaces or other means of heat.
Once the houses were built, several members went shopping for two 4-burner propane stovetops, a table with chairs, box spring and mattresses and many dry food product. There is no electricity.
Both Ivan and Gordon commented that, in the end, they both felt a greater closeness to God and ambitions to serving God and to help to fulfill God's purpose of loving and caring for all people.
Ivan commented that "Looking into the eyes of another person and seeing Christ looking back at you when they say, "Can you help me" changes everything."

January 2012 - Our New Office Administrator Lydia Litchfield
Was born in Biggar, Sask. first daughter to Peter & Mary Lemky.
She attended Medstead Central School (Sept/60 to June/68). The family moved from the farm to North Battleford in the summer of 1968. Because her father was still of the belief that girls didn't need secondary education, she was prohibited to continue with High School and attended the Foursquare Gospel Bible Institute directed by Revs. Bud & Evelyn Chartier in North Battleford in the former Parkland Chapel building. She graduated June 1971, and at this time, her father decided that times had changed so she was permitted to persue her highschool education with the co-operation of Social Services & Canada Employment counsellors. To complete her Grades 11 & 12, she was required to leave North Battleford; she moved to Regina and completed her GED 12 in June 1972. She continued on in Regina and attended a Canada Employment Program (S.I.A.A.S.T.) towards a Secretarial certificate. After completing this, she moved to the West Coast (BC) where she met her husband, Peter Litchfield, married on April 12, 1975, in White Rock. They are the parents of three married daughters and five grandchildren. Peter and Lydia were ordained by Don Gossett Ministries in 1993, after working in his ministry office in both Blaine, WA & Surrey, BC. They are now Pastors of Hosanna Life Center North Battleford Inc. & members of Christian Ministers Association which is Denominational and Non Denominational. Lydia left her position as Office Administrator of St. Paul's on February 14^th 2013.