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"THE lUUILTKUUS .<JLVLL !!E HAD IN EVERLASTING REMEMBRANCE."
A SERMON,
Otf
THE LIFE, LABOUES, AND CHAEACTEE,
OS 1
THE LATE HONORABLE AND RIGHT-REVEREND
JOHN STEACHAN, D,D,, LLD,,
LORD BISHOP OF TORONTO;
AND IN CONNECTION WITH
THE BISHOP STRACHAN MEMORIAL CHURCH,
BY THE VENERABLE ARCHDEACON PATTON, D.C.L.,
RECTOR OF CORNWALL ONTARIO.
Published by Request.
THE PROFITS, IP ANY, TO BE DEVOTED TO THE BUILDING FUND.
PRINTED BY JOHN LOVELL, ST. NICHOLAS STREET.
1868.
EU-Ct
AVAILABLE
-U FL-
THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE HAD IN EVERLASTING REMEMBRANCE."
A SERMON,
ON
THE LIFE, LABOURS, AND CHARACTER,
OB 1
THE LATE HONORABLE AND RIGHT-REVEREND
JOHN STRACHAN, D.D, LLD,,
LORD BISHOP OF TORONTO;
AND IN CONNECTION WITH
THE BISHOP STRACHAN MEMORIAL CHURCH,
CORNWALL.
BY THE VENERABLE ARCHDEACON PATTON, D.C.L.,
RECTOR OF CORNWALL, ONTARIO.
Published by Request.
THE PROFITS, IF ANY, TO BE DEVOTED TO THE BUILDING FUND.
PRINTED BY JOHN LOVELL, .ST. NICHOLAS STREET.
1868.
THE REQUISITION.
CORNWALL, ONTARIO, March 20th, 1868.
VENERABLE SIR. The undersigned, as members of the Ma
naging Committee of " The Bishop Strachan Memorial Church,"
believing that much information would be afforded to the members
of the Church generally throughout the province, and that consi
derable benefit would be done to the cause we have in hand, by
the publication of the Sermon preached by you on Sunday last,
would most respectfully request, that you would kindly consent to
its being published, and that the expense thereof should be charged
to the contingent fund, and that copies of it should be distributed
gratuitously here, and in the several portions of the Province,
where it is your intention that pecuniary aid should be sought for
the object contemplated.
We have the honour to be, Venerable Sir,
Your obedient servants,
GEO. S. JARVIS, REV. H. AUSTQN,
WAI. COX ALLEN, EDWIN KEVVIN,
SAM. HART, G. C. WOOD,
GEO. PRINGLE, M.D., P.E.ADAMS,
GEO. SHERWOOD JARVIS, JAMES OGLE.
UKPLY.
To His Honour JUDGE jARVis,His Worship the MAYOR, and
other members of the Managing Committee,
DEAR BRETHREN. If the publication of the Sermon preached
by me on Sunday last, will tend in any degree to promote the in
terests of the great object we all have so much at heart, I shall
have much satisfaction in placing it at your disposal, though it
was certainly not written with a view to publication.
Your friend and pastor,
HENRY PATTON, D.C.L.,
Rector of Cornwall and Archdeacon of Ontario.
SEKION.
" The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance." Psalm cxii, ver. 6.
BRETHREN, BELOVED IN THE LORD :
" A prince and a great man hath lately fallen in our spiri
tual Israel." The Church in Canada mourns the loss of one
of her chief rulers, the most aged, most venerable, and one
of the most venerated of them all. Full of honours and full of
years, after along life of faithful labours and active exertions
in the cause of Christ and his Church, the aged and good
Bishop of Toronto has " entered into that rest, which remaineth
for the people of God."
Such, my brethren, is the opening sentence of that appeal, *
which at the suggestion, and with the kindly expressed ap
proval of our own respected Diocesan, I ventured respectfully
to address to my Clerical and Lay brethren of this Diocese,
and not of this Diocese only, but to all beyond its bounds,
who admiring the character of that truly great and good
man, would gladly aid in the erection of a Church, which,
while it should perpetuate the memory of departed excellency,
should tend also to the glory of God, and prove, moreover,
a blessing to successive generations of Christians, worship
ping God on the very spot, hallowed by the venerable Bishop s
earliest ministerial labours.
It is in furtherance of the same pious and praiseworthy ob
ject, that I desire, my brethren, to address you on the pre
sent occasion, by giving a very brief sketch of the life, labours
* For Appeal and Bishop s Pastoral, see Appendix A, p. 25.
6
and character of that venerable man of God, whose memory
we desire to transmit to posterity by the erection of " The
Bishop Strachan Memorial Church." " The righteous shall
be had in everlasting remembrance."
When a great and good man passes away, his fame and
character become the heritage of his country, to be cherished
and perpetuated to future generations. And in most civilized
countries it has been a time-honoured custom, to erect some
monumental token of respect to the memory of the brave and
heroic ; the wise and the good. If we search the records of
the past, we shall find that those wise and politic nations, the
ancient Greeks and Romans, were thus accustomed to honour
the memories of their great and mighty men. A statue, a
triumphal arch, a pillar of stone, or some other enduring mon
ument, bore testimony to the merits of the deceased, and to
the gratitude of their surviving countrymen. They acted,
moreover, as powerful incentives to others, to emulate their
exalted conduct ; to deserve equally well of their country ;
and to earn similar tokens of grateful remembrance. To have
their names engraven on a statue ; inscribed on the roll of
fame ; or emblazoned in capitals on the page of history ; as
the successful warrior, the profound philosopher, or the saga
cious statesman, were ambitious distinctions, which they
greatly coveted. For, however some may affect to regard
it as a matter of little moment, what respect may be paid to
their memory, or what honours may be decreed after death,
yet we know, in fact, that the hopes of such distinctions have
often fired the hearts of those who were perilling their lives
in their country s cause. The enthusiastic shout of England s
greatest naval hero, " Victory, or Westminster Abbey," was
but the impulsive outburst of this natural yearning of the
human soul for posthumous renown. And having lately visit
ed these wondrous piles, those hallowed fanes, St. Paul s, and
Westminster Abbey, the preacher can testify from personal
observation, how England in this respect, honours the memory
of her mighty dead. The walls of those sacred edifices are
covered with mural tablets ; " the long drawn aisles " are
crowded with tombs and statues of the illustrious dead. Many
of these monuments are, indeed, of very questionable taste,
but still they are indicative of the high esteem which a grate
ful country entertained of their worth while living. Every
Cathedral of England, and many of her most ancient parish
churches, abound with sepulchral monuments of those, who,
having been honoured while living, are still held in grateful
remembrance.
" The speaking marbles shew,
What worthies form the hallow d mould below ;
Proud names, who once the reins of Empire held ;
In arms who triumphed, or in arts excell d ;
Chiefs, grac d with scars, and prodigal of blood ;
Stern patriots, who for sacred freedom stood ;
Judges, by whom impartial laws were given ;
And saints, who taught and led the way to heaven."
The application of the same principle in Canada, adorns
the walls of our City Halls with portraits of those whom their
fellow citizens delighted to honour ; our Osgoode Halls and
Court Houses, with portraits of our judges and legal celebri
ties ; and the galleries of our Houses of Parliament, with
those of their Speakers.
There is, however, a better and a healthier application of
this principle now prevailing in England and elsewhere, and
that is, to make the monument assume a more practical and
useful character. Thus the philanthropist and eminent phy
sician is honoured by the erection of a hospital ; the renowned
warrior, by a military school or asylum ; while to the memory
of the faithful Bishop, or tfte pious and learned divine, the
erection of a Church, a college, or a memorial window in the
Church or Cathedral to which he belonged, is justly deemed
the most fitting monument, because God is thereby glorified,
while " the righteous are also had in everlasting remembrance."
*< To help one heaven-directed spire to rise, is now rightly
regarded as a better memorial than either storied urn, or ani
mated bust." England has many such appropriate memo
rials, witness " The Keble College " in Oxford, just erected
to the memory of the pious and lamented author of the Chris
tian Year ; while a church is even now about to be erected
to the memory of the late amiable, learned and good Bishop of
Lichfield, whose sudden death, (on the Saturday preceding
my departure from England last October,) filled his diocese
with grief and lamentation. Nor is this pious custom confined
to the old world, for such a monumental church was erected
a few years ago, in the City of New-York, to the memory of
the excellent Bishop Wainwright, and a similar monument
is, I believe, to be reared in memory of the late presiding
Bishop of the Church in the United States, the learned and
pious Bishop Hopkins of Vermont.
Our Diocesan then, in accordance with the wiser spirit of
the age, has rightly judged, that a Christian Church is the
most fitting monument for this Diocese to erect to the glory of
God, and in remembrance of his faithful servant, the late
justly-lamented Bishop Strachan, who served God, in the
Gospel of his Son, as Deacon, Priest, and Bishop, during the
long period of 65 years.
This long career of usefulness was commenced in Cornwall
in 1803, he having been ordained Deacon the second day of
May, in that year, by the first Bishop of Quebec, the father
of the .late beloved and respected Bishop Mountain. There
must have been something peculiarly remarkable in the youth
ful Deacon, that especially attracted the attention of the
learned and discriminating Prelate who ordained him ; for in
his Report of the transaction to " the Venerable the Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts," he writes
concerning him, in the almost prophetic words, which I quote
from the Report of the Venerable Society for the year 1804,
" The Lord Bishop of Quebec has communicated to the
Society, in a letter dated June 25th, 1803, that the Mission
of Cornwall has been filled up by a Mr. Strachan, whom the
Bishop ordained for that purpose, having been first mentioned
to the Bishop by Governor Hunter, as desirous to obtain holy
orders in the Church of England, and afterwards recommend
ed by Mr. Cartwright, a member of the Executive .and Legis
lative Councils, by the Rev. Dr. Stewart, and Mr. Chief Jus
tice Elmsley, and by many other gentlemen worthy of great
regard and respect ; and the Bishop further adds, that upon
examination, he was so well satisfied with respect to Mr.
Strachan s principles, attainments and demeanour, that he
must confess that he shall be more than commonly disap
pointed if he do not become a very useful and respectable
Minister." It is scarcely needful to add, that the almost
prophetic anticipations pronounced 65 years ago, were amply
realized in the highly useful and honourable career of him,
whose prolonged existence of 90 years,^terminated so peace
fully and happily in November last. There must, indeed, at
even a much earlier period of his life, have been indications of a
superior mind, a vigorous intellect, and engaging disposition,
when at the early age of 17 or 18, they could make so deep
an impression on the mind of the late Dr. Duncan, Professor
of Mathematics in the University of St. Andrews, and one of
the most profound mathematicians of his day, that 50 years
after their separation, he spoke to the preacher in terms of
most affectionate regard for our then excellent Bishop, for
whom he cherished the highest esteem to the day of his
death. Such was also the impression produced at the same
early age, on the mind of the late eminent Dr. Chalmers,
" that it led to a friendship, which likewise terminated only
with the life of that great and universally esteemed Philoso-
10
pher and Divine." Great, moreover, must have been the
confidence in his ability, judgment and attainments, when at
the very early age of 21, he was selected as a fit and proper
person to organize and preside over the College, or Univer
sity, which the then Governor, the excellent Simcoe, desired
to establish in Upper Canada.
In pursuance of this object, Mr. Strachan left his native
country, and after a long and toilsome voyage and journey
of upwards of 4 months, he reached Kingston on the very
last day of the last century. Here he encountered a bitter
and most grievous disappointment. The object for which he
had left Scotland was abandoned. Governor Simcoe had re
turned to England, and with his departure, the projected Col
lege was relinquished, at all events for the present. It were
difficult to imagine a more depressing position. He had left
prospects of advancement in his native country, and had
come to Canada, with bright anticipations of usefulness and
remunerative employment, in an honourable position. He
found himself a stranger in a strange land, and without re
sources in an infant colony, where the population was at that
time too sparse, and generally too poor, to afford any imme
diate prospect of sustaining a University such as he had hoped
to preside over. No wonder that, for the moment, he was de
pressed and discouraged. In after years he stated, that had
he possessed the, means, he would at once have returned to
Scotland, but it was wisely and happily ordered otherwise,
for
"There s a divinity that shapes our ends.
Eough hew them as we will."
His was a spirit too cheerful and hopeful to be long cast
down, or to succumb to disappointments, which might have
overwhelmed a less courageous heart. He was so for
tunate at this critical period as to form the acquaintance of
the Hon. Richard Cartwright and the Rev. Dr. John Stuart,
11
gentlemen of the highest moral and religious worth, and
highly cultivated minds ; scholars, as well as Christian gentle
men. A congeniality of tastes soon caused the intimacy to
ripen into a warm and solid friendship, which was only inter
rupted by the chill, cold hand of death. The kindness re
ceived from the parents, he afterwards gratefully repaid by
his care and culture of the children, especially those of the
Hon. Mr. Cartwright, of whom he became the appointed
guardian. And now occurred a change in his religious
views, or rather, perhaps, the settling of them into one uniform,
consistent course, from which they never afterwards swerved.
In his early youth, his religious opinions had been subject to
counter influences. His father was a Presbyterian, his
mother a member of the Episcopal Church in Scotland. He
had been in the habit of attending the religious assemblies
of both parents, so that his religious convictions in either
direction could not have been very decided. It has been
said, indeed, that he was brought up in the creed of the
Episcopal Church. And when we think of a mother s in
fluence in training the pliant minds of her children, we can
scarcely doubt that his earlier impressions would be all in
favour of his mother s Church. Nor can the Preacher hesi
tate to believe, that the slumbering recollections of the aged
Prelate s experience as a child, at his own mother s knees,
dawned afresh? upon his memory, when, at the age of 73,
and at the laying of the, corner stone of Trinity College, he
gave utterance to his own feelings, in these beautiful words *
" With what deep emotions do we find the best and greatest
of men recalling in after-life, the blessed influences which
they imbibed under the paternal roof, the holy truths commu
nicated, and the first accents of prayer, which a pious and
tender mother whispered in their ears, invoking the protec
tion of their God and Saviour before she kissed them, and
consigned them to their night s repose. On such sweet and
12
pure recollections they delight to dwell, and at home all our
best and holiest charities and affections begin, and from this
centre they extend through an ever widening circle." -Can
we hesitate to believe, my brethren, but that such holy in
fluences disposed his heart, while under the paternal roof, to
love his mother s creed and Church ? But when he left home
and entered upon his collegiate career, all the influences and
associations of college life in Aberdeen, and St. Andrews,
the Divinity Lectures he attended, and his intimacy with
such men as Chalmers, Brown, Duncan, and other eminent
Presbyterian s, inclined him strongly to their creed.
But being now in Canada, far removed from all such asso
ciations, and having more leisure to read and study the sub
ject thoroughly, and to hold almost daily converse upon it
with such sound and able churchmen as Mr. Cartwright and
Dr. Stuart, he at length became thoroughly convinced of the
superior claims, from Scripture and Catholic antiquity, of the
Episcopal form of Church government, and of the agreement
of the articles and creeds of the Church, with the teachings
of both. Having thus, after long, careful and patient study,
arrived at these conclusions, he sought Episcopal ordination,
and was, as we have seen, appointed to his first ministerial
charge at Cornwall, then a small, but prettily situated vil
lage, on the banks of the St. Lawrence.
Here, finding his clerical duties of limited* character, as
the congregation was then but small; he was induced by the
persuasion of many friends to open that School, which after
wards attained, under his able management, such well de
served celebrity, and such provincial fame, as The Corn
wall Grammar School."
Here it was that he trained for future usefulness many ot
the foremost men .of their time in Canada, men who gratefully
ittnbuted much of their after success in life, to the admirable
system of instruction which he introduced, and the elevated
tone of moral and religious training which he imparted.
13
From the rolls of the Cornwall Grammar School, we might
select a shining galaxy of illustrious names, which are now
inscribed on the pages of our country s history, as having
been eminent for their social position, their judicial, ecclesias
tical, legislative, legal or political fame, in short, men who be
came famous in every walk of honourable life. From that
long list we may transcribe the names of Ilobinson, Macaulay,
Boulton, Jones, Small, Bethune, Vankoughnet, McDonnell,
McLean, Jarvis, and others.* Of his Cornwall Grammar School
Pupils, four became Chief Justices, one, Judge of the Court of
Queen s Bench, one a Judge in India, three, Judges of District
or Count yCourts, two were knighted, one is now the Bishop
of Toronto, one the very Reverend the Dean of Montreal, three
became Legislative Councillors,three were High Sheriffs , some
became Physicians, Lawyers, Members of Parliament, Colonels
of Militia and Magistrates, while several became officers in the
army, &c., &c.f Many of these were men of whom any coun
try might well feel proud, and had the venerated Bishop
conferred no further benefit upon Canada, than to educate
such men as these, he had approved himself a public bene
factor, well deserving that he should be had in remembrance
by the erection of an enduring stone church, on the spot
where he acquired his earliest fame. For as our worthy Bishop
justly remarks: " Cornwall will ever be identified with the
name and earnest labours of the first Bishop of Toronto, and
on that account it is that I earnestly, and in full confidence
of your co-oporation, commend the Archdeacon s appeal to
your liberality."
Most of his Cornwall pupils have, passed away, but long as
life endured, they were his warmly attached and constant
friends; ever retaining an affectionate regard for their honour
ed and beloved old master ; for though strict in discipline, he
possessed the happy faculty of winning their esteem and
* For a fuller list see Appendix B, p. 28. f Appendix C,p.30.
14
securing their respect. More than 20 years after their
separation at Cornwall, upwards of -10 of his Cornwall pupils
united in presenting him with an affectionate address, and
with a valuable testimony of their esteem, in the shape of a
handsome piece of plate, valued at about 11200.* This
most gratifying proof of their high regard, as it was a pleasing
trophy of his success in the great cause of education, he
most appropriately bequeathed to Trinity College, that noble
seat of learning which he founded in his old age.
A few of his Cornwall pupils still survive their venerated
preceptor, and they will doubtless be glad, out of respect to
his memory, and for old associations sake, to contribute
something to " The Bishop Strachan Memorial Church" in
Cornwall.
After his removal to Toronto, he still continued, for some
years, the work of instruction, and many of his pupils there
also, rose to distinction and usefulness. In addition to the
Cornwall list three of these became Attorneys-General and
Premiers, one was knighted, one is the Archdeacon of Niaga
ra, several are useful Clergymen, and many of them also
became Members of Parliament, and many occupied other
positions of honour and usefulness in the country.
The man who could have trained so many minds to adorn
their country s annals, must have possessed no ordinary mind
himself, while he conferred upon his adopted country, benefits
for which his name deserves " to be had in everlasting remem
brance." His successful efforts in the cause of education
alone, in which he ever continued to take the deepest inter
est, were sufficient to earn/rorn a grateful people, some public
testimonial of their regard.
The great secret of his success as an instructor of youth,
consisted in the discrimination with which he studied the
characters of his jfhpils, but especially in the means by which
* For address and reply see Appendix D, p. 30.
15
he sought to cultivate and train their moral and spiritual, as
well as their intellectual faculties, so as to impart religious,
as well as secular instruction. His aim was, not only to ad
vance them in scholastic attainments, but to make them feel
also, that they were born for immortality. In after life, he
quoted with approval, the saying of Dr. Arnold, the great
master of Rugby, " that science and literature will not do
for a man s main business, they must be used in subordina
tion to a clearly perceived Christian end. In fact, the house
is spiritually empty so long as the pearl of great price is not
there, although it may be hung with all the decorations of
earthly knowledge." I possess a small book published by
Dr. Strachan, while at Cornwall, entitled, " The Christian
Religion recommended in a letter to his pupils," and it is de
dicated to two of them, Mr. Andrew Stuart and Mr. James
Cartwright, who had then become students-at-law. In this
letter he thus addresses his pupils : " As you are anxious to
realize the fond hopes of your parents, and become the sup
port and glory of their age ; as you are solicitous to become
respectable members of society, to taste the purest of all
pleasures, to rise superior to the sorrows and troubles of this
life, to become the favourites of God, and the heirs of immor
tality, I conjure you to attend to this short view of religion,
by which you^may become her determined friends, and that
these happy prospects may never be disappointed. Religion
improves all our faculties, and elevates the soul to the con
templation of the most glorious truths. Religion is a golden
chain, the first link of which is the Supreme Being, and it
reaches to eternity." Such wasthe admirable system by
which he sought to train his scholars for both worlds, to be
come useful in their day and generation here, and to become
fitted for heaven and all its glories hereafter.
He, moreover, inculcated upon his pupils, principles of deep-
rooted loyalty to their earthly as well as to their heavenly
16
Sovereign. It was, indeed, one of his favourite maxims, " Fear
God, and honour the king." While at Cornwall, he published
also a pamphlet, " On the character of king George the
Third, addressed to the inhabitants of British America." In
this treatise, he inculcates in the strongest and most forcible
terms, attachment to their country and the British Constitu
tion, and the most devoted loyalty to their good and gracious
king. Moreover, as the ominous clouds of approaching trouble
with the United States were then already darkening the
horizon, he exhorts Canadians, in soul-stirring words of the
most elevated patriotism, to step forward in the hour of danger,
to rally around the throne and the constitution, to defend
their country, and to preserve unimpaired, the glorious pri
vileges they possessed as British subjects. No wonder that
men, trained in such a school, should have been eminent for
their loyalty all their lives ; no wonder that when the storm,
whose gathering he had foreseen, burst at length with fury
upon the land, the pupils of the Cornwall Grammar School
were among the foremost to buckle on their armour at
the sound of the trumpet s call, and to rush to the frontier,
where a John Beverly Robinson, an Archibald McLean, a
Macaulay, a Stanton, a Chewett, a Ridout, a Jar vis, a Mc-
Donell and others, some of them still in their teens, did good
service in the tented field, and where one of tfyem, a Me Don-
ell, fell in the stubbornly contested fight of Lundy s Lane,
while others of the Cornwall Grammar School boys were
wounded, in the various conflicts of that memorable w^r, which
crowned with such imperishable renown, the gallant militia of
Upper Canada. Well, then, did the pupils of Dr. Strachan
exemplify through life, and in death, the noble fruits of his
loyal and patriotic teaching.
Prior to these events he had, in 1812, been transferred to
Toronto, then York. He left Cornwall, as he states,* " with
* Charge of 1860.
17
deep regret, yielding only to the conviction, that his new
sphere opened to him a larger field of usefulness." To the
latest period of his life he ever retained a warm attachment
to this scene of his early fame, and he always gladly rested
here for three or four days when on his confirmation tours.
It was here that he married, here that some of his children
were born, and here, as he testifies, * that " he spent nine
years very happily ; his time being fully, and on the whole,
usefully and pleasantly occupied." We see then, brethren,
how appropriate it is, that Cornwall should possess some en
during memento of the lamented Bishop s former connection
with our Parish.
On his subsequent career, aftej; his removal to Toronto, it
is not my purpose long to dwell. I am not giving his biogra
phy, but simply the merest sketch of his life, which is all that
the present occasion will permit.
During the war of 1812, he originated, and was a most
efficient member of, the " Loyal and patriotic society," a society
which effected much good, by cherishing and encouraging a
spirit of unflinching patriotism, and in mitigating many of the
evils incident to a state of war. He was subsequently ad
vanced to the positions of Executive and Legislative Coun
cillor. In 1825 he was made Archdeacon of York, an office
tbten of grave responsibility, but which gave him great in
fluence in the Church in Upper Canada, as the Bishop of the
Diocese resided in Quebec, 500 miles distant. In 1839 his
labours on behalf of loyalty, education, and the Church of
Christ, were recognized by his being appointed the first Bishop
of Toronto.
Prior to this period, he had mingled more in secular af
fairs, and had taken a more prominent part in political mat
ters, than would now be considered either wise or expedient,
but the circumstances of the times, so different from our own,
* Ibid p. IT.
B
18
placed him in positions where he could scarcely avoid taking
an active part in the administration of the affairs of the coun
try. His bold, manly and consistent defence of the rights of
the Church, in connection with the Clergy Reserves, and
King s College, exposed him to much ohloquy and reproach ;
but he never faltered in his purpose. Conscientiously believ
ing that he was doing battle in a righteous cause, he con
tinued to fight on with undaunted courage and indomitable
perseverance. It was in truth, a grand, moral spectacle, to
behold the brave old man, unmoved by the fierce assaults of
sectarian prejudice and political animosity, bearing, almost
alone, the brunt of the battle, and still fighting on, hoping, even
against hope, that the voice of reason and of right might yet
be heard, above the din of battle, the cries of faction, and the
shouts of bitter enemies of the Church, crying, "down with her,
down with her, even to the ground." Those days of bitter
prejudices have long since passed away, and the good old
man lived long enough to outlive allt heological rancour, and
all political hatred. All religious denominations, and all
political parties, united at his death in testifying their ad
miration of his sterling worth, and their respect for his
memory.
The sorest trial the aged prelate experienced -in reference
to these controversies, was in the destruction of all his
long cherished hopes in connection with the University
of King s College. When, after long delays and vexatious
impediments, all difficulties appeared to have been surmounted,
and the College had been for six years in successful operation,
renewed assaults were made upon its charter, and it was
sought to dissever from it altogether its religious character.
Against these attacks, the Bishop protested in the most
vigorous and energetic manner, but all in vain. The Church
was forcibly despoiled of her rightful position in the Univer
sity ; its religious character was destroyed ; and even its
19
name was changed from King s College, to that of the Uni
versity of Toronto.
Then it was that the aged Bishop, feeling that his con
nection with the University, which he had cherished for so
long a period, was now for ever severed, and yet believing
that the one great purpose of his life, the foundation of a
Christian seat of learning, might still be accomplished,
resolved^ by God s help, and relying on the co-operation of his
people, that the Church should yet possess a University of
her own, one founded upon the great principle which he had
so long before embodied in his own teaching, a University
which, in his own eloquent language, " fed by the heavenly
stream of pure religion, should communicate fuel to the lamp
of genius, and enable it to burn with a brighter and a purer
flame." " A University in which the learning should be
sound, and the education religious." For the advancement
of this great object, he issued a heart-stirring appeal to his
people, which was most nobly and generously responded to.
At the advanced age of 72, he crossed the Atlantic, to lay
the tale of his wrongs at the foot of the throne ; to plead his
cause before the British public ; to solicit contributions for
his Christian University, and to obtain for it a Royal Charter.
He succeeded in obtaining a very large measure of Christian
sympathy of a very practical kind ; and at length, he had the
proud satisfaction of beholding, in the successful opening of
Trinity College, the crowning result of his pious exertions.
He continued to take a warm, paternal interest in the affairs
of this, noble Institution, as long as he lived, and in death he
did not forget it, for by his will, he left to it his large and
well furnished library.
And now the work of his lengthened life was drawing to a
close. He continued, however, to work on to the last, for he
was resolved to die in harness. His vigorous intellect still
retained much of its wonted fires, and his powers of physical
20
endurance enabled him to work far beyond the allotted span
of ordinary life. His biographer of this period will have
ample materials for an extended notice of the manner in
which he ruled his Diocese, organized the Church Society
and the Synod, and various other works of beneficent piety
in which his active mind was constantly engaged. At length,
the infirmities of increasing years compelled him to desire the
assistance of a suffragan, and on the 25th day of January,
1867, he had the great satisfaction of consecrating as his
assistant, and destined successor, his valued and long tried
friend Doctor Bethune, Archdeacon of Toronto, and once his
pupil in the Cornwall Grammar School.
The venerable man of God now felt that his work was
done in the Church Militant, and he calmly awaited his
summons to the Church Triumphant. The 1 call came at
length, and it found him ready. Calmly and quietly the
aged warrior of the cross awaited his departure to that land
of peace, " where the wicked cease from troubling, and the
weary are at rest." With a heart full of faith, he partook
of the holy Eucharistal feast, to strengthen him for his
passage through the dark valley, and then full of peace, full
of hope, and full of quiet trust and confidence in the merits
and mercies of his Divine Redeemer, in the 90th year of his
age, he cheerfully surrendered his soul to the God who gave
it. He entered upon life on All Saints Day, his spirit,
forsaking its fleshy tabernacle on that holy festival, winged
its happy flight to the Paradise of God, to add one more to
the mighty host of God s elect, who there await " their per
fect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in His
eternal and everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our
Lord." (Burial service).
The sad tidings of his death spread with electric speed
throughout the land, and ten thousand hearts, responsive to
the shock, mourned, as those who grieved for the loss of an
21
intimate and endeared friend. It seemed most difficult to
realize the fact, that one who had been identified with the
history of the country for nearly 70 years, had actually
passed away for ever. Yet so it was, and nothing now
remained for human affection, but to consign the body with
fitting solemnities to its final resting place. His funeral was
the most solmen and impressive ever witnessed in Western
Canada. Never before had so vast an assembly been
gathered from all quarters, to swell the mighty host that
accompanied the remains of the venerated Bishop to the
silent tomb. By proclamation of the Mayor, all shops were
closed, all business suspended, while all classes, all creeds
and all parties, alike united in one spontaneous, generous act
of respectful homage to departed worth. Nor did these
tributes of respect terminate with his burial. The Press
generally throughout Canada noted his departure, and spoke
of him in the kindliest terms. Even those who had been his
most determined opponents, on public grounds, were now
among the foremost to bear testimony to his private worth,
and to his many public virtues as a man and a citizen. The
G-lobe lor example, which had ever most persistently opposed
his public measures and policy, thus wrote of him after his
decease : "his keenest and most unreasoning opponents must
acknowledge, that in his efforts at realizing the ideal he had
formed, he showed indomitable energy, noticeable mental
power, great discernment of character, remarkable acquain
tance with what Dr. Chalmers called the prosperous manage
ment of human nature, contagious enthusiasm, a command
ing will, and upon the whole, a singleness, and in general an
i honesty of purpose, worthy of all respect. In the discharge
of his more direct ecclesiastical and religious duties, we
should think none could deny him credit for honest con-
f scientiousness. That he led a most laborious life, both as
Priest and Bishop, is beyond all question. His well known
22
face and figure will no longer be seen in our streets, where
they have been so long and so universally recognized, but
very many will long remember him, and not a few, even of
those who most stoutly resisted what he advocated, both in
Church and State, will not seldom, in years to come, mention
with respect, perhaps with something even approaching to
affection, the name of the first Protestant Bishop of Toronto.
Starting with almost everything against him, he, by force of
character, perseverance, strength of will, and singleness of
purpose, made for himself no mean place in the history of Ca
nada, and has at last come to the grave, like a shock of grain
fully ripe, with many to form different and opposing opinions
of the character of his public doings, but with all, ready to
acknowledge his personal good qualities, and to stand in hush
ed and reverent silence around his grave." Such was the
testimony of .one of his most determined opponents ; how much
more favourable still the estimate of his character, by those
who knew him more intimately, and who looked upon his
public policy from a far different point of view.
A few additional traits of his character must yet be noticed,
although 1 have already trespassed beyond the limits of an
ordinary discourse.
The late Bishop was of a cheerful and happy disposition :
genial and hearty in manner, with a well stored mind, and
unfailing fund of good humour, he was a most instructive,
pleasing and entertaining companion. He was a hospitable
and bountiful host, though himself of extremely temperate,
almost abstemious habits. He possessed strong natural good
sense, a vigorous intellect, and a facile pen. His powerful
will, energy of character, tenacity of purpose, and indomit
able spirit have been universally acknowledged. He was be
loved by his clergy to whom he was as a father and friend^
for though he could be sharp in rebuke, when he judged it
necessary, yet his general intercourse with them was of the
23
kindliest character. He sympathised with his clergy in their
troubles, and many a sorrowful heart was made glad by his
kind paternal counsels, and by his seasonable and practical
benevolence. He was impartial in the administration of his
diocese, recognizing merit wherever he found it, and the ac
tive, zealous clergyman of whatever school, was sure of his
steady support and countenance. He was a firm and constant
friend, and if any for whom he once formed an attachment,
forfeited his esteem, the fault must usually have been their
own. He was a kind and loving husband, and an. affectionate
father. He was specially fond of little children, and soon did
the little ones of a family gather around the good, kind old
man, who fondled and patted them, as if they were his own.
His bodily health was unusually good. Of a short yet robust
frame, a strong and healthy constitution, he possessed great
powers of physical endurance, which well entitled him to be
called, " the iron Bishop." He was exceedingly liberal in
his charities, and sometimes even munificent in his gifts, as
witness his donation of XI, 000 to the Church Society at its
organization ; and a like munificent sum to Trinity College ;
besides constantly giving <5 or <10 to every new Church
and Parsonage in his diocese, and liberal contributions to the
Episcopal Funds, Colleges, Hospitals and other benevolent
objects ; no wonder that he died comparatively poor at last.
He was of unblemished reputation, and of high moral worth
and rectitude of conduct. His sense of duty was wonder
fully strong, and he was always most punctual in the discharge
of it, even under circumstances where a more timid Christian
might have quailed. Of undaunted courage and pious confi
dence in the overruling Providence of God, he remained sted-
fast at his post during those terrible visitations, the cholera
seasons of 1832 and 1834, and the ship or emigrant fever of
1847. When the hearts of thousands in the city failed them
for fear, he encouraged them by his heroic,, self-denying and.
24
brave example. " He counted not his life dear unto himself,"
so that he might do his Master s work, by ministering to the
sick and the afflicted. After the example of his Lord, he
" went about doing good." He was a constant attendant at
the hospitals, he knelt fearlessly by the bed of the sick and
the dying, nay, he has been known to aid in lowering the
coffins of the dead, when even the affections of the nearest re
latives shrunk from contact with the fell destroyer, and he
and the sexton were left to perform, unaided, the last sad
offices due to poor humanity. Firm in the confidence of faith
and pious trust in God, " He was not afraid for the terror by
night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, for the pestilence
that walketh in darkness ; nor for the sickness, that destroy-
eth in the noon day, * * * and dwelling under the defence
of the Most High, he was delivered from the noisome pestil
ence." His heroic conduct and cheerful spirit tended to re
assure the minds of thousands, and by infusing a like trust
and confidence in God, mitigated the dangers of the disease.
The citizens of Toronto, gratefully sensible of his pious and
unwearied devotion to the cause of suffering humanity, during
these trying periods, united in presenting him with an address,
expressive of their high admiration of his Christian conduct,
and accompanied the address by the presentation of a beauti
ful silver vase, * valued at 100.
It were easy, my brethren, to dwell at greater length upon
the life, character and labours of the lamented prelate, but
grateful ,as would be the theme, and prolific of thought as is
the subject, the time and the occasion will not allow of a more
extended notice of one, whom the preacher loved, with a deep
and abiding affection. Let it suffice to sum up his character
in these few words : He was a pious, humble-minded Chris
tian, having strong faith in God, and devoted trust in the
merits and mercies of his Divine Redeemer. " For him to
live was Christ, and to die was gain."
* Appendix E, p. 36.
25
And now, brethren, I trust that we are, one and all, pre
pared to adopt, and act upon the advice of our own respected
diocesan. " That while the benefits which the good Bishop
conferred upon the Province, are still fresh in our minds, we
should erect to his memory that memorial which will com
mend itself to all a Church in Cornwall." " The righteous
shall be had in everlasting remembrance."
APPENDIX A., p. 5.
ME MO El AM.
THE BISHOP STRACHAN MEMORIAL CHURCH, CORNWALL,
DIOCESE OF ONTARIO.
PASTORAL OP THE BISHOP OP ONTARIO.
To the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Ontario :
REVEREND BRETHREN AND BRETHREN, Since the death of the
venerable Bishop of Toronto, I have considered the steps which
should be taken by the Diocese of Ontario to do honour to his me
mory. I never doubted but that some means would be adopted
by this portion of the Bishop s old Diocese to perpetuate our sense
of his great services to the Church, and to the cause of education
in Canada; but since my return from England, I learned that
differences of opinion existed regarding the character of the pro
posed memorial. It seems to me that we should not waste time
in endeavouring to adjust differences in detail ; but, while the
benefits which the good Bishop conferred upon the Province are
still fresh in our minds, we should erect to his memory that me
morial which will commend itself to all, a Church in Cornwall.
At my suggestion, the Venerable Archdeacon Patton will make
an appeal to all Churchmen in the diocese, which will explain more
fully the appropriateness of the proposed memorial ; but I would
remind you that Cornwall will ever be identified with the name
and labours of the first Bishop of Toronto, and on that account it is
26
that I earnestly, and in full confidence of your co-operation, com
mend the Archdeacon s appeal to your liberality.
Let our Diocesan offering to perpetuate the memory of our vene
rated Father in God, take the shape recommended in the Arch
deacon s letter, and I have no doubt that loving hearts will be
found in the Diocese more than sufficient to enable us to bring
this sacred project to a successful completion.
I am, your faithful servant in Christ,
J. T. ONTARIO.
Kingston, 14th February, 1868.
THE ARCHDEACON S APPEAL.
li A Prince and a great man hath lately fallen in our spiritual
Israel." The Church in Canada mourns the loss of one of her
chief rulers, the most aged, most venerable, and one of the most
venerated of them all. Full of honours and full of years, after a
long life of faithful labours and active exertions in the cause of
Christ and his Church, the aged and good Bishop of Toronto has
u entered into that rest which remaineth for the people of God."
The Diocese of Toronto is about to erect some monument to his
memory, but it is deemed fitting that the Diocese of Ontario should
also possess some suitable memorial, to perpetuate the memory of
one who passed the first twelve years of his life in Canada, within its
present bounds and who, before its separation from Toronto, pre
sided over it with exemplary diligence, and affectionate solicitude
as its Bishop for the space of 23 years.
By the advice therefore, and with the most cordial approval of
the Lord Bishop of Ontario (as expressed above) it is proposed to
erect on the site of the present Trinity Church, in the town of
Cornwall, a substantial stone Church to be an enduring Diocesan,
as well as Parochial memorial, of that venerable man of God.
Cornwall is justly regarded as the most suitable place in the Dio
cese, for such a memorial, inasmuch as it was the scene of his ear
liest ministerial labours; the parish in which he faithfully discharged
the duties of his Sacred Office from 1803, the date of his ordina
tion, until 1812, the period of his removal to Toronto, then the
Town of York.
It was in Cornwall, moreover, that he laid the foundation of that
educational fame, for which he became so justly renowned. Under
27
his able mastership, the Cornwall Grammar School obtained a wide
spread reputation ; and many of the foremost men of their time
in Canada, gratefully attributed much of their after success in life,
to the admirable system of instruction which he introduced, and
the elevated tone of moral and religious training which he im
parted. Is it expecting too much to hope, that such of his former
pupils as still survive, and the children of those, who, like their
Venerable Instructor, have passed away, will gladly honour his
memory, by contributing to the Memorial Church ?
The present Church in Cornwall, is a wooden edifice erected
through the active exertions of the then youthful Minister, 63
years ago! A long period for a frame Church to continue; but
now requiring to be replaced by a larger and more substantial
structure.
The Congregation, though well disposed to use their utmost ex
ertions, are not able to build a suitable Church without assistance ;
and they therefore most gratefully adopt the advice of their re
spected Bishop, by appealing to the Diocese at large, as well as to
the other numerous friends of the lamented Prelate, who live be
yond its limits, to aid them in the erection of a Monumental
Church.
All, therefore, who honour the memory of that brave old warrior
of the Cross, that faithful and devoted servant of his divine Lord,
and who at the same time desire to do honour to his Master and
theirs, are respectfully and earnestly invited to contribute to this
memorial of one, who, under God, may be justly regarded as the
Father of the Church in Western Canada, where, during his minis
terial lifetime, the members of the clergy of the Church increased
from four in 1803, to 284 in 1867, and where three Dioceses now
exist, in what then formed a part only of the single Diocese of
Quebec.
Many of these clergy were ordained by the late Bishop, during
the 28 years of his Episcopate. By these, as well as by many other
of the Clergy, to whom he ever proved a kind friend, as well as a
loving father in God, he is doubtless held in affectionate remem
brance ; and it is, therefore, hoped that they will take a kind inte
rest in thi-; holy work, and will endeavour to promote its success.
The contemplated church cannot cost le-s than between four
and five thousand pounds. Contributions made payable in from
one to five years ; will be gratefully received and most thankfully
28
acknowledged by the Hector of the Parish, and the Managing
Committee of " The Bishop Strachan Memorial Church."
H. PATTON, D. C. L.,
Rector of Cornwall, and Archdeacon of Ontario.
Cornwall, Feb. 14, 1868.
The Cornwall Corresponding and Managing Committee :
The Venerable Archdeacon Pat- ( George C. Wood.
ton, Rector. I George Pringle, M.D.
Rev. H. Auston, B.A., Curate. I R. P. Eastman.
His Honour Judge Jarvis.
His Worship the Mayor.
A. J. Barnhart.
W. G. Barnhart, Jun.
Hon. P. Vankoughnet. John G. Snetsinger.
Geo. Sherwood Jarvis and James I Jacob Gallinger.
Ogle, Churchwardens.
J. J. Dickinson, M.D.
Samuel Hart.
Edwin Kewin.
Edward Farlmger.
James R. Campbell.
Thomas G. Anderson.
George E. Robertson, Esquires.
P. E. Adams.
Rev. H. AUSTON, B. A., Secretary.
SAMUEL HART, Esq., Treasurer.
APPENDIX B. p. 13.
The following is believed to be a nearly correct list of all the
Pupils who attended the Cornwall Grammar School, with the po
sitions to which some of them subsequently attained. I found it
impossible, after such a lapse of time, to ascertain such particulars
with reference to all.
Aherne, Henry. [ Boulton, George S., Hon. Mem-
Anderson, Robert G., Teller Bank I ber of L. C.
of Upper Canada. I Boulton, James, lawyer.
Bethune. John, D.D., Dean of i Bushy, Alexander.
Montreal. ; Cbewett, William.
Bethune, Alex. N., D.D., Lord , Chewett, James G., Senior Sur-
Bishop of Toronto. veyor, Surveyor General s De-
Bethune, James G., Cashier of) pai-tment.
Branch Bank of U. C. j Glaus, Warren.
Bruce, William, Physician. j Clarke, Simon, Capt. Voltigeurs.
Boulton, Henry John, Attorney- Campbell, James.
General- of U. C., and Chief j Campbell, Duncan.
Justice of Newfoundland. [ Colburn, Erastus, U. S.
29
Crawford. John, merchant, Lon
don, England.
Crawford, William.
Cozens. Nelson, lawyer.
Chesley, S. Y., M P., Head Clerk
Indian Department, and J.P.
Dixoh, Thomas.
Donovan, Samuel.
Forsyth, William A., merchant.
Foote, William.
Ford, Jacob, U. S. Colonel.
Fraser, Simon.
Gates, Walter F., merchant and
J. P.
Grant, William.
Gregory, George.
Gibb, J. D., Merchant Tailor.
Grant, William A.
Gugy, Bartholomew, lawyer,
Adjutant General Militia and
M.P.
Gugy, Thomas, lawyer.
Griffin, Frederick, lawyer.
Hughes, Guy.
Hall, Charles.
Hall, William, an eminent Phy
sician.
tlallowell, William, Chief Teller
Bank B. N. 4.
Hallowell, Eobert.
Hays, Moses, Chief of Police.
Hoople, John.
Kingston, Thomas.
Jones, Jonas, M.P., Col. Militia,
and Judge of Court Queen s
Bench.
Jones, Alpheus, Postmaster, J.P
and Custom-house officer at
Prescott.
Jones, Jonathan, lawyer.
Jones, Dunham, J.P. and Custom
House officer.
Jarvis, Samuel Peter, Dep y. Se
cretary and Registrar, U. C.
Kay, Wm., J. P. and merchant.
LaCasse, Andrew.
Mason, J. M., Officer 24th Regt.
Mitchell, George.
Mitchell James.
Macaulay, J. B., Sir Jas. B. Chief
Justice.
: Macaulay, John Simcoe, Colonel
Royal Engineers.
| Macaulay, Wm., Rector of Picton,
! Macaulay, John, Hon. member
L. C., and Inspector-Gen. U.C.
Macaulay, J., lawyer.
Munro, Cornelius.
Munro, John.
Munro David.
McLean, Archibald, Speaker H.
of Assembly, and Chief Justice
McLean, John, Sheriff Mid. Dis t
McLean, Alexander, M. P., Col.
Militia, and J.P.
McLean, Wm. (shot at Niagara.)
McDonell, Donald ^Eneas, Sher
iff, Col. Militia, J.P., Warden of
Penitentiary, and M.P.
McDonell Donald, (Greenfield),
Sheriff E. D., and Dep. Adjt.-
General.
McDonell Duncan, (Greenfield),
Col. Militia and surveyor.
McDonell, James Fraser, Capt.
62nd Regiment.
McDonell, Alex., Lieut. 104th
Regt. (drowned at Quebec).
McDonell, John, Ensign, (killed
at Lundy s lane).
McKenzie, Roderick.
MeKenzie, George.
McKenzie, Alexander.
McMartin, Daniel, lawyer.
McCutcheon, Wm.
McGillivray, Peter,
Norton, Asa.
Norton, Leomis.
O Brien, E., Officer in Army.
Pyke, Thomas.
Porteous, James.
Port-ecus, John.
Petrie, William.
Richardson, Thos., Judge in India
Rankin, David.
Rankin, James.
Robinson, John Beverly, became
Sir J. B. R., M.P. Speaker L. C.,
and Chief Justice.
Robinson, Peter, Hon. Commis
sioner of Crown Lands, M.L.C.
Robinson, Wm. B., M. Ex-Coun-
30
cil, Hon. Commissioner Public
Works, and M.P.
Ridout, Geo., Banister, Judge
Niagara District
Eidout, Thomas, Cashier U. C.
Bank.
Reinhart John.
Radenhurst, John, 1st clerk
of Surveyor-General s Depart
ment.
Radenhurst, Thomas, lawyer.
Short, James.
Smith, David John, merchant.
Smith, William B.
Steele, Abraham G.
Scott, Bolton.
Scott, Robert, Lieut. Canadian
Fencibles (died during the
war in 1813).
Stanton, Robert, King s Printer.
j Stanton, Wm,, Dep y. ass t. Com
missary-General.
Stevens, Nelson.
Sheeks, Isaac, lawyer.
Small, Charles.
Small, James A. Judge Co. Court
Vankoughnet, Philip, Col. Mili
tia, Govt. arbitrator, Hon. M.
L. C.
Vankoughnet, Michael.
Washburn, David, lawyer.
Wilkinson, Alex., lawyer.
Waarffe, Andrew.
Woolrich. James.
Wood. Guy C., J.P., Lt.-Colonel
Militia, Post Master, and Col.
Customs.
Weatherhead, John, J. P., Inspec
tor Licences.
Webb, Robinson.
APPENDIX C. p. 13.
CHIEF JUSTICES.
Sir John Beverly Robinson,
Sir James Buchanan Macaulay.
Henry John Boulton.
Archibald McLean.
JUDGES.
Jonas Jones, Court of Queen s
Bench.
Thomas Richardson, Judge in
India.
DISTRICT OR COUNTY JUDGES.
George Ridout.
James Small.
Alexander Chewett.
KNIGHTED.
Sir J. B. Robinson.
Sir Jas. B. Macaulay.
BISHOP, The Right Rev. A. N. Be-
thune, D.D.
DEAN, The very Rev. J. Bethune.
D.D.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS.
Hon. Philip Vankoughnet.
Hon. John Macaulay.
Hon. J. II . Markland.
SHERIFFS.
John McLean.
Donald JEneas McDonald.
Donald McDonald.
APPENDIX D. p. 14.
PRESENTATION OF A PIECE OF PLATE TO THE VENERABLE DR.
STRACHAN. We have no doubt that the numerous friends of the
31
Hon. and Venerable the Archdeacon of York, who have witnessed
his continued and unwearied exertions in the cause of education
in this Province, which have been attended with a very great de
gree of success, will derive much satisfaction from the perusal of
the following communication, which we have been* requested to
insert.
The piece of plate, procured from London, and which, we are
informed, is executed in a style singularly chaste and classical,
was presented yesterday, by a number of the former pupils of the
venerable gentleman, some of whom attended from a distance.
The occasion must have been one as gratifying to the feelings
of their late tutor, as it was honourable to those of his former
pupils, so many of whom, bearing in grateful recollection his
arduous endeavours in the cultivation of their minds in youth, and
the steady friendship which he has evinced towards them in after
life, have united, after so great a length of time, in presenting to
him this tribute of their respect and esteem.
We have not yet seen the piece of plate presented, but we
understand it to be a very beautiful Epergne (cost about 230
sterling), made by Messrs. Grey, Hunt, Hawly and Denton, emi
nent goldsmiths in London, assisted in the design by Thomas
Campbell, Esq., the author of the Pleasures of Hope, and by Wm.
Dacres Adams, Esq. of London, who kindly consented to aid the
artists with tReir suggestions. The base, which is particularly
chaste and elegant in its proportions and design, supports four
classical figures, representing Religion, History, Poetry and Geo
graphy; and surrounding a column, around which twine the ivy
and acanthus, the whole surmounted with a wreath. Within the
square of the Pedestal, not exposed to view, are engraved the
names and place of residence of the gentlemen who presented
this tribute, many of whom, besides the Rector of Montreal, who
attended in person on the occasion, are at present holding respon
sible situations in the colony, including the Chief Justice, and one
other of the Judges of the Court of King s Bench, and the Speaker
of the House of Assembly.
YORK, 2d July, 1833.
SIR, We are desired as a Committee in behalf of a number of
gentlemen, who have united in presenting to the Hon. and Yen.
Dr. Strachan, their former Tutor, a piece of Plate, as a testimony
of their respect and esteem, to request that you will have the
goodness to insert in the Courier the address which was delivered
to him on the occasion, together with his answer.
82
The pedestal of the piece of Plate exhibits on its four sides the
following inscription :
1. Presented to the Hon. and Ven. John Strachan, D.D., Archdeacon
of York, in Upper Canada, President of King s College, and Member
of the Legislative and Executive Councils in that Province.
2. By more than forty of those who were his Pupils at Cornwall, and
who, though now widely dispersed, have united, after the lapse of more
than 20 years, in offering this tribute of affection and respect.
3. In grateful recollection of his warm and constant friendship, and
of the instruction and advice of which twenty years experience of life
has taught them the value.
4. Presented on the 2d day of July, 1833.
il Sunt hie etiam sua prcemia laudi."
We are, Sir,
Your obedient Servants,
JOHN B. ROBINSON.
J. B. MACAULAY.
ROBERT STANTON.
W. MACAULAY.
MR. GEORGE GURNETT, Editor of the Courier.
To the Honourable and Venerable John Strachan, D.D., Archdea
con of York, in Upper Canada, President of King s College
and member of the Legislative and Executive Councils in that
Province.
DEAR AND VENERABLE SIR,
In presenting you with a piece of plate as a memorial of their
respect and esteem, your pupils whom you educated at Cornwall
are performing an act most agreeable to their feelings. It is now
long since our relation of Tutor and Scholar has been dissolved,
but amidst the vicissitudes which the lapse of more than twenty
years has presented, we have never ceased to reflect with grati
tude upon your unwearied efforts to cultivate our minds and
strengthen our understandings, and above all, to implant in our
hearts those principles which alone could make us .good Christians,
faithful subjects to our King, and independent and upright mem
bers of society.
Our young minds received then an impression, which has
scarcely become fainter from time, of the deep and sincere inte
rest which you took not only in our advancement in learning and
science, but in all that concerned our happiness, or could affect
our future prospects in life.
33
Those who have since had the pleasure of frequent intercourse
with you, have found you always the same warm, sincere and
constant friend, ever ready to rejoice in their prosperity, and to
extend your advice and assistance amidst the doubtts and difficul
ties which have occasionally crossed their path. Those whom
the varied pursuits of life have separated from you during this
long interval, have never felt less assured of a place in your esteem j
and we all unite with the most cordial satisfaction in thus acknow
ledging the gratification we receive from our early recollections.
At the period when most of us were withdrawn from your care,
we received your parting benediction, and your paternal counsels
for our guidance in life, expressed in terms which made a lasting
impression. Now that so many years have intervened, and years
so full of eventful changes, it must, we are persuaded, be a source
of much pleasure to a person of your benevolent and friendly dis
position, to find that Providence has spared so many of those
whose character you laboured to form, and has blessed them very
generally with health and prosperity.
On our part we beg to assure you that we can scarcely call to
mind an occasion in all the years that have past which has given
rise to stronger feelings of satisfaction than we experience at this
moment in delivering into your hands a memorial of our long
cherished affection and respect.
Presented at York, Upper Canada, July
(Signed)
2, 1833.
John B. Robinson, York.
John Bethune, Montreal.
R. G. Anderson, York.
George Ridout, York.
J. C. Chewett, York.
Samuel P. Jarvis., York.
J. B. Macaulay, York.
Thomas G. Ridout, York.
Robert Stanton, York.
G. S. Boulton, Cobourg.
W. B. Robinson, Newmarket.
Jonas Jones, Brockville.
John Radenhurst, York.
W. Macaulay, Picton.
A. N. Bethune, Cobourg.
Henry Ahene, Vandrieul.
John Crawford, London.
J. G. Bethune, Cobourg.
James D. Gibb, Montreal.
G. Gregory, Montreal.
F. Griffin, Montreal.
A. B. C. Gugy, Quebec.
A. Jones, Prescott.
J. Macaulay, Kingston.
J. McLean. Kingston.
A. McLean, Cornwall.
J. McDonell, Montreal.
D. McD, nell, Cornwall.
D. McDonell, Cornwall.
A. McLean, Cornwall.
J. S. Macauly, Woolwich.
G. II. Markland, York.
G. Mitchell, Penetanguisheen
T. Richardson, India.
W. Stanton, Africa.
P. Vankoughnet, Cornwall.
J. Weather"head, Brockville
G. C. Wood, Cornwall.
A. Wilkinson, Cornwall
D. J. Smith, Kingston.
J. Macaulay, Cornwall
T. Pyke, Halifax.
34
THE ARCHDEACON S REPLY,
MY DEAR FRIENDS,
That my heart should be full on this interesting occasion is
natural.
Such a memorial of your affection and respect brings back in a
stream of joy the days of your education at Cornwall; a period,
doubtless, of great anxiety, but, from the large promise which
you then exhibited, of far greater satisfaction.
The feelings of ardent friendship which you manifested for one
another when about to separate, and which produced a solemn
pledge of your determination to apply the knowledge and high
principles which you had acquired in promoting the good of
society, come forcibly to* my mind at this happy moment, when, I
can most truly affirm, that the pledge so nobly given has been
more than redeemed.
As you never ceased, during the long period which has elapsed
since our relation of Teacher and Scholar was dissolved, frequent
as it has been with so many vicissitudes, to reflect with gratitude
on my humble endeavours to cultivate your minds, strengthen
your understandings, and implant in your heart those principles
which alone can make us good Christians, faithful subjects, and
upright members of society; I may with honest pride declare,
that during the same period my happiness has been greatly in
creased by witnessing from year to year the pleasing and encour
aging results which attended your progress in the busy world.
Have I not beheld you rising to eminence in your several pro
fessions, gaming the confidence of all around you, looked up to in
the societies in which you move, and quoted as examples to the
rising generation? In this province you are filling the highest
situations with an advantage to the community, which is univer
sally acknowledged. In Lower Canada, in England, and wherever
you have gone, you have won the highest favour and distinction.
Surely I have great cause to bless that kind Providence which,
notwithstanding my numerous deficiencies, has graciously made
me the instrument of planting those sentiments and virtues in
your bosoms which, fostered by your diligent care, are now yield
ing fruits so precious and abundant.
That I should cherish a deep and unwearied interest, not only
in your advancement in learning and science, but in all that con
cerned your happiness, and could effect your future prospects in
life, was certainly to be expected, for I was strongly impressed
35
from the first with my responsibility as your Teacher, and I felt
that to be really useful I must become your friend. It has ever
been my conviction that our scholars should be considered for the
time our children, and that as parents we should study their char
acters, and pay respect to their several dispositions if we really
wish to improve them, for if we feel not something of the tender
relation of parents towards them, we cannot expect to be success
ful in their education.
It was on this principle, that I endeavoured to proceed strict
justice tempered with parental kindness and the present joyful
meeting evinces its triumph ; it treats the sentiments and feelings
of scholars with proper consideration, and while it gives the heart
and affections full freedom to show themselves in filial gratitude on
the one side and fatherly affection on the other, it proves that un
sparing labour accompanied with continual anxiety for the learner s
progress, never fails to ensure success, to beget esteem, and to
produce a friendship between master and scholar, which time can
never dissolve.
To behold so many gentlemen educated in the same place assem
bling after so long a period of separation, to honour their teacher,
is an event of rare occurrence ; but it will be clothed with a pub
lic as well as private interest, should it encourage faithful teachers,
and cheer them in their arduous employment, by multiplying
meetings similar to this, and introducing a more affectionate inter
course through life, between them and their pupils.
In my occasional communications with you since your entrance
into active life, I should have deprived myself of a most product
ive source of delight had I not rejoiced in your increasing prosper
ity, and volunteered my best advice and assistance to any who
chanced to be in doubt or difficulty. Every increase of your hap
piness I felt an increase to my own, and to forward your honourable
objects has ever been to me a favourite employment $ nor can I
claim for this the slightest praise, for in promoting your interests,
I was promoting my own ; nor should I have been less ready to
forward the laudable views of those, who have been far removed
from the sphere of my influence, had opportunity offered.
Towards those who have surpassed me in station and ability, I
can most sincerely avow that my feelings have been those of a
parent rejoicing at the elevation of his children.
The deep impression made on all our hearts in the hour of your
departure from Cornwall, this meeting refreshes and renews ; you
36
plighted mutual friendship and plighted the reign of virtue and
religion in your breasts, and amidst prayers and blessings for your
future happiness, I undertook to become the centre of your com
munication, and what more happy result could the most sanguine
have anticipated, than to find so many spared in health and pros
perity by our merciful Creator, to meet together on this happy
occasion.
Accept, my dear friends, the warm acknowledgments of a heart
totally unable to give utterance to the emotions with which it is
agitated ; deep and lasting as my existence will this proof of your
sincere friendship be retained, it tells me by sweet experience,
that there 9 re moments of virtuous enjoyments which would be
cheaply purchased by the longest life of honorable and laborious
exertion, moments which are granted to very few i this transitory
world, t and for one of the most exquisite of whicl . am this day in
debted to your abiding affection.
APPENDIX E. p. 24.
The Vase presented on this occasion was composed of solid silver,
18 inches high. On the tripod was the following inscription :
THIS VASE WAS PRESENTED
TO THE HONOURABLE AND VENERABLE
ARCHDEACON STRACHAN, D.D.,
BY A NUMBER OF THE INHABITANTS OF
As a memorial of their respect and gratitude for his fearless and
humane devotion to his pastoral duties during the season
of great danger and distress, from the visitation
of an apalling pestilence.
"For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God,
and approved of men." ROM. xiv. 18.
