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Located at : 4 Lindberg Road |
Mailing address: 132 Airport Blvd,Gander NL A1V 2E7 |
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A Brief History of St. Martins ANGLICAN PARISH OF GANDER . In comparision to many of our Anglican Parishes, the Anglican Church
in Gander has had a brief history. The unfolding story of St. Martin's
continues to be exciting and dynamic. The end of W.W 11 saw the civilian population increase rapidly, and on Dec. 1, 1949 the Parish of Gander was instituted with the The Revd. John H. Moss appointed its first Rector. He remained so until his death on May 10, 1970. His successor was the Reverend James Reid. When( what was to become) the town of Gander was being planned, the Churches were each allocated a parcel of land for their church buildings. Construction on the Church began in 1957. During this period of construction the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher, was in Gander for several hours and he nailed a spike in the Sanctuary foundation, and blessed the building site. The Church was opened by Bishop John A.Meaden on February 9th,1959. Partly because of its geographical location, St.Martin's has had the opportunity to welcome and host many distinguished visitors during its brief history. These have included: Bishop DeMel of Ceylon ; Bishop Hans of Chota Nagpur , India ; Most The Revd.A.M.Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury; Bishop Ronald Bryan of Barrackpore , India ; The RT.Revd.G.A.Elliston, Bishop of London and Mrs.Elliston; the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd. Robert Runcie, who began his Canadian Tour in 1985 with a Diocesan Service at St.Martin's. This last event is of special significance for some in this Parish, because one of his Assistants, Terry Waite, whom we got to know personally, was taken hostage in Lebannon a few months later. Our continuing prayers for his safety became very personal. Another "special event" which took on an "International Tone" was the Memorial Service held at St.Martin's on December 15,1985, for the victims of the Arrow Air Crash when more than 200 U.S.Service Personnel were killed. In June 1976 The Reverend Mark Genge was Consecrated the First
Bishop of the Diocese of Central Newfoundland. The same date marks
the official naming of St.Martin's Church to be the Pro Cathedral,
and Gander to be the See City . The Rt. Revd. Edward Marsh was Installed
as the second Bishop on September 23,1990. The excerpt from our diocesan constitution stating this:
1. The Church of St. Martin's, Gander, shall be the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Central Newfoundland . 2. The Incumbent of the Church of St. Martin's, Gander, except as is hereinafter provided, shall be responsible, in consultation with the Bishop, for the due and orderly performance of Divine Service in the said Church, and for the execution of duties appertaining thereto, whether as Cathedral or as Parish Church. 3. The fabric of the said Church shall be under the control of the said Rector and the Church Wardens thereof, according to the laws governing such matters. Some Chronological References: 1940- Gander officially becomes part of the Parish of Grand Falls. E.M. Bishop makes monthly visits. 1942- The Right Reverend Philip Abraham, Bishop of Newfoundland visits Gander . 1944- RCAF built a Chapel to be used by various religious denominations at the Airport. 1945- The first Vestry of the Gander Anglican Church was elected. 1946- St. Margaret's Guild, the first Church Organization to be founded in Gander , was organized. 1946- Sunday School was formally organized. 1947- The first Confirmation was held- conducted by Bishop Abraham. 1948- Building 48 was made available-one end for living quarters for Anglican Priest, the other end for Parish Hall. 1949- Gander including Gambo and Glenwood was constituted a Parish under the direction of The Revd. J.H. Moss. 1949- The first Scout Troop organized under the direction of Ernie Peyton. 1950- Dover , Hare Bay and Benton became part of the Parish of Gander. This arrangement continued until 1962 when Benton , Hare Bay became a Mission . In 1963 the Parish of Lewisporte was formed Glenwood became part of that Parish; Benton , once again, became part of the Parish of Gander. 1954- The Wells Organization was engaged to conduct Fund Raising for New Church . 1956- Bishop J.A. Meaden made his first official visit to Gander . 1957- Building Committee formed to build a new Church on the New Town Site. 1959- February 8th official opening of the new St. Martin 's by Bishop Meaden. 1959- Construction of New parish hall Begins. 1960- June 26th the Consecration of St. Martin 's Church by Bishop J.A. Meaden. 1970. August 15th The Revd. John Moss dies. 1970 The Revd. James Reid becomes the new Rector. 1975 The Diocese of Central Newfoundland was formed. 1975- Nov. 29- The Revd. Mark Genge was elected the first Bishop of Central dioceses. 1975- St. Martins Church becomes " Pro-Cathedral" 1978 Official opening and dedication of the New St , Martin's Parish Centre. 1989 The Revd. David Torraville becomes Rector. 1990 The Revd. Eddie Marsh consecrated Bishop of Central Dioceses. 2000- December 31st. Bishop Marsh retires, St. Martin 's becomes the Cathedral of the Diocese of Central Newfoundland 2000- The Revd. Donald Young Consecrated Co-adjutor Bishop of the Central Diocese. 2000- The Revd. David Torraville resigns as Incumbent of St. Martin's to become administrator of Central Diocese 2001- Jan. 1st. The The Revd. Don Young becomes Bishop of the Central Diocese. 2004 Dec. 31st. Bishop Don Young retires as Bishop 2005- Bishop Eddie Marsh becomes Administrator Bishop of the Diocese. November 30 2005 The Rt. Revd. David Torraville Consecrated as fourth Bishop of our Diocese.
Rectors and Associates
of St. Martin's Catherdral
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St. Martin's Cathedral 2006 - All Rights reserved. |
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