History of Burgeo
A reference to the Virgio Islands on the South Coast of Newfoundland can be found on a Portuguese map dated 1628. This
250 year old document can be an appropriate place to start with a history of Burgeo. While it is not clear that there were
any permanent settlements here at that time it is clear that the Portuguese had become accustomed to using the harbour frequently
enough to have it named and printed on their maps. The name has subsequently been changed to Birgio and lately Burgeo.
Captain James Cook’s account of an eclipse of the sun, seen at Burgeo in 1767, was published in the " Philosophical
Transactions," and added greatly to his reputation as a skilled scientist; at Burgeo Islands, and several other places on
the Newfoundland coast, his survey marks are still pointed out.
W. E. Cormack visited Burgeo during December, 1822. Burgeo had five or six families.
Excerpt from "Excursions In And About Newfoundland During The Years 1839 and 1840" by Joseph Beete Jukes: "Mr. BAGG, in
his schooner, led the way, and when off the Burgeo Is-lands he suddenly rounded-to, and proposed to run into harbour. The
wind had veered to the south, and the sky began to look dirty. We followed him, therefore, through a narrow channel, among
many small islands and low sunken rocks, and anchored in a small cove called Grandy's Cove. As we meant, if possible, to sail
early the next morning, I landed just at sunset, to get some specimens of the rock, when a man came down, and, after looking
at me with evident wonder for some time, at last asked me if wanted ballast.
October 3rd and 4th.-Detained by contrary winds blowing fresh from the south-east. Called on Mr. COX, who has a small "store"
here, and had married Mr. BAGG's daughter. He gave us a good dinner of pork, and several kinds of vegetables, with milk and
wine. A regular dinner was becoming rather an event in my existence, as I had now for some time lived on dry ham and rather
musty biscuit, my potatoes being all gone, and no supplies to be got on this barren coast. Near Mr. COX's house was a schooner
ashore, half buried in sand: she was laden with coal from Sydney to St. John's, and was driven on land in the first gale"
The first clergyman to be stationed in the Burgeo was Rev. Martin BLACKMORE. He came in 1842. During his six years stay
he had the first Church as well as the first school erected here.
The church was built between the two present gates nearer to the main road. Re. BLACKMORE must have been a very busy man
having all the coast from Cape La Hune to Channel, ninety miles to cover and care for. His first baptism was Matilda Ann,
daughter of John and Francis ANDERSON of Upper Burgeo May 22, 1942. During Rev. BLACKMORE’s incumbency the first church
was built at West Burgeo. It was on the west side of the island, a nice quiet spot. It seated 80 people.
Rev. Martin Blackmore's Diary
l845 - 1848 at Burgeo, NFLD
Property of A. J. Matthews
(copied Dec.1985)
Journal, 1845
Jan. 1st Circumsion. Held services in the Church, commented on the Epistle and Gospel for the
day. A large number present. Spent the evening with Mr. H. Dicks & family who had invited myself and Mrs. B. to tea mainly
to improve the occasion by religious conversation & reading. Had prayers with the family and took leave.
Jan. 2nd Met a large party at the house of John Jordan and spent 2 hours with them, instructing
them in congregational singing. Closed as usual with a time of Scripture and prayer.
Jan. 5th Sunday. Instructed the children in the school. Preached twice in the Church. In the afternoon
congregation was unusually large. All present were very attentive.
Jan. 6th Epiphany. Held service in the Church, all the inhabitants, with but a few exceptions,
were commented on the Epistle and Gospel.
Jan. 8th Held the usual Wed. afternoon service. Commented on history of Abraham.
Jan. 9th Met the singers and spent the evening with them.
Jan. 10th An opportunity offering to St. John's drew out two petitions praying the House of Assembly to grant
us a sum of money for a school & for a road.
Jan. 12th Sunday. Held service in the Church at Lower Burgeo in the morning. In the afternoon went up to the
Sand Banks, held services there and buried two infants, twins.
Jan. 13th Visited ---? and obtained from the merchants agent there two sticks with which I hope
to lay the foundation for an additional piece to the Church.
Jan. 15th Held the usual Wed. evening lecture in the Church congregation small the weather being
very cold.
Jan. 16th Devoted the evenings to the instruction of the singers.
Jan. 19th Sunday. Preached twice and attended Sunday school. In the morning christened a little boy. This has
been the coldest day we have yet experienced. The congregation was smaller this afternoon than it has ever been before. The
cold is so intense that but a few women could attend.
Jan. 22nd Held services in the Church. Commented on the history of Jacob.
Jan. 23rd Met the singers & gave notice of my intention to spend the Thursday evenings for
the future in catechizing on the Epistle to the Hebrews.
Jan. 26th Sunday. Weather mild. Instructed the children in the Sunday school. Preached twice in
the Church. Congregation larger than usual on both occasions, very attentive. In the afternoon christened an infant, received
another in the Church and churched a woman.
Jan. 29th Held service in the Church and addressed the communicants, many others present, listened with great
attention.
Jan. 30th Commenced my Thursday evening catechizing about twenty persons present who appeared to take great
interest in the work of searching the Scriptures for passages explanatory or in confirmation of the Apostles arguments. At
closing I promised if this exercise was considered useful to meet them again next Thursday. Several present declared themselves
much gratified & told me they should be most happy to attend.
Feb. 2nd Sunday. Instructed the Children in the Sunday School and held service twice in the Church. In the morning
administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to nineteen communicants. The weather has been severely cold today. The sacramental
bread, though kept in a cloth, were frozen have--gave notice of service on Wed.
Feb. 5th Ash Wednesday. Held---service in the Church. Large congregation present. Observed several Romanist
among the congregation.
Feb. 6th Continued my weekly Bible Chapter at the house of Mr. J. Cox for the number present was very small
owing to the dark time of the Evening of Cain.
Feb. 7th Friday. Had morning service in the Church. About 50 persons present.
Feb. 9th Sunday. Weather mild. Held two services in the Church and instructed the children in the school.
Feb. 11th Visited the people living on the Sand Banks.
Feb. 12th Held service in the Church. Commented on the history of Jacob.
Feb. 13th This evening the weather being favourable, a larger number than usual attended the Bible Chapter meeting
and a very interesting conversation ensued from some of the questions. I proposed to them from the Chapter meetings consideration,
3rd Chapter Epistle to the Hebrews. I cannot, but hope that good will result from this means of grace.
Feb. 14th Morning service in the Church. Weather very cold.
Feb. 16th Sunday. Two services in the Church & attended the Sunday School.
Feb.19th Service in the Church and lecture.
Feb. 20th Evening meeting at Mr. Vatchers. This was more numerously attended than any previous meeting.
Feb.21st Morning prayers in the Church.
Feb. 23rd Sunday. Instructed the children in the school. Preached twice in the Church. Churched a woman;
Feb. 26th Afternoon service in the Church. Continued my lecture on the Old Testament history.
Feb. 27th Met the Bible Chapter, the night being dark. Not as many as usual were present but the meeting still
continued interesting and I trust profitable.
Feb. 28th Morning service at the Church.
Mar. 2nd Sunday. Attended Sunday School and held service in the Church here at Lower Burgeo. .In the afternoon
walked over the ice to Upper Burgeo & held service.
Mar. 5th Afternoon service in the Church and lecture.
Mar. 7th Morning service in the Church; the weather being unusually rough, snow drifting only 4 persons present,
was prevented by the roughness of the preceedings form meeting the Bible Chapter.
Mar. 9th Sunday. Attended school and held service at Lower Burgeo and in the afternoon at Upper Burgeo.
Mar. 11th Visited Mr. E. Anderson & family in their winter place at the Barrisway about 9 miles from Burgeo.
The old man was much pleased to see me and at his request I held service. The day being fine the journey was very pleasant.
Mar. 12th Afternoon service as usual.
Mar. 13th I met the Bible Chapter.
Mar. 14th Held service and buried the wife of a Planter about 12 miles from Burgeo. A number
of strangers being present. Preached a funeral sermon.
Mar. 16th Attended school and held service twice at Lower Burgeo.
Mar. 19th Had an interview with the Sup. of Education and succeeded in obtaining a grant of money
for the support of a teacher in Burgeo.
Mar. 20th Visited Jersey Hr. about 2 miles from Harbour Breton and was entertained by Mr. Chapman
the agent for Nicholl Co.
Mar. 21st Good Friday. Harbour Breton. Preached twice at Church here, a real spacious building
lately erected. Christened one infant in the morning an.. two in the afternoon. A congregation of about 70 persons
present. .
Mar. 22nd Visited Little Bay, 6 miles from Hr. Breton. A formerly occupied establishment, but
relinquished for several years past to see if the Dwelling house could be made suitable for the temporary residence of a clergyman,
but found it a ruin quite untenable.
Mar. 23rd Easter Sunday. Reached here. Weather being very cold. My congregation was somewhat smaller.
Mar. 25th Left Harbour Breton for Burgeo. Feel much indebted to Mr. Ellis the agent for Newman
Co. for the kindness he has shown me during my stay.
Mar. 26th Reached home at 8 o'clock this evening. Found it all has been well during my absence.
Praised be the God of all goodness.
Mar. 30th Sunday. In the afternoon service at Sand Banks.
Apr. 2nd Held service this afternoon and addressed the communicants.
Apr. 5th Called to Firby's Hr. to baptize a child who proved to be alarmingly i1l
Apr. 6th Attended Sunday School and instructed the older children. Preached twice in the Church
here. In the morning administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper o 21 persons. I have felt this was refreshing to many
present.
Apr. 9th I delivered a lecture on the Departure of the Children of Israel out of Egypt was pleased
to see a larger number than I had predicted. After service churched a woman.
Apr. 10th Hearing that a young man from Ramea had met with an accident. and was not expected to
live. I left home and proceeded the distance of 9 miles, upon my arrival I found the youth had died on the preceding evening.
After a little while I propose to read to the people affected which was gladly acceded to. I read the 40th Psalm making some
remarks applicable to the deceased and ended with Prayer. A solemn feeling appeared to prevail in the minds of all present.
Apr. 11th I visited several of the families residing here and in the evening held service and
christened six infants.
Apr. 12th A change of wind having taken place. A large sailing boat was manned and this I reached
home in safety. The... corpse had been brought up to be buried.
Apr: 13th Sunday. Held service in the Church and christened two children & after service buried
the corpse of the young man brought here from Ramea. This service was as is usual on such occasions, very largely attended.
In the afternoon held service again and admitted an infant into the Church whom I had previously privately baptized.
Apr. 16th Held service in the Church. The attendance at this service is gradually increasing.
Apr. 18th Visited all the families residing in Firby's Hr.
Apr. 20th Sunday. Went to the Upper Island of Burgeo. Held service in the Church there and married
a couple in the afternoon & returned & held service in the Church at Lower Burgeo. Gave notice of the Bishop's intention
to hold a confirmation here and appointed Tuesday next to the examination of candidates.
Apr. 22nd Met the female candidates for confirmation 18 in number. Most of them married women
& aged, a long and interesting conversation with them & was much pleased with their answers to the several questions
I proposed. In the evening met thirteen members of the congregation & went through a similar course of instruction with
them.
April 23 Wed. held the usual service, at WL a larger number was present than I have observed on any previous
occasion.
April 27 Sunday. The weather being too blusterous let the Upper Island people come for me. I preached twice
in the Church here and instructed the children in the Sunday
April 29 Addressed the female candidates for Confirmation and very much pleased with the answers they gave
to several questions I proposed. In the Evening met the male candidates and went through a similar course of instruction.
I was truly gratified in the understanding of several of the older persons. God grant that this may be a profitable season.
May 1st Ascension Day. Held a full service in the church here which I am happy to say well attended.
May 4th Sunday. Went to Upper Burgeo & held service there. Instructed the children & christened
an infant.
May 6th Met the candidates to be confirmed, the females in the church and the males at my house
in the Evening.
May 7th Got a crew of lads to put me up to the Sand Banks. Crossed from there to the Island &
collected the people in the Church and addressed them on Confirmation.
May 8th Have been twice every day for the last week to visit Mrs. C. Dicks, who has been taken
dangerously ill with puerperal fever. There being no doctor in the place have administered medicine which has had the desired
effect of
reducing fever but has left her very weak. Read & prayed with them.
May 9th Sunday. Attended the Sunday School & held service twice at Lower Burgeo. In the Evening
visited Mrs. Dicks who is still seriously ill. Read to her and prayed with her.
May 12th Held a meeting in the Church and elected Church Warden.
May 13th Again met the male and female candidates for Confirmation. Visited with Mrs. Dicks and
find her better.
May 14th Continued my weekly lecture on the Old Testament History. Was pleased to see a goodly
number in attendance.
May 15th Was called to baptize an infant supposed to be dying. Administered medicine to the mother.
Visited another family and administered medicine to the sick infant.
May 18th Sunday. Went to Upper Burgeo. Held service there & examined the Sunday School children.
May 20th Examined the female candidates for Confirmation at the Church in the afternoon &
in the evening met the male candidates at my house.
May 21st Held service in the Church and held lecture on the Old Testament.
May 25th Sunday. At Lower Burgeo held service twice in the Church. In the morning christened two
children and in the afternoon buried an infant born dead. Attended the Sunday morning and afternoon.
May 27th Examined some candidates for Confirmation.
May 28th Went to the Island, Upper Burgeo. Held .service twice, June 1st. In the morn-Examined
the candidates for Confirmation.
June 2nd Called to the Island, Upper Burgeo, to baptise two infants (twins) just born very weak.
June 3rd Examined candidates for Confirmation.
June 4th Held service twice in the Church and lectured.
June 6th Examined candidates for Confirmation.
June 8th Held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo, which was numerously attended. In the
afternoon churched a woman. Attended Sunday School. At the morning service between 60 and 70 children present. Commenced during
the last week to lengthen the Church which is now much too small for the congregation.
June 10th Married a couple at the Church on Upper Burgeo.
June 11th Held the usual service.
June 15 Unable to go to the Upper Island on account of the weather. Held service twice in the Church
here and attended Sunday School.
June 18th Held service in the Church. The attendance very good.
June 19 The "Spartan" frigate arrived here. Had a visit from the Captain, another from the Chaplain.
June 21 Dined on board the "Man of War".
June 22 Sunday went to Upper Burgeo Island held two full services and examined the young candidates for Confirmation.
June 24 Visited the families residing in Firby's Harbour.
June 25 Engaged in getting lumber for the completion of the additional piece now joined to the of the Church.
June 29 Sunday. Two full services. In the morning administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to twenty-one
individuals. In the afternoon christened five children and churched a woman. The congregation on this occasion was very large.
Every seat fully occupied. It is very encouraging to see so many apparently anxious to hear the Word. Oh, that they may not
hear in vain.
June 30 Met the people for the purpose of getting them to transfer the new school hours to the Board of Education.
July 2 As usual service in the church; attendance notwithstanding the engagements of the people as business
very good.
July 4 Have been busily engaged superintending the workmen employed in lengthening the Church which is now
I am thankful to say going on much to my satisfaction.
July 6 Held service twice in the Upper Island Church instructed the children between the services and churched
a woman. The congregation in the church are very attentive and very regular in their attendance.
July 9 Service in the church. Lectured on the history of Balaam.
July 13 Sunday. Held service twice attendance large on both occasions, a goodly number occupying the vacant
space in the unfinished part of the Church. Instructed the children in the Sunday School. 54 present.
July 16 Visited the people in Upper Burgeo. Covered the floor of the Communion with carpeting and altered
the pulpit stairs.
July 20 Preached twice at Upper Burgeo. The church was so full in the afternoon that several persons were
obliged to stand. Received two infants with the church and instructed the Sunday School children between the services.
July 23 Had this morning on rising the great pleasure of seeing the Bishop's yacht standing in for the harbour.
Went out immediately and got a crew to put me on board to meet with his Lordship the Rev. T. F. H. Bridges--Welcome them to
Burgeo and after piloted them to the Anchorage, took breakfast then brought them ashore. Then brought them to the Parsonage--accompanied
his Lordship on board again & spent the Evening in making arrangements for future operations.
July 24 Went to visit the yacht and brought the Bishop Mr. B. on shore. After breakfast visited the settlement
and into the school and church, but later caught in the rain which was falling and had been for a fortnight. Much of the pleasure
we should have had was diminished.
July 25 Rain and fog and the Bishop intended to proceed to St. Georges Bay. He proposed to call here on his
return, this appearing a favourable opportunity to visit the settlement to the Westward. I have taken a passage with him intending
to land at Channel and to get home from there in time to receive his Lordship on his return. The accommodations on board the
Bishop's yacht are excellent. There is a private cabin for his Lordship and a large cabin containing six sleeping berths which
may be curtained--They also serve for comfortable seats. Cabin is very lofty, is well lighted, & is fitted with a general
dining room and for a place to hold service. The wind increasing we were off LaPoile a mile the weather very thick.
July 26 Found on rising this morning that we were standing off but unable to approach the land owing to dense
fog under which it is now enveloped. Oblige keep in my berth all day being very sick.
July 27 Sunday. Remain standing in & off so near that we can hear the breakers but unable to see it.
The fog is so dense. About 11 o'clock the weather began to clear & we caught a glimpse of land. On approaching more closely
we found ourselves Westward of Cape Ray. His Lordship upon learning this has determined to take me on to St. Georges Bay.
The further we go now the clearer the weather becomes. Commenced preparations for service. The crew were assembled in the
large cabin to read prayers. Mr. Bridges preached. We are now in fine weather & can see the fog rolling thickly on the
land behind us but the wind is very light.
July 28 Had to encumber some heavy squalls of wind off the highlands of Cape Anguille but our beautiful yacht
bore up manfully, towards evening the wind increased and we were obliged to reef the sails but still pushed on and just before
sunset we rounded Sandy Point and dropped anchor having beat upwards of fifty miles during the day. Mr. Meek, the missionary
here, shortly came off to the yacht and gave us a hearty welcome. Night drawing on and the wind still blowing strong we remained
on board.
July 29 Went on shore in company with the Bishop and Mrs. Bridges & were most kindly received by Mr.
Meek and family. Went to Morning Prayers in the Church. Mr. Meek:,- officiated. Visited the school which his Lordship examined
at some length. Afterward walked round the Point. The land is very low, is composed of fine white sand and runs off shoal
with the sea. It is particularly at the Back & Upper part of the Point very prettily studded with young spruce & fir
trees. The Church is a nice building 47 ft. by 27 stands in the middle of trees within a short distance of the Parsonage &
school room and is seen from the water with good effect. Along the shore there are between 30 or 40 houses and stores of various
sizes and various directions. The people generally appeared in very comfortable circumstances and are evidently more attached
to their minister.
July 30 We did Morning Prayers in the church and in the afternoon I helped in measuring the Burial ground
around the church and Parsonage. The weather is unusually fine and we are told that there is scarcely any fog at any place
in the Bay.
July 31 Read the Morning Service in the Church & was occupied the remainder of the day in measuring and
marking the boundaries of a very extensive piece of land which the Bishop had authority from the Government to take as Church
land.
Aug. 1 Minister did morning service and we completed the measuring of the land.
Aug. 2 Read the service in the Church and attended with the Bishop at a Public Meeting held in the
School when his Lordship delivered an address to the Candidates for Confirmation.
Aug. 3 Sunday. Helped in the Morning at the Consecration of the Church, named St. Stephen the Martyr. Read the Gospel--his
Lordship preached. In the afternoon read the Prayers. Mr. Bridges preached, afterwards started in the Consecration of the
Burial ground.
Aug. 4 This day the service of Confirmation was administered by the Bishop with much solemnity to 63 individuals. I read
the lessons-the Bishop preached the sermon. The wind blowing out the Bay. We took leave, not without mutual(?} of our "kind
friends Mr.& Mrs. Meek and got underway to return.
Aug. 5 Winds very light.
Aug. 6 Went into Codroy Harbour, landed and welcomed by Mr. Pride. Visited all the families in the settlement. In the Evg.
went ashore again when Mr. Bridges led the service and Christened five children. Then afterwards addressing the parents and
sponsors.
Aug. 7 Left Codroy & rounded the Cape; but the wind fair. We were obliged to anchor off Channel for the night.
Aug. 8 Went into Port aux Basque & shortly afterwards the Bishop and Mrs. Bridges proceeded to the settlement of Channel.
Here we went on shore and visited there announcing the Bishop's intention to hold service. In the interval I with Mr. Bridges
visited all the families. Mr. B. commenced service and christened seven children. The Bishop afterwards addressing the congregation.
Left this place in the Evening, but was becalmed off Rose Blanche Lay too for night.
Aug. 9 Anchored in Rose Blanche, went on shore. Visited every house in the settlement, conversed with the inhabitants and
made arrangements for holding service in the Evening. Mr. B. held service and christened three children. The Bishop, as usual,
addressed the congregation. After getting on board a family arrived from Burnt Islands bringing an infant with them which
they were anxious to havebaptised. Promised we would go ashore tomorrow. I went on shore and christened the infant.
Aug. 10 Sunday. Got under weigh very early hoping to reach LaPoile in time for morning service, but wind failed. Held service
on board the yacht. I, the prayers, Mr. B. preached. The wind springing up about 2 o'clock we reached LaPoile. Mr. Renouf
came on board and arrangement was made for holding service. At 4 o'clock the bell belonging to the establishment was rung
and the congregation assembled in Mr. Renouf's dining room. Mr. B. read prayers and christened two children, the Bishop preached.
After service I met with several of the Western Point people who begged me to come and visit them as they had several children
to be christened Arranged to meet them tomorrow morning at the head of the harbour.
Aug. 11 Got a crew from Mr. Renouf to row me to the head of the great harbour where I found two of the Western Point men.
Walked with them through a tangled thicket of bushes, across neck and then got into their boat and was rowed to Western Point.
Landed and christened - three children and addressed the little-congregation. Returned to LaPoile the same way.
Aug. 15 Have been detained by light winds and fog at Lapoile until today when the wind changing to the Westward we bade
farewell to our LaPoile friends & started for Burgeo, which we had the great pleasure of reaching about 4 o'clock in the
afternoon. I found praised to God, all well.
Aug. 16 Went on board the yacht early this morning I took his Lordship and Mrs. Bridges to the Sand Banks and from there
across to the Island; made arrangements for the consecration of the church here, took the names of the Candidates for Confirmation.
After our return the Church flag was hoisted and at 6 o'clock we held service. I read the prayers & the Bishop addressed
the people.
Aug. 17 Sunday, Morning Service at 10 o'clock. The people assembled outside the door and waited for the Bishop and I, at
their head, delivered a petition for the Consecration of the Church, which his Lordship having received and read, commenced
the Consecration Service and after entering the Communion rails directed Mr. B. to read the sentence of Consecration, by which
the church at Lower Burgeo was set apart dedicated to Almighty God by the name of St. John the Evangelist. This service being
ended, I commenced the usual service, the Bishop preached and afterwards administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to
25 communicants. After the second lesson I baptised an infant. In the afternoon at Upper Burgeo the same service was read
and the Church there consecrated and dedicated to Almighty God by the name of the Church of St. James the Apostle. I read
prayers, the Bishop preached. This church was crowded. Gave notice of the Confirmation and Sacrament tomorrow. On my return
found the candidates for confirmation assembled, according to appointment, in the schoolroom, took their names there and addressed
them briefly on the Service & then returned home almost worn out.
Aug. 18 Went aboard the yacht Po-st 8 and proceeded with the Bishop, Mr. Bridges, to Upper Burgeo. We found the people
assembled. I read the Morning service after Wh the Bishop commenced the Confirmation Service addressing and confirming the
females first. I was in the body of the church arranging the candidates. All present appeared to engage in the service with
becoming serious expressions and several were evidently much affected. The Bishop laid his hands and bestowed his blessing
upon 43 people, 24 females, 19 males. After the communion service had been read, the Bishop preached & then administered
the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and 14 communicants. Returned with as little delay as possible and at 4 o'clock commenced
the service here. Mr. Bridges reading the prayers at the close of which the Bishop administered the rite of Confirmation to
59 persons--28 females, 31 males & afterwards preached a very impressive sermon from the words of Moses to the Children
of Israel. Thou hath this day the Lord for thy God & after the congregation was dismissed we measured off a large plot
of ground surrounding the Church & Parsonage as Church property.
Aug. 19 The wind being fair and the Bishop anxious to leave, I repaired to the yacht and accompanied him outside the Island
and then bade farewell. Mr. Cox putting me back. These services in which I have engaged, though of necessity hurried will
not I trust be unattended with the Divine' blessing. God grant than many souls may be quickened through them.
Aug. 24 Sunday, Held service in the morning at Upper Burgeo, returned and held service in the afternoon at Lower B. Christened
an infant.
Copy of census taken for the District of Fortune Bay inclusive . 1845 extending from Bonne Bay to Cape Ray Total No. of
families 1644
Total No. of Professionals 2
Total No. of Servants 505
Total No. of Traders 22
No. of Inhabitants 2173
Total Episcopalians 2089
Roman Catholics 28
Wesleyans 56
2173
Children under 14 yrs. of Age
Male Female
449 419
IN SCHOOL
51 48
Population from Cape Ray to Cape LaHune 1845
families Children under 14 Individuals
Cape Ray & Highlands 15 43 92
Channel & neighbours 29 72 162
Isle-aux-Morte 10 36 69
Burnt Islands & neighbours 16 28 83
Braziels & neighbours 8 17 47
Rose Blanche 13 35 82
Petites 10 30 61
Western Point & neighbours 9 31 48
Lapoile-Great Harbour 7 11 110
Eastern Point, Little Bay 20 58 133
to Otter’s Point
Upper Burgeo 23 44 136
Lower Burgeo 53 139 385
King’s Harbour & Bay d’Loup 6 6 29
Red Island 11 22 54
Deer Island 6 22 38
Fox Island 13 90 67
Cape LaHune 10 36 45
Ramea 15 28 56
Garia & neighbours 20 43 123
294 741 1828
1845 Copy of notice affixed to the Church.
This is to give notice that all that plot of ground round the church and Parsonage extending 440 ft North
and South and 860 feet East & West bounded in front by the road and in the rear by a pond has been set apart as church
property at Burgeo, Aug. 21, 1845 Signed
M. Blackmore-Missionary
(merchant) John B. Cox---Church
(teacher) John Jordan Wardens
Aug. 28 Visited the Upper Burgeo Island & distributed the books left by the Bishop.
Aug. 31 Sunday-Attended the Sunday School, instructed the children. Preached and held service twice in the
church at Lower Burgeo. In the afternoon christened an infant. The Church was unusually full today, a number of strangers
present.
Sept. 3 Married today a couple. The man in this case is a Roman Catholic, but very favourably disposed towards
our religion
Sept. 5 Called out to visit a man taken suddenly ill & supposed to be dying. Hastened to the house of
Mr. Cox and found his father in law stretched out on the floor insensible-breathing but very heavily the Doctor by his side,
bleeding him but without the slightest effect. "--gtayed about half an hour during which time he continued to get worse breathing
still more difficult and totally insensible finding I could be of no mor service. I left for a short time. On returning found
the Dr. had ceased to make any farther efforts. The death rattle was now sounding in his throat & all hope was gone. After
addressing a few solemn words of Exhortation to the friends and attendants in the house, I left again, in about 10 minutes
after I had reached home I was informed he was dead-the deceased was an remarkably stout man and by no means temperate. He
has never manifested any regard for religion and is now cut off without so much as time to cry for Mercy.
Sept. 6 Called to see the friends of the person so take off. Made some suitable observations which were well
received. Find they wish to have him buried tomorrow.
Sept. 7 Sunday. In the Morning went to the Upper Island and held service, baptised an Infant, returned immediately
and in the afternoon went to Mr. C. house & from there proceeded the corpse to the church, a very large number of friends
and relatives, several from distant settlements following. Upon reaching the Church I commenced the service and afterwards
preached to a very crowded audience. Many were unable to get in Church and stood outside to listen. I addressed the people
from 103 Psalm, Verses 15-18. All persons were deeply attentive and several appeared much affected. After service I committed
the body to the grave.
Sept. 10 This morning married a couple in the Church. In the afternoon christened an infant brought for that
purpose 45 miles from the Westward.
Sept.11 Visited the people on the Sand Banks.
Sept. 14 Went to Upper Island, held service twice. Instructed the children in the school morning and afternoon.
Sept.17 Christened an infant brought from Fox Island.
Sept. 21 Held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo. In the morning, christened an infant & churched
the mother. Instructed the children in the school morning and afternoon.
Sept. 23 Married a couple in the Church at Lower Burgeo.
Sept.24 Christened an infant brought from a neighbouring settlement and churched the mother.
Sept.28 Sunday at Upper Burgeo. Held service twice. Churched a woman and instructed-of the Sunday School.
Oct.5 Held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo. In the morning christened an infant. In the afternoon
churched two women. Instructed the children.
Oct. 8 Christened an infant from Red Island. This is the fifth infant that has been brought within the last
month from distant settlements to this place for the purpose of being christened Doubtly an increasing value is being placed
upon the Ordinances.
Oct. 12 Held service twice at the Upper Burgeo. Administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to 12 persons.
Instructed the children in the school between services.
Oct. 14 Visited a sick woman on one of the neighbouring islands, directed the attention to the love of the
Lord, Jesus. Visited two other families. The weather for the last three weeks has been unusually fine, like what is known
in Nova Scotia, the Indian Summer.
Oct. 19 Sunday. Held service twice at Lower Burgeo. Administered the Lord's Supper to the Communicants. Instructed
the children in the school.
Oct 21 All day yesterday & throughout the night I was most anxious for Mrs. Blackmore when expected hour
of trial had come on. Today at after much suffering she was safely delivered of a daughter, a fine grown and stout looking
child. I feel I cannot be sufficiently grateful, God help me to train up this little one for glory.
Oct. 22 Symptoms of the speedy approval of winter appeared today hills in the country were white with
snow.
Oct. 25 Christened an infant from Red Island and married a couple belonging to the same place.
Oct. 26 Held service twice in Upper Burgeo and bade the people farewell. They are all in leading up
to their winter quarters in LaPoile Bay.
Nov. 2 Sunday. Held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo. The weather very wet but attendance
notwithstanding good.
Nov. 3 Called to go to Upper Burgeo to bury an infant. While there baptised an infant and churched the mother.
Nov. 5 Christened two infants in Lower Burgeo and married a couple.
Nov. 9 Held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo. Instructed the children in the Sunday
School.
Nov. 1 4 Busy every day superintending the laying plank on the road in Burgeo & overlooking the
men engaged in ceiling the Church-six of the Planters have been for some time past engaged in this work which
is rapidly approaching completion.
Nov. 1 6 Sunday. Held service twice in the Church and attended the Sunday School. In the afternoon
christening my own little infant. Oh, that she may give early evidence of spiritual regeneration
Nov. 23 Sunday service twice and attended Sunday School morning and evening. In the morning churched Mrs.
B.
Nov. 26 Wednesday Evs met the members of my congregation at residence of Mr. J .Jordan and delivered lecture
on the first part of The Pilgrims Progress. The room was crowded and all present were evidently much interested. Closed after
commenced with singing 'and prayer. It is my intention to continue these exposition through the winter. God grant they may
be productive of good.
Nov. 30 Held service twice in the Church and instructed the children in the school. Our church is now ceiled
on the inside and looks very well.
Dec. 3 Continued my Wedy Evg lectures at Wh a much larger number of persons were present that on the previous
Evg. Several were not able to get into the house.
Dec. 6 Married a couple.
Dec. 7 Held service twice and instructed the children in the school.
Dec. 1 0 Wedy Evs service continued my lecture that appeared to excite general interests. Was enabled to
speak with much freedom. I pray that it might be without profit.
Dec. 12 The weather this week has been unusually rough. Gales of wind every day, together with the drifting
snow has kept everybody indoors.
Dec. 14 Sunday. Attended the Sunday School and held service morning and evening in the church.
Dec. 17 Wedy Evs. lecture as usual. The house very full.
Dec. 21 Held service and instructed the children.
Dec. 22 Called out to one of the adjoining Islands baptise an infant. Visited a young girl long confined
with a bad leg.
Dec. 25 Christmas Day. Held service in the Church, congregation unusually large. In the afternoon married
a couple.
Dec. 26 Visited the greater number of my Parishioners conferred with them and left attract with each family.
In the Evg called out to Firby I s Hr. to baptise an infant--apparently very sick.
Dec. 28 Sunday. Held two services in the Church. The congregation especially in the Afternoon was very large
and attentive. At the close of this service and after all the rest of the congregation had left, one individual addressed
me stating his wish to participate of the Sacrament by notice of which I had given in the morning. He related in his simple
way his wish to forsake his old course of sin and forgetfulness of God and henceforth endeavor to live for Eternity. His wife
also assented to use her own expression, was nearly captsized about. the same matter. I am led to remark this circumstance
more particularly as in the Morning I was somewhat discouraged by the thought how little frail appeared my labour. Attended
Sunday School and instructed the children of the fourth class who are very attentive; constant in attendance and I
trust are improving.
Dec. 31 Wed. Eg. resumed my lecture on Pilgrims Progress in the house of H. Dicks, although large
was crowded both in the kitchen where I sat and in a small interior room. All very attentive.
Jan. 1 Held service this morning in the church & commented on
(1846) the Epistle for the day. The congregation was nearly as large as on Sunday. In the evening I drank
tea with the family of Mr. H. Dicks. I praise God afresh for having brought us to the Commencement of another year in place.
I have much to be grateful for.
Jan. 4 Sunday. Instructed the children. in the school. Held service twice here in the Church. In the
morning administered the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to 24 persons--two new communicants. In the afternoon christened an
infant.
Jan. 7 Held my Evg. service in the house of Mr. T. M. which was largely attended. Their large kitchen
and Dining Room were both filled. Oh what a blessing many attend the instruction I was enabled to communicate.
Jan. 11 Sunday. Attended school and held service twice in the church. In the morning churched a woman.
Jan. 14 Christened an infant and churched the mother. Visited Firbys Hr. and a sick woman living there. In
the Evg met a large assembly at the house of Mr. J. C. and continued my lecture on Pilgrams Progress.
Jan. 18 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the church.
In the afternoon christened an infant and churched the mother.
Jan. 19 Today the weather has been unusually rough and severe. The thermometer has been down to 22 dgrs.
below the freezing point. All the day indoors.
Jan. 21 Held my weekly lecture in the school room wh. was well filled & all present appeared very
attentive.
Jan. 24 Called to baptise an infant of one my of parishioners supposed to be very ill.
Jan. 25 Sunday. Attended Sunday School & held service twice in the church. In the afternoon admitted
an infant into the church and churched two women.
Jan. 28 Gave the concluding lecture on Pilgrims Progress this evening. The school room in who our
meeting was held was nearly full.
Feb. 1 Sunday. The weather bitterly cold. Thermometer at 21 dgrs(F) below the freezing point. Held service
in the church morning and afternoon both not withstanding the cold were well attended. In the afternoon received an infant
into the church and churched the Mother. Instructed the children in the Sunday School.
Feb. 3 Walked over the ice to the Sand Banks. Visited all the families residing there. This is the first
week the ice has been strong enough to bear walking on.
Feb. 6 Visited one of the adjoining Islands & conversed with the people living there; more particularly
with a young woman confined to her room with a bad leg.
Feb. 8 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the Church. Snow storm in
the evening.
Feb. 9 The weather unusually rough. The wind blowing strong from the N.W. and snow -drifting. The thermometer
has been falling every hour and is now(Evg) 20 dgrs. below the freezing point within doors.
Feb. 10 Weather extremely cold. Thermometer down to 28 dgrs. below but rose 6 dgrs. during the day but is
now falling again. Two of our fowls have died today through the severity of the frost a nd two others are injured.
Feb. 11 Last night fearfully cold--found the glass, this morning only 3 degrees above zero. The wind is blowing
a gale from the N.N.W. & driving the snow in clouds. The harbours are frozen over and there is ice on the sea and as far
as the eyes reach. Scarcely anyone ventures out. A man coming from the merchants into the harbour about a quarter of a mile
has got his face frost burnt. Glass has risen only one degree all day & is now Evg.
Feb. 12 The sun is shining today and the glass has risen 6 dgrs.
Feb. 13 Weather still very cold. Wind N.N.W.
Feb. 15 Sunday. Glass at 10 all day. Held service twice in the Church and instructed the children in the
school. Congregation much thinned out by the cold.
Feb. 16 Glass only 4 drs above here indoors.
Feb. 17 Weather warmer
Feb. 18 Day fine. Walked over the ice to the Sand Banks and visited the people residing there.
Feb. 19 Weather very rough, snow drifting all day. For the last month we have been obliged to drink melted
snow water. Every Brook being frozen up.
Feb. 22 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school & held service in the morning at Lower Burgeo.
In the afternoon walked to the Sandbanks & held service there.
Feb. 25 Ash Wednesday. Held full service in the Church.
Feb. 27 Morning prayers in the church. About 30 present.
Mar. 1 Sunday. Weather very cold. Therm 22 dgs below the freezing point. Held service twice in the church
and instructed the children in the school. In the evening delivered an address, in the house of Mr. J. Cox wh was crowded,
to those young men who are going shortly to the ice.
Mar. 2 Thermometor 2 degrees lower than yesterday.
Mar: 3 Crossed the harbour on the ice & visited four families residing on an adjoining Island.
Mar. 4 Morning prayers in the church.
Mar. 6 Morning prayers in the Church. Attendance very encouraging.
Mar. 8 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and held service in the Church in the morning at Lower
Burgeo, in the Afternoon walked to the Sandbanks and held service there.
Mar. ll Morning service in the Church at Lower Burgeo.
Mar. 13 Morning service in the church at Lower Burgeo.
Mar. 15 Sunday. Held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo & instructed the children. Prevented
going to Sandbanks by a storm of snow and rain.
Mar. 18 Morning service in the Church.
Mar. 20 Morning service in the Church.
Mar. 21 A large quantity of drift ice has come in from the sea & filled the harbours & extends out
seaward several miles.
Mar. 22 Sunday. Instructed the Children in the school and held service twice in the Church. In the morning
churched a woman. In the afternoon christened an infant. The congregation today has been unusually large owing to the finesse
of the weather and the arrival of three boats from Fortune Bay.
Mar. 25 Morning service in the Church. Churched a woman.
Mar. 27 Morning service in the Church.
Mar. 29 Sunday. Instructed the Children in the school and held service twice in the Church. In the afternoon,
christened an infant, gave notice of a meeting tomorrow for the purpose of forming an Auxiliary to the Church Society.
Mar. 30 Met some of my parishioners in the Church and laid the foundation of our Auxiliary Society. Found
people very willing to contribute.
Apr. 3 Held service in the Church. Have had additional subscribers to our Ch society come forward both yesterday
and today.
Apr. 1 Held service in the Church which was rather largely attended..
Apr. 5 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and held service in the morning at Lower Burgeo. In
the afternoon got a crew to row me up to the Sandbanks & held service in the Church at Upper Burgeo. The people of this
place have just returned from their winter quarters & were very glad to see me. Gave notice of my intention to administer
the Sacrament next Sunday.
Apr. 8 Morning service in the Church.
Apr. 10 Good Friday. Held service and preached in the Church at Lower Burgeo in the morning, and at Upper
Burgeo in the afternoon. Congregation large at both settlements.
Apr. 11 Christened an infant and churched the mother.
Apr. 12 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school & held Morning Service in the Church at Lower Burgeo.
Administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to 11 persons.
Apr. 19 Sunday Evg. St. John's. Reached this town after a rough and in some respect dangerous passage of
five days, rough in consequence of encountering a heavy sea and dangerous owing to the unusual quantity of ice now on the
St. John's coast, but God has been gracious to all and self. Wife and little one are now safely anchored in our desired harbour.
Never were there so many islands of ice seen together in this neighbourhood before we counted 70 in most remarkable forms,
having the appearance of ruined castles. Some were of great size with very lofty pinnacles. Altogether they formed to me a
novel and astonishing sight. Our has been somewhat longer than usual, we having been obliged to put into Renews and remain
there one day in consequence of wind being foul. In this place we were most kindly treated by Mr. & Mrs. Goodridge and
made to take up our abode on shore, wh proved a great refreshment after being so long confined in a smaller cabin.
Apr. 24 (Friday) preached the Evg Lecture in St. John's church, the congregation very small.
Apr. 26 Sunday. Mr. Bridge had left town for Petty Harbour and has commissioned me to do his duty here. Privately
baptized an infant and conducted' the Morning Service. Assisted by Mr. Tuckwell. In the afternoon I read prayers.
May 1 Friday Evg. church. Preached the Evg lecture in St. John's
May 2 Left St. John's this afternoon for Petty Harbour. Visited several of my old acquaintance up my abode
for the night at the school house.
May 3 Sunday. Attended the Sunday School and instructed a large class of boys and held service twice in the
very pretty church lately erected here. The congregation good and very attentive. In the afternoon admitted an infant into
the church and after service walked home to St. John's.
May 6 Our vessel returns to Burgeo and we must bid farewell to our kind friends in St. John's. We. take two
little girls round with us to supply the place of a full grown servant wh we cannot get in St. John's.
May 12 Have again reached our home, endeared to us all the more by our short absence & by the difficulties
we have experienced in reaching it. The weather has been very unfavourable and we have put into two harbours on our way home,
Renews & Trepassey but praised by God we have been kept and everyone here seems glad to see us.
May 17 Sunday. Went to the Upper Island. Preached twice. Instructed the children, christened an infant and
churched a woman.
May 19 Visited a poor little child, fearfully scalded, recommended some local remedies, but with small hope
of recovery. In the evening called to baptize an infant dangerously ill. Accompanied the father to his residence about a mile
from Burgeo.
May 21 Sunday. Preached twice at Lower Burgeo. In the
July 25 Started very early in a small boat for LaPoile. Was out all day, the wind being very light. Towards
evening we were quite becalmed and as it grew dark I lay down on my carpet bag in the little cuddy, endeavored to go to sleep.
July 26 Sunday. By rowing our crew have succeeded in getting into LaPoile. Went on shore and was kindly received
by Mr. Renouf --After taking some refreshment notice was given of my intention to hold service. When about 30 persons assembled
& I proceeded with the morning service and preached in one of the sitting rooms in the dwelling house. In the afternoon
held service again and christened two infants.
July 27 Finding that a boat was going on from hence to Sydney I found the master & he kindly consented
to convey me up! Carrying him out of his course. Though light the wind continued favourable & I was landed at Burnt Islands
about 17 miles. to the Westward of LaPoi1e. It being late .in the evening, I got some refreshments at the house of J. Hiscock
and retired for the night.
July 28 Visited all the families. residing in Burnt Islands, nine in number and gave notice of my intention
to hold service in the afternoon. About 4 0' clock crossed to the house of B. Kippin (Keeping) & a large congregation
soon assembled. Christened 7 children and afterwards addressed the people-took tea with the godmothers and arranged for a
crew to carry me on tomorrow to Isle aux Morte.
July 29 Started immediately after breakfast and in about an hour and a half reached the Eastern Isle aux
Morte. Landed and found that only the women were at home-some of the men being out fishing and the rest having gone to the
Northward. Waited until evening when the fishermen came in & then baptized three children and addressed those present.
Finding it not convenient to stay here the night I got one of the men to row me onward to the Upper Isle aux Morte, where
I stayed for the night at the house of P. Dykes(?).
July 30 There being but 2 families here & only one man at home. I engaged him and three little boys to'
row me on to Margaree-but a heavy swell coming from the sea.We were forced to land and make our way across the country through
bushes, bogs, & for 3 miles to Margaree where I found six families and after a little while got them together & held
service & christened four children. It yet being early in the day & a crew going on to Channel I took passage with
them in an open skiff but before we reached Channel. The rain came down in very heavy showers so that we were completely drenched
landed as quickly as possible and went to the house of Mr. W. Bragg whose wife received me very kindly, dried my clothes by
the fire & took some refreshments and then the weather clearing up I visited some of the families residing here and sent
word around to all the rest that I would hold service. In about an hour the congregation were assembled in the school room
wh was completely filled-commenced service and christened seven children & afterwards preached from 4 CI Epi John 7 '&
8 Verses. When all were gone, I discovered that there were two children, yet to be christened whose parents had not been able
to get them ready-not knowing how short my stay might be as there were two boats going back the first chance of wind. I waited
for them till they were ready then administered the Sacrament of Baptism to them--making nine infants-returned to the house
of Mr. Wm Bagg and stayed for the night.
July 31 In the morning the wind being ahead and my stay thus prolonged. Three more children were brought
to be christened. In the afternoon was occupied in wri ting to St. John’s, there being an opportunity shortly from this
place. There is a Church in building here nearly covered, it is being put up by & at the expense of Mr. W. Bragg who proposes
remunerating himself by selling the Pews but no one here knows his plans & he is away I could learn nothing upon wh I
could depend. It is I am told to be open to all or any minister who may come along. A church is indeed much needed here as
the population is rapidly increasing, but I fear this will not answer.
Aug. 1 Left Channel early this morning in a boat bound to Rose Blanche. The wind was fair at starting but
died away, a heavy sea also came rolling in from the Southward wh made our situation very unpleasant. I was very sick just
before dark. We had drifted down the shore and were off Rose Blanche & by putting out the oars & with the help of
a little wind wh sprung up we continued to get in faint and weary. I was kindly welcomed here & provided with refreshments
wh I thankfully accepted.
Aug. 2 Sunday Morning at Rose Blanche held service and christened four children. In the evening was put on
to Petites distance 3 miles and as the people had just assembled, they being accustomed to have prayers among themselves,
I held service. The room was crowded with attentive hearers.
Aug. 3 Got a crew consisting of one man and three little boys and was rowed on to Seal Islands between 2
or 3 miles landed & visited all the families residing here, four in number and in the afternoon held service and christened
two children. After service accompanied a crew to the next settlement, Garia, and after landing engaged the services of a
little boy to accompany me through the settlement wh is somewhat scattered & gave notice of a service as we passed along.
Just before dark a congregation of about 40 persons assembled when I preached and christened three children.
Aug. 4 Engaged the services of a crew to put me on to Western Pt., LaPoile where I met some kind and I trust
Christian people by whom my visits have always been welcomed. Assembled all that were in the place & held service. Christened
three children after service. Had a long and interesting conversation with those present on the matter of the Sacrament of
the Lord' s Supper and our obligation to partake of it. Was much pleased with the earnestness manifested by these people in
religious matters.
Aug. 5 Was rowed by Mr. Strickland and his little boy up arm called LaPoile, at the head of wh we landed
and walked across the hills and through the bushes to the south side of great Harbour where we got a boat and rowed to the
opposite side and landed on the Room and Mr. R (Renouf ) kindly welcoming me home again
Aug. 6 There being an opportunity for Burgeo by the same little boat & with a fair wind set out for home,
but when we were wi thin 9 miles the wind changed against us and after tacking several times and finding we made no progress
I determined upon taking the little yawl & with the help of a boy to row home. We left just before sunset, but both wind
and night being against us, we made but little progress. Soon, also we lost sight of the boat so that now we were obliged
to give up all hope of return. The night was fine and about ½ Pt. 11 we were off Upper Burgeo. Here the wind sprang up again
quite fresh and we scarcely moved. But providence favoured us and after two hours more rowing we got safely home. I went immediately
to the house & found all well. The boat got in the next morning 9 o'clock.
Aug. 9 Sunday. Went to Upper Burgeo. Held service twice. In the morning christened an infant & churched
the mother. After morning service instructed the children & in the afternoon christened an infant & churched another
woman.
Aug 10 Visited a sick woman.
Aug. 12 Went to Upper Burgeo visited six families. Obtained a crew to remove & pile a quantity of lumber
for ceiling the Church, collected several subscriptions for the Church Society & then crossed to the Sandbanks, visited
a family there. Returned in the evening, but on getting out of the boat & to the railing of Mr. Matthews stage my feet
slipped from under me and my right arm got twisted in one of the upper rails, I felt a wrench & on extracting it, it fell
to my side quite useless. I immediately called for help concluding my arm was broken. Some neighbours ran to my assistance,
while others started for the doctor. I walked up to the house and was helped by Mr. Picot who kindly led me home to undress,
when we found that no bone had been broken, but that the elbow was dislocated, the doctor came shortly after & put it
again in its place, but did not bandage it. I then went to bed, but not to sleep. The pain from my arm being too acute. This
was a sudden stroke and seems most afflictive, but He who does all things has laid it upon me & most assuredly for my
own good.
Aug. 13 Passed a very uneasy night, my arm very painful. The doctor came early this morning & found my
elbow was again out of joint and much swollen he now had to use his knee to put it in its place. An operation wh gave me much
pain. He now bandaged my arm and left some cold lotion with directions to keep the bandage constantly wet.
Aug. 14 Another painful night passed. swollen and very painful. My arm greatly swollen and very painful.
Aug. 16 Sunday. Unable to get to the house of God & to join with my people in public worship felt very
sorrowful but was incited to gratitude by the thought that was the first Sunday for four years that I have been kept by sickness
from performing my duties. My arm is much easier.
Aug. 22 I am thankful to be able to write that my arm is becoming more and more easy. The swelling is gradually
going down, though I am yet unable to move it without help from the other hand. I have several times visited a sick person
this week and have hand many kind visits from my parishioners.
Aug. 23 Sunday. Though myself well enough to go to Church and attempt some part of the duties. Engaged Mr.
Jordan to read the morning service. I took the communion service and preached but found my arm so painful at the close that
I was compelled to give up the thought of further duty for the day.
Aug. 26 My arm still mending though yet very weak. The day being moderate & a crew here going to Upper
Burgeo I ventured to accompany them. To relieve my arm I got A. C. to lead the prayers & lesson. I reading the communion
service. & preached the sermon. In the afternoon christened an infant though with considerable difficulty being unable
to move my arm without assistance. Returned home in the evening a little fatigued but without hurting my arm.
Sept. 1 An opportunity being about to offer for sending to. St. John's, the last probably this year. I have
been lately busy collecting for the Ch society in accordance to the Bishop’s circular letter and have succeeded better
than I had expected.
Sept. 3 Closed my collections & wrote the Bishop forwarding a list of subscribers to the Church Society
and an order for ££28-7 she the amount of subscribers received.
Sept. 4 Have recorded eight additional subscriptions to the Ch Society amounting to ££2-12 sh. and the vessel
being still here wrote a note to the Bishop enclosing an order for that amount.
Sept. 6 Sunday. Held service twice in Lower Burgeo. In the morning churched a woman and in the afternoon
christened an infant.
Sept. 10 Married a couple from Hunt's Is. in the church at Lower Burgeo in the morning, and in the afternoon
went to Upper Burgeo and married a couple in the church there.
Sept. 12 Went to Upper Burgeo and married a couple in the church there.
Sept. 13 Sunday. Went to Upper Burgeo and held service twice. In the morning administered sacrament of the
Lord's Supper to seven communicants--the rest being away from home. Between the services instructed the children in the school.
Sept. 14 Married a couple in the church at Lower Burgeo.
Sept. 15 Visited a sick child and endeavored to lead her mind to the Saviour.
Sept. 20 Held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo and instructed the children in the school-gave
notice of the Sacrament.
Sept. 24 Was visited by an aged couple from Hunt's Is. who wished to converse with me respecting the Sacrament
of the Lord's Supper of which they are desirous to partake. Had an interesting conversation with them on the nature and obligations
of that Sacrament & was pleased with their remarks. They were in the Ch. when the sact was last administered, but did
not stay. On reaching home they both felt very sad & on the wife asking her husband the cause of his sadness he replied
"We have committed a. very great sin today in not staying to the Sacrament". The wife immediately said, "well, I have been
thinking so, too". and they both determined not to let another opp. pass by without speaking to me on the subject.
Sept. 25 Visited the sick child again & conversed with her but find her very full of apprehension.
Sept. 27 Went to Upper Burgeo & held service twice there. Instructed the children between the services.
Sept: 30 Held service in the Church at Lower Burgeo in this afternoon and addressed the communicants.
Oct. 1 Called to see the sick girl mentioned above and find her recovering.
Oct. 4 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and afterwards held service in the Church. Congregation
large and very attentive. Administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to 26 communicants. In the afternoon went to Upper
Burgeo and held service there.
Oct. 7 Visited fifteen families residing on the Sandbanks and on the Island of Upper Burgeo.
Oct. 11 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school at Lower Burgeo. From there accompanied a crew to the
Upper Island & held morning service there. Returned and again held school at Lower Burgeo and after service christened
an infant and churched two women.
Oct. 14 Visited three families in Lower Burgeo, each having sick members.
Oct. 18 Sunday. Weather has been very stormy of late, the Upper Island people being prevented coming for
me. Held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo. In the morning received an infant into the church. Instructed the children
in the school before and after the service. Also read an extract from the Bishop's letter in the Church acknowledging the
receipt of the contributions to the church society.
Oct. 20 Occupied in writing letters to St. John's and England.
Oct. 21 Visited two families.
Oct. 25 The Upper Island people have left for their winter quarters in LaPoile Bay. Held service twice
(Sunday) in church at Lower Burgeo in the morning. Churched a woman. Instructed the children in the school. In the evening
visited a sick woman & read a sermon to her and some of her relations assembled in the house.
Oct. 31 We were visited by a most violent., storm of wind and rain. Our house which was rather;'elevated
there and shook and cracked in a fearful manner. The church flag staff was blown down.
Nov. 1 Sunday. Called early to go across the harbour to baptise an infant very ill. Returned and instructed
the children in the school & held service in the church. Christened an infant. Instructed the children again in the afternoon
& held service. Congregation very large on both occasions.
Nov. 3 A crew came for me from the Sandbanks to visit a sick woman there, accompanied them and read to, conferred
with the woman but I fear with little. effect as she was suffering very acutely from pain in her head. Returned and in the
afternoon visited who is confined to his bed with fever, read & prayed with him. Visited four sick children. There has
been a species of low Typhus Fever in the harbour now for two months past and not less than eight individuals are now suffering
from it.
Nov. 5 Visited three families in each of w h there are sick persons. Read and conversed with S.N.
Nov. 8 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school in the morning and held service in the Church. Christened
an infant & churched a woman. In the afternoon a crew came for me and carried me to Upper Burgeo. Held service in the
Church there where nearly every member of the families left were present.
Nov. 10 Visited four families. The sickness alluded to above is increasing.
Nov. 12 Visited several sick persons, between thirty and forty have now suffered from this fever.
Nov. 15 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school. Held service in the morning in the church at Lower
Burgeo. Christened an infant. In the afternoon went to Upper Burgeo & held service in the church there. Baptised the infant,
churched the mother.
Nov. 17 Visited three sick families.
Nov. 22 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school & held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo.
Nov. 25 Held service in the church here more particularly for the communicants and prepatory to the administration
next Sunday of the Holy Communion. All the comm1,lnicants with the exception of three now suffering from sickness were present.
Nov. 29 Sunday. The weather very stormy-during the whole of last week we have had heavy gales of wind with
rain-prevented having school by the storm. The rain beating in through the window. Held service in the church notwithstanding
the weather was well attended. In the morning administered the Sacrament to sixteen individuals';' the rest being either away
from home or prevented by sickness. In the afternoon received an infant into the church and churched the mother.
Nov. 30 St. Andrews Day. Held service in the Church. The morning being very wet & stormy, I had anticipated
but a small congregation but was surprised to number between 40 & 50 present.
Dec. 3 Visited several sick persons.
Dec. 6 Sunday. Instructed the children and held service twice in the Church.
Dec.13 Sunday weather very stormy. Instructed the children and held service in the church twice.
Dec. 15 Visited two sick families.
Dec. 19 The fever which has been so long in Burgeo is I grieve to think spreading. Four additional families
have it now in their houses, three cases in one family. Though it has not proved fatal in any instances. Visited three families
now suffering.
Dec. 20 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the Church. In the morning
christened an infant and churched the mother.
Dec. 21 St. Thomas' Day. Held morning service in the church and delivered a short lecture on the Gospel for
the day notwithstanding the weather was very stormy-the service was well attended.
Dec. 22 Visited three sick families.
Dec. 24 Married a couple in the church.
Dec. 25 Christmas Day. Held morning service in the church which was very largely attended. In the afternoon
visited the sick. There are now six cases of fever in the community.
Dec. 27 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the church. The number of
sick persons is thinning the congregation. This evening there were four pews entirely empty. A circumstance which has not
occurred before during my ministry. After the second service visited three sick families and conversed with them who could
bear it. The family mentioned above as having six of its members laid down with the fever have now two more taken with the
same sickness only the mother and the daughter left to attend upon the others. There are at this time fourteen cases of fever.
Dec 28 The fever has at length made its appearance in my family. The eldest of our two little servant girls
has taken the infection & is now confined to her bed with strong fever. Visited several persons this afternoon. The fever
has now assumed the form Typhoid-18 are now sick.
Jan. 1 (1847) The Circumcision. Held service in the church which was well attended & lectured on the
Gospel.
Jan. 2 Sent for early this morning to visit one of the sick persons H. Dicks. Was requested to read &
pray with him; which I did making such remarks as I thought applicable in this case. Had a visit from one of the communicants
who thought I alluded to him in some remarks w fell from me yesterday in Church. He called to assure me he had not countenanced
in any way some riotous proceedings w had been carried in the houses adjoining.
Jan. 3 Sunday. No school today. The school master being one of the sick together with the greater number
of the children who usually attend. Held service twice in the Church. In the afternoon churched a woman and after service
visited four sick families.
Jan. 4 Called today by another sick person C. D. who is much troubled in mind as well as body. Conversed
with him & prayed with him & left him somewhat comforted. Called upon another sick family.
Jan. 5 Visited a single man, a servant in the house of W. C. who was found lying in a very neglected condition
found him in a wretched crib in a loft totally dark in a very filthy state. Until yesterday he had not been changed for three
weeks. It is a miserable family he is living with. The doctor has given him up. He was unable to speak much or at all distinctly,
but found he could understand what I said. Directed him to pray & told him of the love and pity of the Saviour. Could
not stay long the stench was so great. On my way home called on C.D. found him still distressed in mind on account of the
greatness of his sins. Set before him the power of the Saviour's blood & prayed with him.
Jan. 6 Epiphany. Held service in the church and lectured on the Gospel for the day.
Jan. 7 The single man mentioned on the 5th is dead. He died I am informed in great agony. Visited three sick
families-read to and prayed to H. D.
Jan.8 Buried the poor creature who died yesterday.
Jan . 9 Sent for to visit C. D. conversed long with him to cast himself with simplicity on the Saviour.
Jan. 10 Sunday. Held service twice in the church. The congregation, on account of the prevailing sickness
was smaller than any time before since I have been to Burgeo. After the close of the service visited four sick families. The
fever in several cases has as seemed a very alarming appearance. Our girl is still confined to her bed with it.
Jan. 14 Sent for to visit another family in which the fever had made its appearance. Read to and conversed
with them who appear anxious about his soul.
Jan. 16 The weather this week has been unusually rough and boisterous. The cold too is severe. Our glass
indoors 18 °below freezing point.
Jan. 17 Sunday. The weather very severe, glass lower than yesterday 2 degrees. Held service twice in the
church. The men were only able to attend. The weather and the number of the sick has sadly reduced the attendance.
Jan. 18 Visited W. C's family found all with the exception of Mrs. C. herself & the infant sick. W. C.
very restless. Argued him to pray & directed him to the Saviour.
Jan 20 The climate of NFLD at this season of the year seems to be particularly variable. Yesterday it was
mild and the glass at 36 °--Today it is bitterly cold and the glass down to 10 °-12 ° below the freezing point indoors. We
have had three such sudden changes wi thin the last week. The wind chops round to the North and generally blows hard, freezing
intensely all the while.
Jan. 21 Weather bitterly cold - 8 . In the afternoon somewhat milder-visited five sick families; several
new cases.
Jan. 22 Have just heard of the death of W.C. He was the master of the man buried a fortnight since &
attended at the funeral but felt unwell immediately after his sickness assumed the aspect of malignant typhus & has carried
him off thus rapidly. He had left a widow and eight children, six of whom are sick with the fever and from the wretchedness
of their habitation, I fear .it will go hard with them. God have mercy upon them.
Jan. 24 Sunday. Preached twice in the Church here. In the afternoon buried W. C. and addressed the congregation
in the necessity of being prepared for death & Eternity.
Jan. 25 Weather again bitterly cold, glass this morning80. In the afternoon ran over the hills into the harbour
to visit the house of S. Matthews-on entering was greatly shocked to find that about two minutes before she had departed this
life; her eyes were shut closed & the flush of the fever upon her cheeks. This is an awfully sudden case. She had been
sick for a few days before, but yesterday I was told by her husband she was better. She is the daughter of W.C. whom I buried
yesterday & has left two infant children. She is only 22 years of age. Oh, for grace to live as on the border of the Eternal
world. Mrs. B. (wife) has been sick all day with strong symptoms of fever.
Jan. 26 Buried the woman that died yesterday. Weather very cold, obliged to keep one hand to my ear all the
while I was reading the service in the grave yard to keep it from being frost burnt Glass at 6 this morning. The vapour on
the sea for the last week has covered the surface like a cloud of steam.
Jan. 30 The weather during the last week has been unusually rough. Snow drifts every day.
Jan. 31 Sunday-Held service twice in the church in the afternoon christened an infant. After service visited
four sick families. The violence of the frost is abating. Nearly all that have been sick are recovering.
Feb. 2 Day very fine and mild--No wind & the sun shining quite warm.
Feb. 7 Sunday. Held service twice in the church wh was much better attended than for many previous Sundays.
Several that have been sick were present.
Feb. 10 Visited two families.
Feb. 12 Visited one sick family.
Feb. 14 Sunday. Held service twice in the church. Congregation increasing.
Feb. 17 Ash Wednesday. During the last fortnight the weather has been very mild, but today the wind has changed
& it has become very cold. This has had a very great effect in diminishing the numbers at Church today wh were very few
compared with former occasions. Held service and preached.
Feb. 19 The wind North temp. zero got the colours hoisted & held prayers in the church, ten persons present.
Met a man waiting for me outside who requested me to come in the course of the day to visit his wife. In the Evg went to Firby's
Hr. and saw the woman, Mrs. K, who has recently been confined of a still born child & is now troubled in her mind concluding
that she herself is to blame. Endeavored to set her mind on this point. Read to her a portion of the Bible & prayed with
her. The sun has shone out brightly today and has caused the glass to rise 10 deg. but now towards evening it is falling again.
The wind has been blowing strongly all day & the. sea has been completely covered with vapour. At breakfast, though siting
close to the fire in a Franklin stove we found our cups frozen to the saucer, after having had hot coffee in them & during
the short interval wh elapsed between the pouring of it out & our drinking it
Feb. 20 Last night dreadfully cold, could scarcely sleep. Therm again at zero. The harbour is frozen over
wind blowing strong all day. Glass down 8 ° below and fell again at Evg.
Mar. 6 It has pleased the Almighty again to afflict me the day after my last entry, sunday Feb. 21, I had
held service in the morning & was proceeding again to the church for afternoon service, when on going up to the church
steps wh were covered with ice; my foot slipped and attempting to save myself from falling by laying hold of the rail I gave
my arm a sudden twist and fractured the bone just above the elbow. Not certain of the fracture I went into the church &
tried to put on my surplice but found myself unable. The Doctor was sent for and I returned home after some little delay my
arm was set. No swelling took place and it continued easy. Wednesday Mar. 10 I ventured to go again to the church & had
morning prayers & buried an infant & churched the mother on Friday, and Mar. 12 had morning prayers and on Sunday
last Mar. 14 I was enabled to do the whole duty, both morning and afternoon. In the afternoon I christened an infant. Then
though this is the arm that I injured, I have not been so long confined with it, never have I suffered an equal portion of
pain & within another fortnight I hope if God's will to leave of the bandages-I pray that these trials may not their effect.
Mar. 17 Morning prayers in the church. Well attended.
Mar.. 19 Buried a young man, a servant at McNicolls Room about three weeks since he received an injury while
launching a boat, inflamation ensued & carried him off. The day before yesterday he expressed a wish to see me but the
message was not brought until the day following. I was then on my way to visit him when I was informed of his death.
Mar. 20 Morning prayers in the Church. In the afternoon was sent for to visit Mrs. K. found her in a very
low & despondent state of mind induced in a great measure by weakness of body, conversed with her on the promise of God
to the penitent, read a portion of Scripture & prayed with her.
Mar. 21 Sunday, attended the school and held service twice in the church. The weather being mild, the attendance
was large.
Mar. 24 Morning prayers in the church.
Mar. 25 Visited Mrs. K. of Firby's Hr. She continued still in a desponding state of mind greatly caused by
evil thoughts, read to & prayed with her, left her somewhat comforted.
Mar. 26 Morning prayers in the church.
Mar. 28 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the church. After evening
service was called to visit a sick woman, conversed with her on the state of her soul & read some portions of Scripture.
While there heard of a man on McNicholls Room being dangerously ill, went on immediately to see him--found him groaning very
heavily and totally insensible. He had been seized with brain fever the day before that & had since been raving; tried
to rouse him but could not succeed. Addressed a few words to the men around me & returned home very tired.
Mar. 29 Visited the sick woman mentioned above, found her better.
Mar. 31 Morning prayers in the church.
Apr. 2 Good Friday. Full service in the church which was very largely attended. In the afternoon was informed
by the Doctor that the man I had seen on Sunday was dying, hastened over to the house to wh he had been removed, but on reaching
it was met by the inmates who told he had just breathed his last. The fever had turned to Typhus and carried him off rather
unexpectedly.
Apr. 3 Buried the man referred to above. .. The weather unusually rough, snowing and blowing as in the depths
of winter. There is more snow on the ground now than there has been known for many years past.
Apr. 4 Easter Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the Church; congregation
large on both occasions--in the morning administered the Sacrament to 25 communicants. Was much pleased to see three members
of the cong come forward for first time to partake of the Sacred feast.
Apr. 5 Attended a meeting of the seat holders and elected two church Wardens for the year ensuing.
Apr. 11 Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the Church, both services very largely
attended. In the morning churched a woman & christened an infant.
Apr. 13. Visited the sick woman. Called on two other families.
Apr. 17 Visited a sick woman. Read to her and prayed with her.
Apr. 18 Sunday. Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the Church.
Apr. 21 Visited a sick woman. Read to her and explained various passages of Scripture and engaged with them
in prayer.
Apr. 24 Mrs. K. the sick person referred to above is getting low and the doctor thinks she can't recover.
Visited her this afternoon & conversed with her on the state of her soul. She appears very anxious. Read to her and prayed
with her.
Apr. 25 Sunday. The people of Upper Burgeo have returned from their winter quarters. A crew having come down
for me I accompanied them and held service twice in the church. In the morning christened an infant & churched the mother
and in the afternoon christened another infant & churched the mother.
Apr. 26 Visited Mrs. K. who is evidently growing worse, could not converse much with me owing to her difficulty
of breathing-read to her & prayed to her. A heavy fall of snow today has again made the ground white. The weather is very
cold & the spring will be very backward. The ground is frozen quite hard yet. For the last fortnight, the drift ice has
been on & off every day covering the surface of the ocean. As far as the eye can reach our little harbour is full of very
heavy masses of ice wh have come in from the sea.
Apr. 30 Visited Mrs. K. read & prayed with her. She is somewhat better, speaks of deriving comfort from
what I read.
May 2 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school at Lower Burgeo and held service twice in the church.
In the afternoon christened an infant & churched the mother. Used the new Stone Font on this occasion for the first time.
May 5 Visited three sick families.
May 9 Sunday. Held service in the Church at Upper Burgeo. In the afternoon christened an infant. The congregation
here was very largely and unexpectedly increased. In the morning a small French schooner with 53 men on board, fishermen,
has put in here being prevented going onward by the immense quantity of drift ice in the neighbourhood, finding that there
was to be service between 30 or 40 of them, though all Catholics & but a few of them able to speak a word of English,
came to church with the rest of the congregation & apparently very attentive. In the afternoon six were present.
May 11 Visited two sick persons.
May 13 Ascension Day. Held service in the church and churched a woman.
May 16 Sunday-Instructed the children morning & afternoon in the school at Lower Burgeo & held service
twice in the Church wh was very largely attended on both occasions. In the morning christened an infant.
May 18 Visited both merchant establishments and adopted measures for raising a subscription for the purpose
of erecting a gallery in the Church which owing to the number of men connected with the "Rooms" is again too small.
May 19 Visited Mrs. K. request read to with her. Conversed with her and at her request read to her from scriptures
and prayed with her.
May 23 Sunday-Went to Upper Burgeo. Held service twice in the church there.
May 26 Called to visit a sick woman, a communicant at Hunts Island about mile from the large Island of Burgeo.
Found her surrounded by her friends who were in expectation of the decease, conversed with her and heard her expressing her
full hope of salvation through the merits of the Saviour. Read to her some portions of the word of God & prayed with her.
Conversed with her children & visited three more families on the Island.
May 30 Sunday. Held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo. In the morning administered the Sacrament
of the Lord's Supper to twenty-six communicants, was pleased to see two who have refrained from joining now come forward &
partake of the memorials of their Saviour's love. Instructed the children in the school both before and between the services.
June 1 Visited four sick persons-Conversed long and very seriously with an aged man who though sick &
very feeble still clings to the hope of living many years.
June 6 Sunday. Went to the Upper Island and held service twice in the church. In the morning administered
the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to twelve communicants. In the afternoon christened an infant. Gave notice of the fast
to be observed on Wednesday next on account of the calami ties by fire, tempest & scarcity of food with wh this island
has been visited.
June 7 Visited an aged individual.
June 9 Wednesday-a day of fasting humiliation. Held service in the morning at 10 o'clock at Lower Burgeo.
The church was crowded. All the men from both the "Rooms" were present-and all listened to the address I delivered with the
greatest attention. In the afternoon went to Upper Burgeo and held service there. Scarcely an individual belonging to the
place was absent-and in both settlements all business was laid aside and the day observed with becoming seriousness. God grant
that it may have been an acceptable service.
June 10 Got a boat and with the assistance of M. Vatcher rowed out to Hunts Island and visited Mrs. P. who
is still confined to her bed. Read to her and prayed with her. Buried a child brought from Red Island.
June 13 Sunday-Instructed the children in held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo. In the afternoon
churched a woman. "H.M.S. Vesuvius", war steamer, has put in here. Went on board & was shown over the vessel-began to
write a letter to send by her to St. John's.
June 16 Buried an infant from Red Island. Afternoon visited a sick person.
Jun 20 Sunday-Went to Upper Burgeo. Held service in the Church then in the afternoon christened an infant
& churched the mother.
June 25 Selected the material and commenced enlarging for the second time our Church for the second time.
June 27 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school, held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo. Congregations
very large on both occasions.
June 29 St. Peter's Day. Held service in the Church at Lower Burgeo about fifty persons present.
July 3 The work of enlarging the Church is proceeding satisfactorily. We have taken down the side and adding
a length of 10 feet in width.
July 4 Sunday-A very stormy day. The people of the Upper Island unable to come for me. Instructed the children
and held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo.
July 6 Visited the people living on the Sandbanks and at Upper Burgeo. A great many in all our settlements
are becoming sick again.
July 9 I have again to record the goodness & loving kindness of the Lord. Today about pt. 12 o'clock
my dear wife gave birth to a healthy little boy. God grant that he may be a child of the Lord-both are well.
July 11 Sunday-Went to Upper Burgeo and held service twice in the church there. After my return went across
to an opposite Island to visit a young woman very ill of the typhus fever-found her insensible and dying-about an hour after
reaching home was informed of her death.
July 12 Buried the young woman that died yesterday. She belonging to one of the oldest families in Burgeo,
a large company assembled to follow her remains to the grave before leaving the Church I delivered a short address to the
people present reminding them of the mercy they had experienced in being delay to devote themselves to the service of God.
This young person. only 18, was when I first came to Burgeo a girl in the Sunday School-At 17 she was married, and is now
removed almost suddenly, leaving a husband and little one to grieve for her. We were honored today by a visit from his Excellency,
the governor and suite, who has been round the Island so far as St. Georges Bay and Bay of Islands & put in here on his
way back to St. John I Is. His Excellency made many inquiries and after viewing the settlement went on board the steamer wh
in the Evg proceeded on her way.
July 18 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo.
In the morning christened an Infant and churched the mother.
July 25 Sunday. Held service twice in the Church at Upper Burgeo. Arranged for the carrying on of the Sunday
School.
Aug. 1 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo.
In the morning christened two infants and churched a woman, also administered the Sacrament of the Lord I s Supper to 29 communicants.
Two persons came forward on this occasion for the first time. In the afternoon preached on behalf of the Church society. Visited
the school and examined the children.
Aug. 8 Sunday. Held service twice in the church at Upper Burgeo. Administered the Sacrament of the Lord's
Supper to 9 persons. Instructed the children between the services. On the way homeward visited two sick families.
Aug. 13 Visited the families on the Sandbanks in one of which are several persons sick of fever.
Aug. 15 Sunday-Held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo and instructed the children in the school.
In the morning churched Mrs. B. In the afternoon christened my own little boy and another little girl and churched the mother.
Aug. 16 Got a boat & a boy to assist me & rowed to Alderidge's Pond about mile distant and visited
a family in great distress-husband sick-gave some temporal relief.
Aug. 22 Sunday-Went to Upper Burgeo. Held service twice in the church there and instructed the children in
their collection for the church society. Visited two families on my way home.
Aug. 23 Commenced the collection for the Church society, Lower Burgeo. Visited all the inhabitants on two
of the Islands.
Aug. 24 St. Bartholomew's Day-Held service in the church, forty persons present. In the afternoon visited
one of the families in Firby's Harbour collecting subscriptions.
Aug. 25 Got a boy to assist me and rowed out to the Island opposite and visited the families there- and from
thence to the other group called Hunts. Visited several families there.
Aug. 26 Assisted by a boy to the Sandbanks and then to the Island of Upper Burgeo for the purpose of closing
my collection at this place, find the people quite willing to give, but much stricken in circumstances owing to the failure
of the fishery and the very high price of provisions. Several families here I regret to find have the fever wh has been so
long about Lower Burgeo in their homes but of a milder character.
Aug. 28 Closed my collection for the church society Amount ££25 14s. 6p. Prepared offering for St. John's
and am enabled to send it on to the Bishop. I have had this last week three men constantly at work about the addition to the
church wh is now making progress.
Aug. 29 Held service twice in the church and instructed the children in the school.
Sept. 3 Left Burgeo in a small dry fish boat for the purpose of visiting some of the settlements to the Eastward.
Sept. 4 Reached Fox Island 15 miles from Burgeo. Visited all the inhabitants 10 families. In the afternoon
got a crew to row me to a little settlement called Mosquito Harbour about 2 miles further East. Found three families there
with several children yet unbaptized. Pressed them to bring their children to Fox Island tomorrow which they engaged to do.
Sept.5 Sunday-Held service twice in one of the Planters Houses at Fox Island and christened nine children.
In the evening assembled a little company and passed the time in singing and I made profitable conversation.
Sept.8 Left Fox Island this morning having been detained so long by bad weather and crossed to Ramea. Visited
all the families there, and finding an opportunity for Burgeo embraced it and reached home in the Evg.
Sept. 9 Married a couple this morning in the church at Lower Burgeo. In the afternoon christened an infant
belonging to Deer Island and churched the mother.
Sept. 11 Christened an infant belonging to Cinq Cerf.
Sept. 12 Sunday-Went to Upper Burgeo and held service in the church there. In the morning churched a woman,
examined the children between the services, and in the afternoon christened an infant. As Evening. drew on the weather became
very - stormy with heavy rain. Was compelled owing to the great swell on the water to walk home by way of the Reach through
the wet bushes and along by the land-wash until I got soaking wet. Did not reach home until near 7 o'clock & was obliged
to change all my clothing.
Sept. 16 Married a couple in the Church at Lower Burgeo.
Sept. 18 Have been very busy this week superintending the workmen in the church, the addition to wh I am
happy to write, drawing towards completion.
Sept. 19 Sunday-Married a couple in the church at Lower Burgeo before the morning service. Afterwards held
service and christened an infant and churched the mother. Instructed the children in the school between the services. In the
afternoon held service again and christened another infant.
Sept. 21 St. Matthew I s Day-Held service at the church at Lower Burgeo and gave a brief exhortation on the
Apostles history.
Sept. 23 Married a couple in the church at Lower Burgeo.
Sept. 25 Christened two infants brought for that purpose from Red Island.
Sept. 26 Sunday-Held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo and instructed the children in the school.
Sept. 29 St. Michael-Held service in the church at Lower Burgeo & gave a short lecture on the Nature
and office of Angels.
Oct. 3 Sunday-At Upper Burgeo. Held service twice and instructed the children. Visited three sick families.
Oct. 7 Visited four families in Firby's Hr.
Oct. 10 Sunday-Held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo. In the morning administered the Sacrament
of the Lord's Supper to 22 communicants.
Oct. 12 Got a boy to assist me and rowed out to Aldridge's Pond to minister to the temporal wants of a poor
family residing there. Visited another family in the same place and held a serious conversation with the father on
his neglect of Eternal things, .various excuses pleaded not so much required of the poor, not so bad as others.
Oct. 13 Drew out a petition & obtained 45 shillings for the relief of the above family.
Oct. 17 Sunday-Held service twice in the Church at Upper Burgeo. This will be the last occasion on
which I shall have service in the church, the people being now in readiness to go to their winter quarters.
Oct. 18 Visited three families.
Oct. 19 Received Mr. Appleby & family bound to LaPoile to take that portion of the mission.
Oct. 23 Got a crew and visited a sick man residing at Hunt's Island. Read to and prayed with him.
Oct. 24 Sunday-Read the prayers in the morning. Mr. A. preached-in the afternoon christened two infants.
Mr. A. taking the rest of the service and churching a woman.
Oct. 26 Visited a sick man in the harbour.
Oct. 27 Paid another visit to the harbour.
Oct. 28 St. Simon & St. Jude's Day-held service in the church and lectured, in the afternoon visited
Hunt's Is.
Oct. 31 Sunday-A crew coming for me from the Sandbanks. Went with them and held service twice in the uninhabited
house there. Mr. Appleby, who is with us took the duties of the church at Lower Burgeo.
Nov. 1 All Saints Day-held service in the Church and lectured.
Nov. 3 Saw to the removing of eight bodies to the Church buried many years ago in various parts of
the harbour.
Nov. 4 This day Mr. Appleby and family bade us farewell the wind being fair for LaPoile.
Nov. 5 Visited several families in the harbour.
Nov. 7 Sunday-Held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo. In the afternoon christened an infant &
churched the mother. Instructed the children in the school.
Nov. 8 Visited a distressed family.
Nov. 11 Shipped packages and letters for St. John's
Nov. 14 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school & held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo.
Nov. 16 Our doctor has been absent in St. John's for two months past, the care of administering medicine
now falls upon me, have lately had five cases of violent purging all of wh I have been enabled to relieve.
Nov. 17 Was informed last Evening of a body having been found on one of the outmost uninhabited Islands in
a peculiar situation, accompanied two of the Hunts Island people this morning to view it & see if necessary to remove
it-landed at Hunts Island and took in old Mr. Porter and then rowed out to the Island wh is called Rencountre a rather large
island with very lofty land. Reached a little cove and walked across about 1/4 mile ascending all the time till we came again
in sight of the sea. Here the spot was pointed out and clambering over the large masses of rock wh has fallen from the sides
of the cliff. About halfway up the mountain, and in a hollow formed by a large piece of fallen rock with every opening
once carefully closed by a small pieces of the broken rock with birch under. On removing these rinds, a quantity small gravel
mixed with red ochre became visible, and on moving this over a number of small oblong pieces of ivory or polished bone, each
about 3 inches in length, widely carved on both sides & pierced at one end, were found. Upon searching farther many flat
circular stones pierced through the center, each about an inch in diameter & some very small were found. Then some glass
beads, then two iron heads of hatchets very much decayed. Then a spear head made of bone, with several slight sticks of wood
of about a foot in length-quite round-the handle made of bone & pierced, of a knife with a portion of a blade very rusty
still in it. All these things were close together and mixed up with a quantity of ochre, and at the very mouth of the tomb
and had been placed apparently under or just before the head of the individual buried, for on penetrating somewhat further
into the cavity wh was very narrow so that the man that was with me was obliged to lay down & removing some more of the
rinds we came to the skull wh was that of a man with a very flat crown & projected much behind. The teeth nearly all entire
& very strong. Concluding on the various articles found & the manner of the internment that it was the remains of
one of the Aborigines or Red Indians buried very long ago. I had the bones put in again & enclosed in the rinds &
the opening closed up with the loose rocks, taking away with me some few of the pieces of ivory & the spear head to be
preserved as relics of Indian manners. The place of this internment is singularly wild high up in a cliff, the sides of who
is strewn with broken fragments of granite & overlooking a little cove facing the open sea and only accessible on this
side in very smooth water. When or how these Indians came here, for there must have been several, will ever remain unknown.
None were ever seen or heard of in the vicinity by the oldest inhabitants of Burgeo. They must have been intercourse with
Europeans on account of the iron & beads in their possession, but this intercourse must have been very limited or else
their spear heads would have been of iron. This metal must also been esteemed for we found portions of two larger nails among
the remains. It could not have been the remains of any of that tribe of Indians now about here because they have long adopted
the European mode of burying in coffins and do not, that I am aware bury either their implements or ornaments with the dead
I forgot to notice that a number of sharp pieces of flint were mixed with the ornaments being I concluded arrow heads-Altogether
I was much struck by the resemblance this natural tomb must have peered like those ancient sepulchres found in the East and
of wh. scripture gives us some notice high up in the sides of a cliff not indeed hollowed by art but formed in a natural hollow
made by the fallen rocks not covered with earth but reposing on the level surface of the stone. With all his ornaments &
weapons of war buried with him and were not of earth but of rocks piled around-the resemblance in some respects is very striking.
This has excited much curiousity in the neighbourhood. Perhaps if the search was prosecuted further more remains might be
found. The masses of fallen rock are very numerous & cover a large space of ground.
Nov. 19 Heavy fall of snow-Visited a sick family. Administered to the relief of an Infant very ill.
Nov. 20 Heard of the death of the infant I buried yesterday. Went out to see and converse with the mother.
Snowing and drifting all day. Called upon for medicine for another infant. Visited it and gave some powders.
Nov. 21 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school & held service twice in the church. In the afternoon
buried the infant that died yesterday. Visited another sick child.
Nov. 27 Since Thursday last we have I had heavy rains with scarcely half an hour intermission.
Nov. 28 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the church at Lower Burgeo.
Congregation for the time of the year very encouraging.
Nov. 29 St. Andrews Day-Held service in the church and delivered a short lecture.
Dec. 1 Meeting an opportunity, visited the Sandbanks. Called on four families residing there & left them
some tracts.
Dec. 5 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the Church at Lower Burgeo.
In the morning administered the Sacrament to 21 communicants. In the afternoon churched a woman. Congregation on both occasions
large.
Dec. 6 Received our new church windows from St. John’s. They are very pretty, being stained to imitate
ground glass.
Dec. 8 Visited three families.
Dec. 12 Went to the Sandbanks to bury poor Stephen Cox. He has been slightly deranged from his infancy &
latterly has been getting much worse. On Friday evening after dark he went out to go to his brothers & missed his way
and walked into the sea. His body was found yesterday almost covered by the sand. The weather being stormy we had to go by
way of the Reach. I held service and returned hoping to be in time for service in Lower Burgeo, but was too late.
Dec. 19 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the church. In the afternoon
christened two infants and churched three women.
Dec. 21 St. Thomas Day. Held service in the church and delivered a short lecture.
Dec. 25 Christmas Day. Held service in the church & christened an infant. Congregation very large. Spent
the evening with the family of one of my communicants & endeavored to improve it with suitable conversation.
Dec. 26 Sunday-Held service twice in the church. In the afternoon christened an infant. Weather very cold
and stormy-during the last week the weather has been unusually rough, winds high and frequent snow storms.
Dec. 27 Married a couple from Hunts Island in the church. Very cold. Thermometer 12 below freezing point
indoors.
Dec. 28 Had a little party of my parishioners to tea. Endeavored to make the occasion profitable.
Dec. 30 Visited the families residing on the Sandbanks. Walked on the ice over the ponds.
Jan. 1 (1848) New Year's Day. (the Circumcision). Held service in the church who was largely attended.
Jan. 2 Sunday--Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the church. The weather the
last three days has been very mild again, glass nearly to temperate.
Jan. 4 Held another little party of my parishioners to tea.
Jan. 6 Epiphany-Held service in the church wh was well attended-delivered a lecture. Weather very rough;
drifting snow.
Jan. 7 Visited five families in the harbour.
Jan. 9 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school & held service twice in the church. Weather cold
in the morning with Easterly wind. In the afternoon snow and in the evening torrents of rain from S. W. The glass has been
ranging from 20 40 the whole week. One day 20 degrees warmer than the previous one.
Jan. 11 Had two of my parishioners to tea.
Jan. 16 Sunday-Held service twice in the church and instructed the children in the school. Weather very stormy-heavy
rains. Had a very severe cold. Congregation small.
Jan. 19 The weather for the last week has been unusually mild. Thermometer at 50 degrees but today a change
has taken place, drifting snow & glass this evening down to 18 & promising a very cold night.
Jan. 20 Last night bitterly cold. Glass at 12 °F. Has been sadly tried with Rheumatic Pain in the head.
Jan. 23 Sunday-Held service twice in the church at L. B. and instructed the children in the school. Glass
falling.
Jan. 24 On rising this morning after a very cold night, found the Ther. at 10- and still freezing very hard.
Jan. 25 Conversation of St. Paul-Held service in the church & delivered a short lecture-Christened an infant &
churched the mother. Glass on rising at 10 but the wind changed and got around to S. W. and now evening the glass is at 26.
Jan. 30 Sunday-Held service twice in the church & instructed the children in the school.
Feb. 6 Sunday-Held service twice in the church. In the morning administered the Sacrament of the Lord 1-5 Supper to 15
communicants. In the afternoon christened an infant & churched the mother. Instructed the children in the school.
Feb. 7 The weather for the last ten days has been unusually mild. Glass never below freezing, wind East. This is extraordinary
as happening at the coldest part of winter.
Feb. 9 Visited three families.
Feb. 13 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the church.
Feb. 17 Received letters from St. John's with intelligence of the destruction of Mr. Mudger' s premises by fire and the
top of three packages clothes, books, etc. which I had sent round previous to our removal.
Feb. 20 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the church.In the afternoon churched a woman.
The weather with one or two days exception continued very mild. Little or no snow on the ground and the winter is fast passing
away.
Feb. 27 ` Sunday-Instructed the children in the school & held service twice in the church. In the christened an infant
& churched the mother. A change in the weather took place yesterday and today has been very cold and rough. Glass falling
all day-at 16 in the evening.
Feb. 29 A very cold night last night. On rising this morning found the Ther. 2 °above Zero in room. The sea was covered
with steam resembling a boiling pot, but the sun is shining brightly and the middle of the day will be warmer.
Mar. 3 Visited a sick man-weather very boisterous with continual falls of snow.
Mar. 15 Held morning prayers in the church. The young man mentioned above is dead.
Mar. 17 Morning prayers in the church and buried the young man noticed above; a large congregation.
Mar. 19 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school & held service twice in the church. A number of strangers present
belonging to boats that have put in here on their way to the Westward.
Mar. 22 Morning prayers in the church.
Mar. 24 Morning prayers in the church.
Mar. 26 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school & held service twice in the church. In the afternoon christened
an infant.
Mar. 27 Christened an infant brought 15 miles from Little River for that purpose.
Mar. 29 Morning prayers in the church.
Mar. 31 Morning prayers in the church.
Apr. 2 Sunday-Instructed the children in the school and held service twice in the church. In the morning administered the
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to 24 communicants-two new ones-one a young man. In the afternoon churched a woman.
Apr. 5 Morning prayers in the church.
Apr. 6 Visited all the families in Upper Burgeo and on the Sandbanks.
Apr. 7 Morning prayers in the church.
Apr. 8 Visited Hunt's Island- and christened an infant. Afterwards visited four families on another island.
Apr. 9 Sunday-Went to Upper Burgeo and held service twice in the church there. The people all have returned from their
winter quarters at LaPoile. There was in consequence a large congregation on both occasions. Bade them farewell-being now
on the point of quitting Burgeo-Many showed much affection.
Apr. 11 Tomorrow we are to leave Burgeo & sail for St. John's, and I must bid farewell to a people among whom I have
laboured for six years. I think not without a blessing-God grant we may all meet before the judgment throne with joy.
Apr. 12 This Evg left Burgeo after parting with my parishioners, a crowd of whom accompanied in the boat and showed
by their tears their affection and regret at our departure. As we were sailing out of the harbour the people gave us
a further token of respect by firing off their guns & waving their hands. I remained on the deck of the
boat, wh was fast carrying us away from a place where we have so long dwelt in peace, until it got quite dark and then went
below to my berth.
(In May, 1848, Rev. Blackmore & family took up residence at Bay Roberts, C. Bay, his new mission.)
The original settlers built their homes near the shore. These settlers came to Burgeo to be near some good fishing grounds
and it was convenient to live and work as near as possible to the sea. The fishermen built first on the three islands in Burgeo
harbour and along the harbour shoreline. Some families from Hermitage Bay lived on Hunts and Our Harbour Islands. More lived
on Upper Burgeo Islands and on the Western Sandbanks. The Harbour residents were living in what was called Lower Burgeo and
the Upper Burgeo Islands and Western Sandbanks were known as Upper Burgeo. Several families were living at King’s Harbour
and Bay de Loup, a short distance from Burgeo.
The Sandbanks was the attractive spot of the Burgeo Islands in the summertime. It was a two mile row from Burgeo to Potato
Point, the landing spot on the Eastern Sandbanks. Then there was a walk across through the grass, wild strawberries and gooseberries.
Continuing on after resting you came to Mr. FORD’s place for a glass of milk you came to Western Sandbanks and Fox Point,
from whence flats would take you across to the island, where the church was, and where most of the people lived. When further
rested, the big boys who had rowed you would climb the spruce trees which grew there, and discover material for a "chaw of
frankum".
The first school was built on the site of the present parish hall. The school was sharp roofed and had small diamond shaped
panes in the windows. The windows were similar to those removed from the church during the renovation in 1967. A picture of
the first school was hung in the old school which became the Teacher’s residence for many years, but unfortunately no
one can tell what happened to the picture. The first teacher was Mr. John JORDAN who came from England as a store keeper on
the Old Room (CLEMENT’s property). He later became a schoolteacher and lay reader here. He became a Magistrate and was
forced to give up his teaching career. He died in 1886, age 94 years. What a work of love this man performed for the Church
and community holding services, baptising infants, burying the dead in absence of a minister, besides keeping school twice
a day! Methods of instruction were simple and primitive, but he could teach reading, writing and plain arithmetic. He was
the only teacher in the school at the time.
In the 1870's the second Church was built on Western Sandbanks to replace the first one and consecrated by Bishop JONES
in 1878. The church was blown down in a gale December 1879. The third church was built up there, not on the island, but on
the Western Sandbanks under the lee of a wooded hill. Later people of the area started to move away and the church was taken
down. The furniture of this church was removed by ship to Ramea for their church that was being erected there.
In the spring of 1896 Captain COLLEY owner of the schooner "Annie" went to the ice as he had done before in other years.
His crew comprised the following men: Robert Billard and son Lambert, Morgan BUFFETT quite an old man for this kind of sea
faring, Robert FORWARD and John CARROLL (Michael). The vessel got in the ice and was driven out of the gulf by strong N. W.
winds. The ice packed close to the land from Cape Anguille and the vessel was pushed close along the shore and stuck bottom
at Codroy. There was a high wall of ice there. The vessel touched it for a mile or so and the crew could all have saved their
lives by jumping on it which Robert BILLARD did with his son. Capt COLLEY called the men to stay by the vessel. BILLARD followed
the vessel along as it was carried by the ice and told the Capt. and others to jump, never mind her, but they did not do it
in time. Therefore the remainder were all drowned. Three of the men tried to jump but failed. Capt. COLLEY stayed to the last.
His body and Robert FORWARD’s were picked up later. The others were not found. Robert FORWARD’s body was brought
to Burgeo for burial and Capt Colley was buried at Codroy where his grave is marked with a stone erected by his widow who
died only a few years later.
At the end of 1896 the third church was begun, and inside of two years finished and paid for. It was consecrated by Bishop
JONES Aug. 28, 1898. The building was in charge of Amice PINEL and everyone gave free labour. In Dec. 1909 during a gale which
lasted several days, the beautiful church fell. It was not insured for such a disaster.
Later telegraph lines were strung throughout Newfoundland, offices were built in the main areas and operators were appointed
to operate the "key" which sent and received the messages on the land line. Mr. Edwin MERCER came to Burgeo, after serving
in World War I, as an operator. The telegraph company was called ANGLO. George ANDERSON traveled miles of country as a line
repairman. A bridge, built below the first causeway, served as a connection between Grandy’s Island and the mainland
for the repairman and it was also used extensively by hunters and trappers.
Mail and parcels to small communities between Burgeo, Grey River were transported weekly by a small schooner often referred
to as the "Mail Packet". This boat was manned by a skipper and engineer. The mail, etc. would be taken to a certain home in
the community and distributed to the callers as each arrived to pick up his/her mail. The householder responsible for the
mail was paid a small sum by the government for duties rendered.
Most houses then were two storey buildings. There were few basements and most were built close to the ground in order to
cut down on draft. Since there were no furnaces, these homes were cold and drafty during the winter months. Fires of coal
or wood were seldom kept burning at night. The houses usually had a porch, kitchen, pantry, parlour and some had a dining
room downstairs. Upstairs there were usually three or four bedrooms. Families were larger than today, thus more rooms were
needed. Nearly every house was the owners pride and joy. It was kept up to the best of his ability. A fence and vegetable
garden surrounded most houses and they were farther apart than they are today because population was smaller. The homes were
lighted with kerosene (coal oil) lamps which gave very little light and difficult to study by when compared to our lighting
today. Every day the light would be prepared for the coming night. The soot which smudged the chimney was cleaned out of it.
The wick had to be trimmed for the light to glow evenly and the lamp was refilled with oil.
The main foods eaten in those days were often the same as today, like bread, fruit, vegetables, eggs, cereal, etc. It was
impossible to preserve food like meat or fish for the summer months due to the fact that there were no fridges in the homes.
The meat and fish had to be salted or bottled. During the winter months vegetables grown during the summer were kept from
freezing by storing them in cellars in outside areas built of logs and then well sodded. Every family grew their own vegetables.
Chicken, mutton, veal, beef, and berry jam often helped to keep the family members well fed and happy. There always seemed
to be some sort of fish available to anyone who needed it. Deer (caribou), partridges (ptarmigan), rabbits were always plentiful
in the country and were hunted regularly and many types of sea birds such as turrs, and ducks, were also hunted freely. Any
type of food needed but to be supplied by the family had to be purchased at the local store. The sailing boats and later coastal
boats brought supplies to each community visited. The store owners would sell the goods to the consumers.
Warm clothing was very essential to the early settlers with sub-zero (F) weather for long periods during the winter and
poorly heated homes, churches and schools. Men and boys usually wore thick knitted sweaters made form sheep’s wool.
They wore warm underwear and heavy windbreaker. There were no parkas then. They often had to wear headdress with ear flaps
to keep their ears from freezing. During the summer less heavy clothing was worn. The summers then were warmer then and light
clothing was often worn. Women and girls wore long cloth coats, sometimes with fur collars during winters. Women wore long
"button up" leather boots. Almost everyone had two sets of clothing. The best clothing was worn only on Sundays and on special
occasions. The other, not so new, would be worn during the remaining six weekdays. Children from poor off families would often
have to wear denim jeans because they were the least expensive to purchase.
Women’s head dress was quite elaborate. The hats were quite a spectacle with wide brims and decorated with plumage,
bows or flowers. A lot of clothes was made in the home. Sweaters, underwear, stockings, mittens and head coverings were knit
from wool obtained from local sheep. Some of the clothes would be made from those worn previously by older members of the
family or donated by neighbours. People who could afford it would buy from St. John’s or Simpsons and Eatons. Anything
purchased from Simpsons or Eatons previous to 1949 was claimed only after the purchaser had paid his duty tax to the customs
official stationed here. Sometimes the excise duty was 40% and 50% of the cost. of the order.
The fourth Church, part of the present one, was commenced April 1911. It was finished 1912 free of debt and consecrated
in August by Bishop JONES.
The three masted schooner, Duchess of Cornwall, was built in Burgeo in 1911 for the Burgeo and Lapoile Export Co.
She netted 129 tons and measured 105 feet long. Early in her foreign going career while on a voyage to Brazil, Captain John
COLLIER took sick and died on board. He was buried at sea bu his two sons. Mate Leonard HARE completed the trip. The Duchess
of Cornwall’ was sent to the bottom by a German submarine on Dec. 8, 1916, several days after she left Burgeo for
Oporto. Captain Tom GUNNERY, Arthur BARTER, Peter HOLLETT, George GRANT, Alfred Anderson and Isaac ANDERSON were taken on
board the SS Yarrowdale. a British freighter, but she was captured and taken into a German port as a war prize. The
crew of the Duchess of Cornwall were kept in a prisoner of war camp for two years before they were released when the
war ended in 1918.
Another disappearance during the war was the schooner Elsie Burdette of Burgeo, skippered by Albert Hann and his
crew of six. Owned by Burgeo and Lapoile Export Co., she was a sister ship of Gordon T. Moulton - both left Oporto on the
same day for the journey across.
One dark night in April, 1918, the two vessels parted company in mid Atlantic. The Gordon T. Moulton arrived
in due time at Burgeo after a speedy passage and full sails all the way. But where was the Elsie Burdette, her sister
ship? Her crew’s next-of-kin had no answers and she became a missing schooner, her fate could only be speculated.
Captain Hann, although experienced in sailing overseas before the war, had no formal education and always carried a navigator;
in this case a man by the name of Evans from St. Jacques. His crew, Henry Hicks of Burgeo, married with tho small children,
Steven and Gordon, two Hatchers and a Strickland from Hunt’s Island, and a Collier from Upper Burgeo - all unmarried
- were also experienced sailors. Captain Hann, married with three children, and Henry Dicks, also married with three children,
hailed from Burgeo.
For the whole voyage, the weather, as reported by the Moulton’s crew, was fair over the same route. Finally
and reluctantly, it was assumed that the Elsie Burdette was sent to the bottom by a U-boat. Sorrowful relatives remembered
the Duchess of Cornwall, owned by the same fir, destroyed by the enemy in Dec. 1916. Nothing had been heard of the
Duchess of Cornwall’s crew until six months later, when the Red Cross reported they were prisoners of war in
Germany.
Family members hoped that the Burdette’s crew was also in the hands of the Germans. When WWI ended and no
prisoners of war were released after Armistice Day relatives knew the sea had devoured both ship and crew from Burgeo.
During Commission of Government in Newfoundland it was decided to build cottage hospitals in several outport areas. Luckily
Burgeo was one of the chosen ones and the Hospital was officially opened around 1936. For many years the hospital had one
doctor to serve the coast from near Rencontre West to Lapoile. The hospital boat, "Lady Anderson" also visited Burgeo and
other coastal communities on a regular basis. The boat carried a Doctor who held clinic to all in the community who needed
it when she came into port. The boat was also called upon to do chest x-rays and emergency services when patients needed transportation
to hospitals.
The Anglican Church was reduced in height and renovated inside and outside in 1967.
The coming of the road in 1979 did make a drastic change to Burgeo. It’s main change was to help alleviate the isolation
of the town. Goods could now be transported to and from Burgeo. People needing medical help could obtain it much easier and
sometimes more quickly. Paved roads meant the coming of more cars and trucks. The wheelbarrow, the mostly used means of transporting
coal and other heavy commodities, rapidly disappeared..
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