Epistles Dedicatory

The Right Reverend H. V. R. Short, D.D.
(Ninth Bishop of Saskatchewan)

There are milestones in the pilgrimages of men and their institutions which demand a pause for the recalling of events which have been experienced in the course of their travels. A hundredth birthday is surely one of those milestones. Where we are today has been determined by the manner in which we have in the past seized and created opportunities to serve our Lord and his Church. We give God the glory for what is good and holy in our condition today. We are penitent for what is mean and inadequate in us as we face the future. We rejoice that God's grace is sufficient for all that Christ has called us to do for him.

The Diocese is fortunate in having as its official historian at this time a man of the learning and competence of the Venerable W. F. Payton, D.D. I am proud to have the privilege of commending this book to you, and of expressing to its author the high appreciation and deep gratitude of the whole Diocese for his labours in producing it.

Read Archdeacon Payton's book imaginatively. Put yourself in the place of those who a hundred years ago and earlier, faced the incredible hardships and isolation of the vast wilderness. Try to imagine the bold faith of Bishop John McLean in starting a University in Prince Albert in 1879, and having it chartered by the Dominion Parliament in 1883! And he is just one of many who were possessed of an invincible faith in the power of God and his love for men as he is known to us in Christ.

We are surrounded by a great host of witnesses in whose fellowship in Christ we can with joyful confidence face the future. The great tradition in which we stand knows no fear of the future, because by God's grace the future is ours for the taking.

Bishop of Saskatchewan

The Right Reverend W. H. H. Crump

(Eighth Bishop of Saskatchewan, 1960-1970)

Affectionate greetings to the ninth Bishop of Saskatchewan, his clergy and people, as the Diocese celebrates the 100th anniversary.

The pioneer labours of the first Bishop, John McLean, are remembered with thanksgiving and pride.

His successors followed in the great tradition he began and left behind them congregations of devout Christian folk, both native and white.

They welcomed me when I became Bishop in I960 and for their loyalty and friendship I am deeply grateful.

Over the past century our Cree speaking family have given many of their fine men to the sacred ministry. This is one of the finest results of Christian work in Saskatchewan. I am not sure how many became priests but Canon Parker and I recalled the names of over thirty who received Holy Orders. One vivid memory of mine is the ordination of Andrew Ahenakew. As I said the age old words "Receive the Holy Ghost for the office and work of a priest in the church of God" we felt the Holy Spirit come into his heart and life. Beside me on that occasion stood his cousin Edward who had then served 50 years in the Diocese.

Then there are the happy memories of all the confirmations. There they stand those timid, eager, young people giving their lives to the Lord. There too are the proud parents, the faithful pastors, deaconesses or lay readers who have prepared them. What a joy it was to have a share in those family services.

Ten years is a very small part of this century of work; but they were active vigourous years. I am indeed grateful to our Lord for calling me to finish my active ministry in beautiful Northern Saskatchewan. Thankful as well to be associated with the farmers, the merchants and the people of many communities but most of all for my many dear and close friends among the Cree people of the Saskatchewan and Churchill river basins.

Finally the work of the past century is being carried into the second century by the able and energetic leadership of my dear friend and brother Vicars.

Bishop of Saskatchewan

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