The following provided a snapshot of the transition that took place in the early 1890s with the demolition of the original St. Peter's Church building and it's replacement that remains an active place of worship today, more than 130 years after its first official service on June 4, 1891.
The text provided are transitions two articles published in the June 1890 and June 1891 issues of the Diocesan Magazine (Anglican Diocesan publication, St. John's, NL)
UPPER ISLAND COVE (June 1890)
An event of great interest and importance occurred at this settlement on the night of Saint George’s day, April 23rd. On Wednesday afternoon several of the Conception Bay clergy, dispersing from the clerical meeting at Spaniard’s Bay, made their way down shore to Upper Island Cove. Soon after arriving, it was apparent that something unusual was about to take place. Knots and groups of people could be seen making for one point, and that St. Peter’s church, where the St. George’s cross floating at the masthead announced Divine Service. Old and young, and even the little children were all greatly moved by the event unique, namely, the last service in the only church Upper Island Cove ever possessed. The sacred edifice erected more than seventy years ago, had fallen into a dilapidated condition, and was quite incapable of accommodating the population of the settlement.
On the Rev. J. Shirley Sanderson’s appointment to the mission, he at once determined that the old must give way to the new. With great zeal and energy, he set to work collecting subscriptions, and has met with such encouragement that he determined to proceed to the erection at once. Pulling down, however, must precede the building up, so as to make use of whatever lumber could be culled from the material of the old church, and it was this event which created such an unusual stir.
The farewell service began at half-past seven, the following clergy taking part: Rev’ds J. M. Noel, W. C. Shears, W. Pilot, W. How, and F. Smart, with the missionary. Ordinary Evensong was said, and after the hymn “We love the place. O God”, the rector of Harbour Grace, a former missionary of Island Cove, preached from the words in Haggai: “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now?” The crowded congregation listened very attentively. Another hymn was sung and then the clergy present grouped themselves at the altar rail, when the Rev. W. How offered special prayers appropriate to the occasion, the Rev. J. Shirley Sanderson pronouncing for the last time in the old church the solemn benediction. The missionary called for volunteers to commence the work of taking down at six o’clock the next morning, and asked for a general holiday that all might engage in the work.
Punctually at the’ hour, the missionary and Mrs. Sanderson commenced the work by removing the Bible and font from the church, and in a very short space of time the sanctuary fittings were taken out. Then work commenced in real earnest and with a zeal which increased as the day wore on, clergy and people worked with a will, and at 11 o’clock the church was all down. Gangs of carriers now set to work, and each crew with its load set off for the site of the new building, returning again and again everything until everything usable was carried away. The last load, a section of the roof, was curried from the old churchyard at 3.30 amidst the greatest enthusiasm and cheering. All the workers assembled at four o’clock, when the Rev. J. S. Sanderson thanked them heartily for the way in which they had worked and urged upon them the necessity of still greater zeal in the erection of a new house for God’s honour and glory.
UPPER ISLAND COVE (June 1891)
The Bishop arrived at Bishop’s Cove on Monday the 4th ult., accompanied by the Rev’d J. S. Sanderson, Missionary of the 'Mission, and the Rev’d J. A. Evans. At the church he was met by the Rev’d J. M. Noel, who was to act as Bishop’s Chaplain. At 11 o’clock the Rite of Confirmation was administered to twenty-eight candidates, after which the Bishop and clergy proceeded to Upper Island Cove.
The parsonage grounds were gay with bunting, and the beautiful new church, which has taken the place of a most dilapidated one, certainly does credit to both Priest and people. The exterior is now completed, with the exception of the tower and spire. The interior is lofty and spacious, and in every particular is correctly laid out and thoroughly well built. It deserves more than this passing notice. When the interior is plastered, and the seats and furniture supplied, it will vie with other churches which have been recently erected in this bay.
At 3 o’clock all the temporary seats were filled, and the Confirmation Service began. A hundred candidates were presented for the laying on of hands. The Service was reverent and devout. The singing was particularly hearty, and the greatest silence and attention was observed during the Bishop’s stirring and practical address.
At 7 o’clock Evensong was said for the first time in the new church, after which the Bishop spoke to the people, telling them how pleased he was with the building, and also to hear that they had come forward willingly, and given as much free labour as was required; he now urged them to deny themselves and complete it, as it entirely rested with them.
Since the Bishop’s visit $160 has been raised. Next morning the Bishop proceeded to Bryant’s Cove, where seventeen candidates received the Rite of Confirmation.
Transcribed by Randell Mercer, Oct 29, 2022
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