CANNINGTON MANOR - Located 10 minutes north of Manor on the No. 603 grid road, the All Saints Anglican Church stands strong and majestic.
The Carlyle Observer had the opportunity to visit the church grounds and visit with Anglican priest Michelle Moore, archivist Autumn Downey and curator Leigh Robinson.
The first church service was held in 1883 in the parlour of Captain Pierce, the founder of Cannington Manor. The church was built the following year and consecrated in 1885. For over 135 years, Cannington Manor had withstood the test of time until in 2010, a crop of mushrooms was discovered within its sanctuary.
Therefore, with the property being designated a municipal heritage property, government funding was received through the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, the Community Initiatives Fund and various personal and business donations. Major renovations then began. The entire concrete foundation was replaced as were several wooden beams that were over 100 years old.
New cedar shingles were added and the re-application of plaster and paint ensures that this beloved little church will continue to inspire unborn generations for years to come. This interior and exterior conservation won the 2012 Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Award.
“There is a lot of history etched into the walls of this church,” explained Downey. “Already six generations have passed through its doors, and many of the area settlers are buried here.”
The first burial was that of Charles Rushbrooke, a settler from England who passed away in 1888.
“We are extremely proud of our Anglican church”, said Moore. “Services are still held the fourth Sunday of the month from May through September at 1 p.m. The church holds 75 and is next to a picnic shelter. Weddings, baptisms, anniversaries, renewal of vows, funerals and family reunions happen regularly throughout the summer.”
Added Robinson: “With the major renovations being completed just over 10 years ago, this historic mini cathedral has a solid foundation that should withstand the test of time. All of us do a lot to keep the property and cemetery looking clean and manicured. It is definitely a great historical place to visit here in South-Eastern Saskatchewan.”
Moore and Downey have also collaborated on a book, which is titled A History of All Saints Anglican Church Cemetery Cannington Manor. This book contains a treasure trove of history and a number of names stand out who have descendants still living in the area now.
Brayford, Beck, Downey, Entwistle, Moore, Purser and Turton. These are just some of the names that grace the pages of this very well-written history book. It would make for a great stocking stuffer. For information on how to obtain a copy, contact Moore at 306-577-9704 or Downey at 306-577-5453.
