88 OVER ON THE ISLAND
was the Reverend Theophilus Desbrisay, an Irishman of twenty years, who remained rector of the parish of Charlotte until his death in 1823. He was a man of liberal sentiments and of a benevolent disposition. He faithfully and fervently reproved the prevailing sins even though his doing so gave offence both in high quarters and among his own people. He thought Charlottetown was a very wicked city. He preferred to reside at Covehead.
His spirit was catholic. Visiting ministers were welcome to preach in his church. On one occasion Mr. Desbrisay asked a visiting minister to take the pulpit for him. The man consented and asked the hour of the morning service.
“Oh,” said Mr. Desbrisay, “you may come about twelve o’clock; I begin my services at eleven, but I know that you don’t care for them and Deacon Marshall hates them.”
Other ministers followed in his footsteps at St. Paul’s; but the memory of the short-sighted, affable, and kind-hearted old rector overshadows them all. As he came down town one day he met on the sidewalk a brindle-faced cow. At once the courtly, though short-sighted, old rector removed his hat and stepped courteously aside to allow her to pass. Then he proceeded on his way.
The Anglican churches in Charlottetown seem to surpass the others in beauty of architecture. St. Peter’s Cathedral has beautiful stained-glass windows. Its Chapel of All Souls is exquisite. It is noteworthy for the beauty of its wood carvings, tiles, mural work and paintings. It was designed by W. C. Harris, a brother of Robert Harris, of the Confederation