‘ remember us, during your absence, before the Throne of Grace.105

During the long illness of the Reverend G.W. Hodgson, while he was recuperating in England, and for a time after his death, a number of clergymen conducted services and ministered to the people of St. Peter’s Cathedral for conSLderable periods of time. 'IVvo Priests who helped a great

deal in this manner were, the Reverend Mr. Armstrong of Toronto, and the Reverend Mr. Smythe of the West Indies.

Following ljs return from England and despite the fact that his illness was not identified satisfactorily, it appears that the Reverend G.W. Hodgson enjoyed something of a short respite from his sickness. It was at that time that he and Miss Gertrude Madalen DesBrisay, the second daughter of the late Theophilus DesBrisay, decided to get married. The wedding took place at St. Peter’s Cathedral in November 4th, 1884 and was a joyous occasion for the whole congregatior who joined in the happy celebration. His good friend the Reverend J .A. Kailbach M.A., Vicar of Truro, Nova Scotia conducted the ceremony.

The marriage was a short one. George Wright Hodgson passed away on the Evening of July 20th, 1885 in the forty-fourth year of his life. It was also his twenty-first year as a Priest of the Church of England. His untimely death was mourned greatly by the citizens of Charlottetown. In order to accommodate the vast crowd which was expected, additional services of farewell had to be arranged. The office for the Dead was sung on the evening prior to the funera and Holy Eucharist was offered at 7:15 a.m., 8:15 a.m., and at 9 :00 am. The funeral service took place at 10:30 am. and seating was

reserved at that time for persons who desired to take part in the funeral procession.

The high regard with which the Reverend George Wright Hodgson was held by his fellov clergy was clearly in evidence in a letter written by the Reverend J.C. Edgehill D.D., the Chaplain General to the Synod of Nova Scotia, written 1112877 regarding those who offered help and spiritual guidance to him during his six year term as Chaplain General. It stated:

Friends still living amongst you, and, above all, three now in the Paradise of God - Bishop Biniey, the Venerable Dean, and that grandest, truest of men, G.W. Hodgson, heped much my spiritual culture and gave me "new thoughts

Letter to tie Revcrend G.W. Hodgson from his congregation, April 6th, 1883, Iharlottetown. St. Peter’s Cathedral Archives.

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