of God" "new hopes of Heaven".106

Father Hodgson’s love for his congregation was great. Even as he lay dying he thought of them and requested the Reverend Edwin Gilpin, who had been involved with the Tractarian Church paper attempted in the mid 1860’s, to come to his bedside and take down a message to his congregation. Dated July 16th, 1885, the message to St. Peter’s Cathedral congregation read:

My Dear People: -

God calls me away, and the time has come, when, for a period at least, we must be separated.

He only knows how deeply I have borne you in my heart - how I longed for your welfare in time and eternity.

During sixteen years I have worked among you. I hoped I might be spared yet longer in the Church of Christ on earth; but He has willed it otherwise. I humbly say: "Thy will be done. "

I am conscious of many imperfections and shortcomings; and oh! my people, I do entreat you to pray for me - so soon to stand before my God -that He will forgive me my sins.

One thing I long to say to you - I want to thank you for all your kindness and goodness to me. My last words are these:

Do not be cast down if difficulties present themselves.

Be of good courage: God is with His Church, and will be even to the end.

If trials come upon you, be patient. Be diligent in prayer and in the use of all the means of grace.

Love the Lord Jesus, and love one another for His sake.

Yours very affectionately in Christ, George W. Hodgson107

The Reverend G.W. Hodgson died on July 20th, 1885. The account of his funeral which appeared in the local newspaper documented not only the high regard with which he was held by both his congregation and the other Priests with whom he worked, but also records a permanent image of the extent of the influence he had on the mode of worship offered to God by the Church of England in Charlottetown. Many Tractarian influences are very evident in this genuine display of heartfelt appreciation for the talents and efforts contributed by George Wright Hodgson:

At 10:30 a.m. the ofl‘ice for the dead was sung and was immediately followed

106. Letter from J.C. Edgehill to the Synod of Nova Scotia. C.H.I.M. (Halifax, 1887)

107. Hodgson, G.W. "A Dying Priest’s Last Words to His People." July 16th, 1885. Charlottetown. St. Peter’s Cathedral Archives.

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