Mr. J anes Easton, Lay Reader at Georgetown, became very ill during 1902 and was aisent from the DOS. Annual Meeting due to this illness. His absence was noiced and felt by one and all in attendance. His contribution to the Society aid the work of the church had been considerable over the past many years. A notion of sympathy and best wishes for a speedy recovery was moved by the Raverend James Simpson and seconded by the Secretary of the society, Mr. Per:y Pope. It was unanimously carried that:

this society, rea'izing the debt it owes to Mr. James Easton for his faithful services as Lay Reader at Georgetown, extending considerably over half a century, hereby :xpress its sincere sympathy with him in his recent illness, and

trusts that he miy yet be restored to health and be enabled to continue his work in the Church.”3

The chu'ches at Georgetown and Souris became vacant when the Reverend J. Gotfi‘ey resigned. They were left vacant for a short time until Mr. Charles Harris was able to take over in the new year. Walter Cotton continued his gmd work at Cherry Valley expanding the number of services held there from. 33 to 65. The work of clearing and repairing the graveyard site was begun luring the summer under the guidance of Mr. William Beers. Walter Cotton also took charge of re-opening the mission churches at Murray River and Wo<d Islands. In total there were 17 households which were members of the Church of England in these areas. Formerly there had been a church building and a congregation there, but the church had been sold and the people for the most part had drifted away due to the neglect. Two lots in Murray River had been offered for a church building. Mr. Walter Cotton realized that the work of the Church was only just beginning there but was filled with hope as it was a growing area and there were plans to make Murray River 2 terminus for the new railway.

Mr. Waiter Cotton was ordained to the Priesthood on June 24th, 1903 (St. John the Baptist Day) in St. Peter’s Cathedral. A good many people from Cherry Valley were present to share in this very special event. He continued his good work at Murray River and Cherry Valley forming a branch of the Women’s Auxiliary in the latter parish. The branch was active and arranged a number of events which raised some money enabling them to send a parcel of clothing to an Indian School at Yale, British Columbia at Christmas. Plans were also made to send a second parcel at Easter. The Reverend Mr. Cotton celebrated Holy Communion twice a month at Cherry Valley and at least twice a month at Murray River on Sundays. Services were also extended to Wood Islands once a month on a week evening. The Church at Cherry Valley was repainted and work continued on the church grounds and the old graveyard. The church was insured for $1,000.00. Two concerts were held during the

158. Diocesan Ciurch Society Remrts. 1902.

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