Charlottetown, PEI :

Charlottetown, PEI :

All rights reserved. Those wishing to reproduce any part of this book, except for review purposes, are asked to obtain prior written permission from the publisher. Such requests should be addressed to Books, , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, CIA 2X6.

All rights reserved. Those wishing to reproduce any part of this book, except for review purposes, are asked to obtain prior written permission from the publisher. Such requests should be addressed to Books, , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, CIA 2X6.

All rights reserved. Those wishing to reproduce any part of this book, except for review purposes, are asked to obtain prior written permission from the publisher. Such requests should be addressed to Books, , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, CIA 2X6.

Printed by Island Offset, Charlottetown.

Books, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Books, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

George Stavert Tanton was born and lived his early life in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, one of the twelve children of Jarvis Pope Tanton and Bessie Eleanor Stavert. He was educated in Summerside schools and at Academy, Sackville, New Brunswick. He received his Licentiate in Theology from the University of King's College, Halifax, in 1938, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from King's in 1945. During his time as a student at King's he not only played rugby, managed the basketball team, presided over the College Missionary Society, and sat on the student council, he also served as the first president of the Nova Scotia Diocesan Council of the Anglican Young People's Association. In 1967 King's honoured him by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa. Earlier he had been made a Canon of All Saints' Cathedral, Halifax, and had received the Rural Fellowship Award of the American Episcopal Church. In 1941 he married Constance Ruby Tufts, who bore him four children: Mary, Ruth, Ann, and Peter.

George Stavert Tanton was born and lived his early life in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, one of the twelve children of Jarvis Pope Tanton and Bessie Eleanor Stavert. He was educated in Summerside schools and at Academy, Sackville, New Brunswick. He received his Licentiate in Theology from the University of King's College, Halifax, in 1938, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from King's in 1945. During his time as a student at King's he not only played rugby, managed the basketball team, presided over the College Missionary Society, and sat on the student council, he also served as the first president of the Nova Scotia Diocesan Council of the Anglican Young People's Association. In 1967 King's honoured him by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa. Earlier he had been made a Canon of All Saints' Cathedral, Halifax, and had received the Rural Fellowship Award of the American Episcopal Church. In 1941 he married Constance Ruby Tufts, who bore him four children: Mary, Ruth, Ann, and Peter.

George Stavert Tanton was born and lived his early life in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, one of the twelve children of Jarvis Pope Tanton and Bessie Eleanor Stavert. He was educated in Summerside schools and at Academy, Sackville, New Brunswick. He received his Licentiate in Theology from the University of King's College, Halifax, in 1938, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from King's in 1945. During his time as a student at King's he not only played rugby, managed the basketball team, presided over the College Missionary Society, and sat on the student council, he also served as the first president of the Nova Scotia Diocesan Council of the Anglican Young People's Association. In 1967 King's honoured him by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa. Earlier he had been made a Canon of All Saints' Cathedral, Halifax, and had received the Rural Fellowship Award of the American Episcopal Church. In 1941 he married Constance Ruby Tufts, who bore him four children: Mary, Ruth, Ann, and Peter.

George Stavert Tanton was born and lived his early life in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, one of the twelve children of Jarvis Pope Tanton and Bessie Eleanor Stavert. He was educated in Summerside schools and at Academy, Sackville, New Brunswick. He received his Licentiate in Theology from the University of King's College, Halifax, in 1938, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from King's in 1945. During his time as a student at King's he not only played rugby, managed the basketball team, presided over the College Missionary Society, and sat on the student council, he also served as the first president of the Nova Scotia Diocesan Council of the Anglican Young People's Association. In 1967 King's honoured him by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa. Earlier he had been made a Canon of All Saints' Cathedral, Halifax, and had received the Rural Fellowship Award of the American Episcopal Church. In 1941 he married Constance Ruby Tufts, who bore him four children: Mary, Ruth, Ann, and Peter.

This book is in no sense a biography. It is rather a souvenir, a reminder of a remarkable man, perhaps the outstanding Anglican priest of his generation in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

This book is in no sense a biography. It is rather a souvenir, a reminder of a remarkable man, perhaps the outstanding Anglican priest of his generation in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

I first heard of "Staff" Tanton from friends in newspaper circles in Halifax, who knew him as "The Tangier Terror". He was the dominant figure on Nova Scotia's "eastern shore ", a string of mostly small, isolated seaside communities scattered along the rugged coast east of Halifax, for 14 years. In Halifax,

at St. Mark's Church in the north end of the city, he inspired a generation of young men to enter the priesthood. He then came home to his native province to be Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral, and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island. Although towards the end of his time as Archdeacon he began to be plagued by the ill health that eventually forced his retirement, he got the Island clergy and parishes moving and working together. They began to develop a strong sense of belonging to each other and to their own community in ways that promised well for the future of the Anglican Church in Prince Edward Island. Unfortunately, this was not always well understood or appreciated elsewhere, particularly in Halifax where the Island parishes were seen primarily as elements in the Diocese of Nova Scotia.

at St. Mark's Church in the north end of the city, he inspired a generation of young men to enter the priesthood. He then came home to his native province to be Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral, and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island. Although towards the end of his time as Archdeacon he began to be plagued by the ill health that eventually forced his retirement, he got the Island clergy and parishes moving and working together. They began to develop a strong sense of belonging to each other and to their own community in ways that promised well for the future of the Anglican Church in Prince Edward Island. Unfortunately, this was not always well understood or appreciated elsewhere, particularly in Halifax where the Island parishes were seen primarily as elements in the Diocese of Nova Scotia.

at St. Mark's Church in the north end of the city, he inspired a generation of young men to enter the priesthood. He then came home to his native province to be Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral, and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island. Although towards the end of his time as Archdeacon he began to be plagued by the ill health that eventually forced his retirement, he got the Island clergy and parishes moving and working together. They began to develop a strong sense of belonging to each other and to their own community in ways that promised well for the future of the Anglican Church in Prince Edward Island. Unfortunately, this was not always well understood or appreciated elsewhere, particularly in Halifax where the Island parishes were seen primarily as elements in the Diocese of Nova Scotia.

at St. Mark's Church in the north end of the city, he inspired a generation of young men to enter the priesthood. He then came home to his native province to be Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral, and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island. Although towards the end of his time as Archdeacon he began to be plagued by the ill health that eventually forced his retirement, he got the Island clergy and parishes moving and working together. They began to develop a strong sense of belonging to each other and to their own community in ways that promised well for the future of the Anglican Church in Prince Edward Island. Unfortunately, this was not always well understood or appreciated elsewhere, particularly in Halifax where the Island parishes were seen primarily as elements in the Diocese of Nova Scotia.

"Staff Tanton was an apostolic man in every way but one. Although he placed third in one episcopal election in Nova Scotia, he was never elected bishop. That perhaps says more about the inadequacy of synods as instruments of episcopal selection than it does about "Staff" Tanton. It is impossible to think of him as a compromise candidate, or as one who might qualify as the second choice of a sufficient number of electors to be elected. However, it is worth remembering that through most of the time he was at Tangier and St. Mark's the Bishop of Nova Scotia was a man very much like him in both character and churchmanship, Robert Harold Waterman. That there was such a man as bishop at that time helped make the ministry, and the achievements, of "Staff Tanton possible.

"Staff Tanton was an apostolic man in every way but one. Although he placed third in one episcopal election in Nova Scotia, he was never elected bishop. That perhaps says more about the inadequacy of synods as instruments of episcopal selection than it does about "Staff" Tanton. It is impossible to think of him as a compromise candidate, or as one who might qualify as the second choice of a sufficient number of electors to be elected. However, it is worth remembering that through most of the time he was at Tangier and St. Mark's the Bishop of Nova Scotia was a man very much like him in both character and churchmanship, Robert Harold Waterman. That there was such a man as bishop at that time helped make the ministry, and the achievements, of "Staff Tanton possible.

The Reverend Canon George Stavert Tanton was born and received his early education in Prince Edward Island, where he was a member of St. Mary's Parish, in Summerside. He entered King's and received his L. Th. in 1938 and his B.A . in 1945. He was ordained a deacon in 1938 and priest in 1939 in the Diocese of Nova Scotia. He was curate of Christ Church, Dartmouth, from 1938 to 1940, Rector of , Prince Edward Island, from 1940 to 1943, a Chaplain in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 - 44, Rector of Tangier 1944 - 58, Rector of St. Mark's, Halifax, from 1958 to the present. He was made a Canon of All Saints Cathedral in 1960 in recognition of his services to the church in this Diocese and beyond.

The Reverend Canon George Stavert Tanton was born and received his early education in Prince Edward Island, where he was a member of St. Mary's Parish, in Summerside. He entered King's and received his L. Th. in 1938 and his B.A . in 1945. He was ordained a deacon in 1938 and priest in 1939 in the Diocese of Nova Scotia. He was curate of Christ Church, Dartmouth, from 1938 to 1940, Rector of , Prince Edward Island, from 1940 to 1943, a Chaplain in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 - 44, Rector of Tangier 1944 - 58, Rector of St. Mark's, Halifax, from 1958 to the present. He was made a Canon of All Saints Cathedral in 1960 in recognition of his services to the church in this Diocese and beyond.

The Reverend Canon George Stavert Tanton was born and received his early education in Prince Edward Island, where he was a member of St. Mary's Parish, in Summerside. He entered King's and received his L. Th. in 1938 and his B.A . in 1945. He was ordained a deacon in 1938 and priest in 1939 in the Diocese of Nova Scotia. He was curate of Christ Church, Dartmouth, from 1938 to 1940, Rector of , Prince Edward Island, from 1940 to 1943, a Chaplain in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 - 44, Rector of Tangier 1944 - 58, Rector of St. Mark's, Halifax, from 1958 to the present. He was made a Canon of All Saints Cathedral in 1960 in recognition of his services to the church in this Diocese and beyond.

The Reverend Canon George Stavert Tanton was born and received his early education in Prince Edward Island, where he was a member of St. Mary's Parish, in Summerside. He entered King's and received his L. Th. in 1938 and his B.A . in 1945. He was ordained a deacon in 1938 and priest in 1939 in the Diocese of Nova Scotia. He was curate of Christ Church, Dartmouth, from 1938 to 1940, Rector of , Prince Edward Island, from 1940 to 1943, a Chaplain in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 - 44, Rector of Tangier 1944 - 58, Rector of St. Mark's, Halifax, from 1958 to the present. He was made a Canon of All Saints Cathedral in 1960 in recognition of his services to the church in this Diocese and beyond.

This in the barest outline is the career of this dynamic priest. His rural ministry in Tangier was extraordinary. There he gave the lead in having a hospital built at Harbour, this when others had given up the project as hopeless. He was a leading figure in the building of the high school at Tangier. This was one of the first efforts made to consolidate areas where the educational standard had suffered by the isolation of small rural schools. He worked tirelessly to maintain the pulp mill at Harbour and was Chairman of the group which entered into negotiations with the Nova Scotia government. He was instrumental in acquiring property for a Tangier Deanery Church Camp and was for years the leading spirit behind that camp. It was through his leadership that the Anglican clergy in the area were able to enter the schools and teach religion. It was also during this time that he initiated the drive for funds for the Hackenley Memorial Fund which has been used for a lectureship at King's on rural work for some ten years or more. The respect and affection he inspired among the people of this Diocese caused him, as rector of a rural parish with a small and scattered population, to stand third in the choice of Co-adjutor Bishop of Nova Scotia.

This in the barest outline is the career of this dynamic priest. His rural ministry in Tangier was extraordinary. There he gave the lead in having a hospital built at Harbour, this when others had given up the project as hopeless. He was a leading figure in the building of the high school at Tangier. This was one of the first efforts made to consolidate areas where the educational standard had suffered by the isolation of small rural schools. He worked tirelessly to maintain the pulp mill at Harbour and was Chairman of the group which entered into negotiations with the Nova Scotia government. He was instrumental in acquiring property for a Tangier Deanery Church Camp and was for years the leading spirit behind that camp. It was through his leadership that the Anglican clergy in the area were able to enter the schools and teach religion. It was also during this time that he initiated the drive for funds for the Hackenley Memorial Fund which has been used for a lectureship at King's on rural work for some ten years or more. The respect and affection he inspired among the people of this Diocese caused him, as rector of a rural parish with a small and scattered population, to stand third in the choice of Co-adjutor Bishop of Nova Scotia.

St. Margaret of

On July 10, 1932, St. John's Church, St. Eleanor's, celebrated its 100th birthday with a visit from the Primate, who was also Archbishop of Nova Scotia, the Most Reverend Clarendon Lamb Worrell (centre). Others in the picture, left to right, are the Reverend Dr. Thomas H. Hunt of King's College, the Reverend Percy Cotton, Rector of Calais, Maine, the Venerable Charles deWolfe White, Rector of St. John's and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island, the Reverend Innes Eraser, Rector of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, George Stavert Tanton, and the Reverend Canon A.E. Andrew. M.C.

On July 10, 1932, St. John's Church, St. Eleanor's, celebrated its 100th birthday with a visit from the Primate, who was also Archbishop of Nova Scotia, the Most Reverend Clarendon Lamb Worrell (centre). Others in the picture, left to right, are the Reverend Dr. Thomas H. Hunt of King's College, the Reverend Percy Cotton, Rector of Calais, Maine, the Venerable Charles deWolfe White, Rector of St. John's and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island, the Reverend Innes Eraser, Rector of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, George Stavert Tanton, and the Reverend Canon A.E. Andrew. M.C.

On July 10, 1932, St. John's Church, St. Eleanor's, celebrated its 100th birthday with a visit from the Primate, who was also Archbishop of Nova Scotia, the Most Reverend Clarendon Lamb Worrell (centre). Others in the picture, left to right, are the Reverend Dr. Thomas H. Hunt of King's College, the Reverend Percy Cotton, Rector of Calais, Maine, the Venerable Charles deWolfe White, Rector of St. John's and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island, the Reverend Innes Eraser, Rector of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, George Stavert Tanton, and the Reverend Canon A.E. Andrew. M.C.

On July 10, 1932, St. John's Church, St. Eleanor's, celebrated its 100th birthday with a visit from the Primate, who was also Archbishop of Nova Scotia, the Most Reverend Clarendon Lamb Worrell (centre). Others in the picture, left to right, are the Reverend Dr. Thomas H. Hunt of King's College, the Reverend Percy Cotton, Rector of Calais, Maine, the Venerable Charles deWolfe White, Rector of St. John's and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island, the Reverend Innes Eraser, Rector of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, George Stavert Tanton, and the Reverend Canon A.E. Andrew. M.C.

When Father Tanton retired in 1974 he was interviewed for Anglican Sunday Family Magazine, a radio program that aired Sunday mornings on the Charlottetown station CFCY. The following autobiographical essay is adapted from that interview.

I suppose my first thoughts would be my experience with Archdeacon White, who was our rector in Summerside for 26 years. He had a clear devotion to our Lord, and a great devotion to the Church. Like Timothy, I grew up under his tutelage, and was inspired by him. I had the privilege of looking after him in the sense of driving him to St. Eleanor's to Church when I was a boy of 12 years of age. I taught in the Sunday school, and was superintendent when I was 17, before I left to go away to Academy. The men I met in the Church, priests like Dr. Cunningham, Canon Vroom, Dr. Hunt, Canon Malone, and Archdeacon Harrison, were great influences on my life, showing me loyalty to our Lord, and their conviction that the Church was fulfilling the mission of Christ Himself.

I was at Academy one year, and then I went to Mount Allison University. I felt a vocation to the ministry, so I wrote to Archbishop Worrell of Nova Scotia , who had episcopal jurisdiction in Prince Edward Island. He said he would see me in Summerside in July. This would be long after college had closed. I couldn't wait that long. So I asked him if he would let me do parish work for the summer. He said. No, that I should be sure of my vocation first. So I wrote back to him and said that I had been brought up under his episcopacy, and with his permission I would write to the Bishop of Fredericton. I got a letter back saying, "I have a parish for you." He sent me to Liscomb, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, which at that time was pretty isolated. That's where I started my work as a lay reader. I worked all the time I was in college. I did lay readering work at Conquerall Mills, and in the parishes of Port Medway and Emmanuel Church in north Dartmouth, until 1938, when I was made deacon by Archbishop John Hackenley in Christ Church, Dartmouth. I was priested later at Emmanuel Church.

I was at Academy one year, and then I went to Mount Allison University. I felt a vocation to the ministry, so I wrote to Archbishop Worrell of Nova Scotia , who had episcopal jurisdiction in Prince Edward Island. He said he would see me in Summerside in July. This would be long after college had closed. I couldn't wait that long. So I asked him if he would let me do parish work for the summer. He said. No, that I should be sure of my vocation first. So I wrote back to him and said that I had been brought up under his episcopacy, and with his permission I would write to the Bishop of Fredericton. I got a letter back saying, "I have a parish for you." He sent me to Liscomb, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, which at that time was pretty isolated. That's where I started my work as a lay reader. I worked all the time I was in college. I did lay readering work at Conquerall Mills, and in the parishes of Port Medway and Emmanuel Church in north Dartmouth, until 1938, when I was made deacon by Archbishop John Hackenley in Christ Church, Dartmouth. I was priested later at Emmanuel Church.

I was at Academy one year, and then I went to Mount Allison University. I felt a vocation to the ministry, so I wrote to Archbishop Worrell of Nova Scotia , who had episcopal jurisdiction in Prince Edward Island. He said he would see me in Summerside in July. This would be long after college had closed. I couldn't wait that long. So I asked him if he would let me do parish work for the summer. He said. No, that I should be sure of my vocation first. So I wrote back to him and said that I had been brought up under his episcopacy, and with his permission I would write to the Bishop of Fredericton. I got a letter back saying, "I have a parish for you." He sent me to Liscomb, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, which at that time was pretty isolated. That's where I started my work as a lay reader. I worked all the time I was in college. I did lay readering work at Conquerall Mills, and in the parishes of Port Medway and Emmanuel Church in north Dartmouth, until 1938, when I was made deacon by Archbishop John Hackenley in Christ Church, Dartmouth. I was priested later at Emmanuel Church.

I was at Academy one year, and then I went to Mount Allison University. I felt a vocation to the ministry, so I wrote to Archbishop Worrell of Nova Scotia , who had episcopal jurisdiction in Prince Edward Island. He said he would see me in Summerside in July. This would be long after college had closed. I couldn't wait that long. So I asked him if he would let me do parish work for the summer. He said. No, that I should be sure of my vocation first. So I wrote back to him and said that I had been brought up under his episcopacy, and with his permission I would write to the Bishop of Fredericton. I got a letter back saying, "I have a parish for you." He sent me to Liscomb, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, which at that time was pretty isolated. That's where I started my work as a lay reader. I worked all the time I was in college. I did lay readering work at Conquerall Mills, and in the parishes of Port Medway and Emmanuel Church in north Dartmouth, until 1938, when I was made deacon by Archbishop John Hackenley in Christ Church, Dartmouth. I was priested later at Emmanuel Church.

I was at Academy one year, and then I went to Mount Allison University. I felt a vocation to the ministry, so I wrote to Archbishop Worrell of Nova Scotia , who had episcopal jurisdiction in Prince Edward Island. He said he would see me in Summerside in July. This would be long after college had closed. I couldn't wait that long. So I asked him if he would let me do parish work for the summer. He said. No, that I should be sure of my vocation first. So I wrote back to him and said that I had been brought up under his episcopacy, and with his permission I would write to the Bishop of Fredericton. I got a letter back saying, "I have a parish for you." He sent me to Liscomb, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, which at that time was pretty isolated. That's where I started my work as a lay reader. I worked all the time I was in college. I did lay readering work at Conquerall Mills, and in the parishes of Port Medway and Emmanuel Church in north Dartmouth, until 1938, when I was made deacon by Archbishop John Hackenley in Christ Church, Dartmouth. I was priested later at Emmanuel Church.

The University of King's College, Halifax, Nova Scotia, as it appeared in the 1930s.

I never seemed to get through King's College! I said 1 was the oldest living graduate - I was the one who went there the longest! In King's College there were three men who stood out: Dr. Vroom, Dr. Hunt (who was from St. Eleanor's, and who had taught at the day school that St. Peter's Cathedral operated in Charlottetown), and Dr. Samuel Prince. Dr. Prince was a priest from New Brunswick who was on the staff of Dalhousie and King's universities lecturing on sociology and pastoral work. These three men had the greatest influence on me. There was also Dr. Rex Moore, the president of King's. 1 tangled often with him,* but I admired him a great deal for the stands he took. I think he admired me for the stands I took! I remember he always used to say, "Never smoke your pipe going down the street with a lady!" But we saw him out walking with Mrs. Moore one afternoon while smoking his pipe. We wondered just what the connotation of that was!

I never seemed to get through King's College! I said 1 was the oldest living graduate - I was the one who went there the longest! In King's College there were three men who stood out: Dr. Vroom, Dr. Hunt (who was from St. Eleanor's, and who had taught at the day school that St. Peter's Cathedral operated in Charlottetown), and Dr. Samuel Prince. Dr. Prince was a priest from New Brunswick who was on the staff of Dalhousie and King's universities lecturing on sociology and pastoral work. These three men had the greatest influence on me. There was also Dr. Rex Moore, the president of King's. 1 tangled often with him,* but I admired him a great deal for the stands he took. I think he admired me for the stands I took! I remember he always used to say, "Never smoke your pipe going down the street with a lady!" But we saw him out walking with Mrs. Moore one afternoon while smoking his pipe. We wondered just what the connotation of that was!

I never seemed to get through King's College! I said 1 was the oldest living graduate - I was the one who went there the longest! In King's College there were three men who stood out: Dr. Vroom, Dr. Hunt (who was from St. Eleanor's, and who had taught at the day school that St. Peter's Cathedral operated in Charlottetown), and Dr. Samuel Prince. Dr. Prince was a priest from New Brunswick who was on the staff of Dalhousie and King's universities lecturing on sociology and pastoral work. These three men had the greatest influence on me. There was also Dr. Rex Moore, the president of King's. 1 tangled often with him,* but I admired him a great deal for the stands he took. I think he admired me for the stands I took! I remember he always used to say, "Never smoke your pipe going down the street with a lady!" But we saw him out walking with Mrs. Moore one afternoon while smoking his pipe. We wondered just what the connotation of that was!

I remember Fred Moore, an older student who was later ordained, and served parishes in Nova Scotia (he was no relation to Dr. Moore). One time

I was ordained priest on Palm Sunday, 1939, at , and the following September I came over to in Prince Edward Island, as rector. In August I got married to Connie Tufts.

to put my horse up at his place in as I was going up to Lot 11. Our first Christmas midnight mass was at Lot 11, and I stayed with John W. and Mrs. Palmer and their family. That night (it was the first Christmas that Connie and I were married) John W. said, "Would you like a little refreshment?" I said, "Thank you very much!" He brought in a glass of something, and said, "I couldn't get anything from the vendor's, but this is the best we've got!" I don't remember going upstairs!

to put my horse up at his place in as I was going up to Lot 11. Our first Christmas midnight mass was at Lot 11, and I stayed with John W. and Mrs. Palmer and their family. That night (it was the first Christmas that Connie and I were married) John W. said, "Would you like a little refreshment?" I said, "Thank you very much!" He brought in a glass of something, and said, "I couldn't get anything from the vendor's, but this is the best we've got!" I don't remember going upstairs!

I went into the Air Force from for two years in 1942. I went to Gander, Newfoundland, for 13 months, then to ADTS, Quebec, Manning Depot in Lachine, and was discharged from St. Hubert's, Quebec, on request. The Bishop of Nova Scotia appointed me to Tangier, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia.

I went into the Air Force from for two years in 1942. I went to Gander, Newfoundland, for 13 months, then to ADTS, Quebec, Manning Depot in Lachine, and was discharged from St. Hubert's, Quebec, on request. The Bishop of Nova Scotia appointed me to Tangier, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia.

I went into the Air Force from for two years in 1942. I went to Gander, Newfoundland, for 13 months, then to ADTS, Quebec, Manning Depot in Lachine, and was discharged from St. Hubert's, Quebec, on request. The Bishop of Nova Scotia appointed me to Tangier, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia.

I went into the Air Force from for two years in 1942. I went to Gander, Newfoundland, for 13 months, then to ADTS, Quebec, Manning Depot in Lachine, and was discharged from St. Hubert's, Quebec, on request. The Bishop of Nova Scotia appointed me to Tangier, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia.

I went into the Air Force from for two years in 1942. I went to Gander, Newfoundland, for 13 months, then to ADTS, Quebec, Manning Depot in Lachine, and was discharged from St. Hubert's, Quebec, on request. The Bishop of Nova Scotia appointed me to Tangier, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia.

I went into the Air Force from for two years in 1942. I went to Gander, Newfoundland, for 13 months, then to ADTS, Quebec, Manning Depot in Lachine, and was discharged from St. Hubert's, Quebec, on request. The Bishop of Nova Scotia appointed me to Tangier, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia.

Father Tanton (left) with the Right Reverend Robert Harold Waterman (third from left), ninth Bishop of Nova Scotia, at Tangier on the occasion of the ordination to the priesthood of one of the first of the young men whose vacation he encouraged, the Reverend Keith Mason (right). The Bishop's Chaplain is the Reverend H.C. Quartermain.

When we were at St. Mark's the north end of Halifax developed tremendously. At one time the north end of Halifax belonged to St. Paul's Church. So you got , St. , , , in the north end. The property was sold, unfortunately, to some man to pile pulpwood, and pit-props, for shipment to England. Later, a real estate development took place, and a piece of land was reserved for a church. But it was not in a place where the population was going to grow, so we exchanged that piece of land with the city for another on which to build St. Margaret of Scotland Church.

When we were at St. Mark's the north end of Halifax developed tremendously. At one time the north end of Halifax belonged to St. Paul's Church. So you got , St. , , , in the north end. The property was sold, unfortunately, to some man to pile pulpwood, and pit-props, for shipment to England. Later, a real estate development took place, and a piece of land was reserved for a church. But it was not in a place where the population was going to grow, so we exchanged that piece of land with the city for another on which to build St. Margaret of Scotland Church.

end of Halifax St. Margaret's is THE church and is growing. There is going to be a tremendous housing development in what was called the old infectious disease hospital property. There will be thousands of people living in that area where St. Margaret's has been built. The Reverend William Moore, who married a girl from MacNeill's Mills, Greta MacDonald, is the rector there at the present time (1974). These Islanders are all over the place, you can't get clear of them. I don't know what the Nova Scotians would do without them! The Nova Scotians depend a lot on the Newfoundlanders too; we mustn't forget them. It is Islanders, one way or another!

end of Halifax St. Margaret's is THE church and is growing. There is going to be a tremendous housing development in what was called the old infectious disease hospital property. There will be thousands of people living in that area where St. Margaret's has been built. The Reverend William Moore, who married a girl from MacNeill's Mills, Greta MacDonald, is the rector there at the present time (1974). These Islanders are all over the place, you can't get clear of them. I don't know what the Nova Scotians would do without them! The Nova Scotians depend a lot on the Newfoundlanders too; we mustn't forget them. It is Islanders, one way or another!

In 1967 Bishop William Davis asked me if I would come over to be Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island. It was a very difficult decision to make, but once again I had to follow the principle I had always followed. Two of our girls were going into university, one to study nursing and the other to study education. We had such an active parish in St.

In 1967 Bishop William Davis asked me if I would come over to be Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral and Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island. It was a very difficult decision to make, but once again I had to follow the principle I had always followed. Two of our girls were going into university, one to study nursing and the other to study education. We had such an active parish in St.

Mark's, and so many delightful people, and such a response from them, that it was very difficult to leave. But I felt that if the Bishop wanted me to go I should. And, of course, it was a great honour to be called home to our own Province, where I had been brought up as a boy, and to follow in the steps of Dr. Hunt, Canon Malone, and Canon Simpson. St. Peter's was certainly a challenge, and an awesome one. I hope that in some small way we have at least got into some of their steps, anyhow.

A meeting of the Diocesan Church Society in Kensington, about 1972.

As Archdeacon of Father Tanton dealt with everything from television producers (John McGreevy, above), to the annual tug of war between the ladies of St. Mary's Church, Summerside, and those of St. Peter's Cathedral, at the annual Anglican picnic he initiated at Camp Kingston, Crapaud. The Charlottetown ladies, being heavier, won this event every time it was held.

As Archdeacon of Father Tanton dealt with everything from television producers (John McGreevy, above), to the annual tug of war between the ladies of St. Mary's Church, Summerside, and those of St. Peter's Cathedral, at the annual Anglican picnic he initiated at Camp Kingston, Crapaud. The Charlottetown ladies, being heavier, won this event every time it was held.

As Archdeacon of Father Tanton dealt with everything from television producers (John McGreevy, above), to the annual tug of war between the ladies of St. Mary's Church, Summerside, and those of St. Peter's Cathedral, at the annual Anglican picnic he initiated at Camp Kingston, Crapaud. The Charlottetown ladies, being heavier, won this event every time it was held.

As Archdeacon of Father Tanton dealt with everything from television producers (John McGreevy, above), to the annual tug of war between the ladies of St. Mary's Church, Summerside, and those of St. Peter's Cathedral, at the annual Anglican picnic he initiated at Camp Kingston, Crapaud. The Charlottetown ladies, being heavier, won this event every time it was held.

As Archdeacon of Father Tanton dealt with everything from television producers (John McGreevy, above), to the annual tug of war between the ladies of St. Mary's Church, Summerside, and those of St. Peter's Cathedral, at the annual Anglican picnic he initiated at Camp Kingston, Crapaud. The Charlottetown ladies, being heavier, won this event every time it was held.

It was a tremendous experience in 1973 to preach before the Queen at a service that was televised nationally. It was a great worry. I worried and worried and worried. I got up one time at 4 o'clock in the morning and outlined the sermon I had to preach. But it was a great pleasure and a great thrill. The Queen was the most delightful person, much less critical than some of our parishioners! The Prince was charming. I don't know how we could do without them, really. When you see the Monarchy up close, there is something, something you can't put your finger on. Not only was it broadcast nationally (I got letters from as far away as Victoria asking for copies of the sermon), but it was rebroadcast in total in England on the BBC. One of our

Father Tanton with H.M. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip as they visit with members of the Royal Canadian Legion in Charlottetown in 1973.

own parishioners from St. Peter's. Bronwen Murray (Blyth Murray's daughter) heard the service on the BBC in London.

One of Father Tan ton's first moves as Archdeacon was to find a resident minister for Georgetown: Church Army Captain Ronald Walker (above).

I would like to say something about Georgetown, because this has been one of my joys. Georgetown has had very difficult times, a little parish down there, and they are now being led by some very faithful people, especially Jim

I would like to say something about Georgetown, because this has been one of my joys. Georgetown has had very difficult times, a little parish down there, and they are now being led by some very faithful people, especially Jim

and Norma Watson. Last year Mr. James Yetman was the layreader there, and did a tremendous job. I do hope those people will be supported in their witness for our Lord and His Church, because it is a tremendous opportunity. 1 see it growing. In plans for the Island there will have to be some redistribution of parishes, and there will have to be some sharing of the load. I don't know what pattern it is going to take, but I do hope that there will be provision made for Georgetown.

I would also like to say something about the "head-start" work at Inverness. It has always been a great joy. There was wonderful work done there in the old St. Andrew's Mission building that we converted into a Daycare Centre for the deprived children in that neighbourhood, and 1 hope it will be continued. I know that the Government is withdrawing some of its support; but I hope they will see the importance of continuing it, and that it makes a worthwhile contribution to the lives of the people.

The third thing I would like to speak of is the work of our Anglican Centre at Crapaud, and our Anglican youth camps and music camps. I hope these will grow and develop, but this will require concern and interest on the part of the people as a whole. It must not be left to a few - although there will always have to be a few who will spark the activities. It is so easy to be Archdeacon and have a certain amount of success (I hate that word - but it is a word that people understand), but it is only possible because of the follow-up and support and backup you receive. I must say that during my time as Archdeacon on the Island the backup of our priests and laity has been tremendous.

During Archdeacon Tanton's regime Island Anglicans came together for worship, service and fellowship as seldom before. The Camp Kingston property at Crapaud that had been developed on the basis of the vision of an earlier generation of clergy was centrally located and was used for youth camps, church music camps, picnics and rallies. In 1973 he persuaded all the parishes to hold their respective parish picnics together as one at . The turnout was estimated at more than 500 people (above).

During Archdeacon Tanton's regime Island Anglicans came together for worship, service and fellowship as seldom before. The Camp Kingston property at Crapaud that had been developed on the basis of the vision of an earlier generation of clergy was centrally located and was used for youth camps, church music camps, picnics and rallies. In 1973 he persuaded all the parishes to hold their respective parish picnics together as one at . The turnout was estimated at more than 500 people (above).

Church music camps were held at Camp Kingston in the early 1970s and attracted large numbers. In the above photograph the Camp Choir, under the direction of Mark LeRoux, is shown at St. Paul's Church, Charlottetown. Archdeacon Tanton is fourth on the left.

Church music camps were held at Camp Kingston in the early 1970s and attracted large numbers. In the above photograph the Camp Choir, under the direction of Mark LeRoux, is shown at St. Paul's Church, Charlottetown. Archdeacon Tanton is fourth on the left.

Island Anglican Sunday School teachers and pupils rallied in the High School gymnasium in Summerside in 1968 to greet the Primate, Archbishop Howard Clark, on his return from the Lambeth Conference that year. The same evening Island Anglicans packed the Confederation Centre Theatre in Charlottetown to hear an address by the Primate. In the above photograph of the Summerside gathering Father Tanton is the figure to the right of the lectern. This youth rally was another of Fred Hyndman's ideas.

Island Anglican Sunday School teachers and pupils rallied in the High School gymnasium in Summerside in 1968 to greet the Primate, Archbishop Howard Clark, on his return from the Lambeth Conference that year. The same evening Island Anglicans packed the Confederation Centre Theatre in Charlottetown to hear an address by the Primate. In the above photograph of the Summerside gathering Father Tanton is the figure to the right of the lectern. This youth rally was another of Fred Hyndman's ideas.

Island Anglican Sunday School teachers and pupils rallied in the High School gymnasium in Summerside in 1968 to greet the Primate, Archbishop Howard Clark, on his return from the Lambeth Conference that year. The same evening Island Anglicans packed the Confederation Centre Theatre in Charlottetown to hear an address by the Primate. In the above photograph of the Summerside gathering Father Tanton is the figure to the right of the lectern. This youth rally was another of Fred Hyndman's ideas.

I am going to retire to Nova Seotia. I have to take a year off. 1 am on a disability pension now, and I have to take a year off completely free from parish work in the hope that the "old ticker" will get better. Then I hope that I will be of some use to somebody somewhere in a part-time capacity, or otherwise. They want me to write a book, but I don't think anybody would read it. We arc going to live in Boutilicr's Point in the parish of French Village. We have a little summer home there that is going to be rebuilt and winterised as a place for us to live. We are calling it "Bridmote". It means, "brid" is the Anglo-Saxon word for "bird", and "mote" is the Anglo-Saxon for a "gathering". So it is a place for the birds to gather. My wife has taken a very keen interest

Father Staff and Connie enjoyed some happy years at Bridmote, before moving into Halifax and making an apartment on Street their last home. In Prince Edward Island the struggle to develop the life and ministry of the Anglican Church continued, hut it missed his leadership. By 1995 the St. Andrew's Davcare Centre had long since been closed, Camp Kingston had been sold, and the Parish of Crapaud had lost its resident priest and been put under the pastoral care of the rector of Milton. Most of these changes came after a movement to make the Church on the Island a self-reliant jurisdiction independent of the Diocese of Nova Scotia had been squelched, despite widespread support for it in the Cathedral and the rural parishes. Father Tanton's last intervention in Prince Edward Island Church affairs came before the plebiscite held to determine the Island Church's future in 1987: he wrote, "The Church in Prince Edward Island would benefit greatly by having its own identity just as in political and civic affairs. My stand on this matter has always been that the Church in Prince Edward Island should be a separate entity with its own title."

Father Staff and Connie enjoyed some happy years at Bridmote, before moving into Halifax and making an apartment on Street their last home. In Prince Edward Island the struggle to develop the life and ministry of the Anglican Church continued, hut it missed his leadership. By 1995 the St. Andrew's Davcare Centre had long since been closed, Camp Kingston had been sold, and the Parish of Crapaud had lost its resident priest and been put under the pastoral care of the rector of Milton. Most of these changes came after a movement to make the Church on the Island a self-reliant jurisdiction independent of the Diocese of Nova Scotia had been squelched, despite widespread support for it in the Cathedral and the rural parishes. Father Tanton's last intervention in Prince Edward Island Church affairs came before the plebiscite held to determine the Island Church's future in 1987: he wrote, "The Church in Prince Edward Island would benefit greatly by having its own identity just as in political and civic affairs. My stand on this matter has always been that the Church in Prince Edward Island should be a separate entity with its own title."

Father Staff and Connie enjoyed some happy years at Bridmote, before moving into Halifax and making an apartment on Street their last home. In Prince Edward Island the struggle to develop the life and ministry of the Anglican Church continued, hut it missed his leadership. By 1995 the St. Andrew's Davcare Centre had long since been closed, Camp Kingston had been sold, and the Parish of Crapaud had lost its resident priest and been put under the pastoral care of the rector of Milton. Most of these changes came after a movement to make the Church on the Island a self-reliant jurisdiction independent of the Diocese of Nova Scotia had been squelched, despite widespread support for it in the Cathedral and the rural parishes. Father Tanton's last intervention in Prince Edward Island Church affairs came before the plebiscite held to determine the Island Church's future in 1987: he wrote, "The Church in Prince Edward Island would benefit greatly by having its own identity just as in political and civic affairs. My stand on this matter has always been that the Church in Prince Edward Island should be a separate entity with its own title."

Father Staff and Connie enjoyed some happy years at Bridmote, before moving into Halifax and making an apartment on Street their last home. In Prince Edward Island the struggle to develop the life and ministry of the Anglican Church continued, hut it missed his leadership. By 1995 the St. Andrew's Davcare Centre had long since been closed, Camp Kingston had been sold, and the Parish of Crapaud had lost its resident priest and been put under the pastoral care of the rector of Milton. Most of these changes came after a movement to make the Church on the Island a self-reliant jurisdiction independent of the Diocese of Nova Scotia had been squelched, despite widespread support for it in the Cathedral and the rural parishes. Father Tanton's last intervention in Prince Edward Island Church affairs came before the plebiscite held to determine the Island Church's future in 1987: he wrote, "The Church in Prince Edward Island would benefit greatly by having its own identity just as in political and civic affairs. My stand on this matter has always been that the Church in Prince Edward Island should be a separate entity with its own title."

Father Staff and Connie enjoyed some happy years at Bridmote, before moving into Halifax and making an apartment on Street their last home. In Prince Edward Island the struggle to develop the life and ministry of the Anglican Church continued, hut it missed his leadership. By 1995 the St. Andrew's Davcare Centre had long since been closed, Camp Kingston had been sold, and the Parish of Crapaud had lost its resident priest and been put under the pastoral care of the rector of Milton. Most of these changes came after a movement to make the Church on the Island a self-reliant jurisdiction independent of the Diocese of Nova Scotia had been squelched, despite widespread support for it in the Cathedral and the rural parishes. Father Tanton's last intervention in Prince Edward Island Church affairs came before the plebiscite held to determine the Island Church's future in 1987: he wrote, "The Church in Prince Edward Island would benefit greatly by having its own identity just as in political and civic affairs. My stand on this matter has always been that the Church in Prince Edward Island should be a separate entity with its own title."

Father Staff and Connie enjoyed some happy years at Bridmote, before moving into Halifax and making an apartment on Street their last home. In Prince Edward Island the struggle to develop the life and ministry of the Anglican Church continued, hut it missed his leadership. By 1995 the St. Andrew's Davcare Centre had long since been closed, Camp Kingston had been sold, and the Parish of Crapaud had lost its resident priest and been put under the pastoral care of the rector of Milton. Most of these changes came after a movement to make the Church on the Island a self-reliant jurisdiction independent of the Diocese of Nova Scotia had been squelched, despite widespread support for it in the Cathedral and the rural parishes. Father Tanton's last intervention in Prince Edward Island Church affairs came before the plebiscite held to determine the Island Church's future in 1987: he wrote, "The Church in Prince Edward Island would benefit greatly by having its own identity just as in political and civic affairs. My stand on this matter has always been that the Church in Prince Edward Island should be a separate entity with its own title."

Father Staff and Connie enjoyed some happy years at Bridmote, before moving into Halifax and making an apartment on Street their last home. In Prince Edward Island the struggle to develop the life and ministry of the Anglican Church continued, hut it missed his leadership. By 1995 the St. Andrew's Davcare Centre had long since been closed, Camp Kingston had been sold, and the Parish of Crapaud had lost its resident priest and been put under the pastoral care of the rector of Milton. Most of these changes came after a movement to make the Church on the Island a self-reliant jurisdiction independent of the Diocese of Nova Scotia had been squelched, despite widespread support for it in the Cathedral and the rural parishes. Father Tanton's last intervention in Prince Edward Island Church affairs came before the plebiscite held to determine the Island Church's future in 1987: he wrote, "The Church in Prince Edward Island would benefit greatly by having its own identity just as in political and civic affairs. My stand on this matter has always been that the Church in Prince Edward Island should be a separate entity with its own title."

Resurrection window, All Souls' Chapel, St. Peter's Cathedral, Charlottetown.

Resurrection window, All Souls' Chapel, St. Peter's Cathedral, Charlottetown.

Bishop George Arnold (left). Archdeacon Tanton, and Gerald Proctor (right) at a Diocesan Church Society meeting held at the Englewood School, Crapaud.

Most of Father Tanton's surviving sermon notes are just that - notes. They are jotted down on cards, or on the backs of bulletin covers distributed from Church House in Toronto. They are sometimes typed, sometimes hand-written, frequently with headings highlighted in red. Others, like the sermon he prepared for his homiletics class assignment in seminary, or the sermon he preached before H.M. Queen Elizabeth, are written out in full. The content of his faith and loyalty to Christ and His Church is expressed in these notes. Some examples follow.

In the course of his ministry Father Tanton was very much in demand as a guest preacher and missioner. His widespread reputation throughout Nova Scotia and beyond as a forceful and dynamic individual whose impact in his parishes extended well beyond his religious responsibilities into the social and economic welfare of the community, always guaranteed a good attendance. Here are some examples of the notes he prepared for several of these occasions.

It is a temptation to make this an occasion for nostalgic memories, and to become sentimental, to recall great Kingsmen like Dr. Vroom, Dr. Hunt, Dr. Prince, Dr. Burns Martin, and others, some of whom happily are with us today. Professor Bennett and Dr. Page, and to recall the great traditions of this, the oldest English-speaking university in Canada, and the King's way of life. Her ideals of manhood, learning and gentleness, and the implications of her motto - Deo, Legi, Regi, Gregi - the initiations of the past, and the pranks we played. But these are themes for the Haliburton Club, the President's Dinner, and such like occasions.

Again, several weeks ago I was challenged by the statement of the Reverend W. Macleod, who met with the press and representatives of the churches in Charlottetown to introduce us to "The Canadian Conference on Church and Society, with the subtitle, "Christian Conscience and Poverty". He reminded us, as does Pierre Berton in The Smug Minority, that besides the three million Canadians who are destitute (that is, families of four where total earnings did not reach $2,000) there are two million more living in poverty, and another two million living in privation. These statistics tell us that more than seven million people - more than a third of the nation - live in a state of destitution, poverty and privation. This is in Canada, with its high standard of living.

Again, several weeks ago I was challenged by the statement of the Reverend W. Macleod, who met with the press and representatives of the churches in Charlottetown to introduce us to "The Canadian Conference on Church and Society, with the subtitle, "Christian Conscience and Poverty". He reminded us, as does Pierre Berton in The Smug Minority, that besides the three million Canadians who are destitute (that is, families of four where total earnings did not reach $2,000) there are two million more living in poverty, and another two million living in privation. These statistics tell us that more than seven million people - more than a third of the nation - live in a state of destitution, poverty and privation. This is in Canada, with its high standard of living.

We must take hold of that faith which Martin Luther King possessed. It is only when you believe in - not about - Jesus that you can say, with St. Peter, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Then, and only then, can you appropriate to your life the redeeming power of God, and God can use you to be His Church.

Nor did the Incarnation end on Christmas Day, for the Collect continues, "so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection." The Incarnation continued throughout our Lord's earthly life, including His death and resurrection, and at His Ascension our manhood to a still higher dimension of being, a dimension in which we are promised a share in our baptism.

But the Incarnation continues with "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried - rose again - ascended into heaven." In this sense the Incarnation did not end with the Ascension. Our manhood, now glorified, is in heaven.

St. Paul's Church, and St. Mark's Church. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Lent 1961

Some years ago the House of Laity (of the Church Assembly) of the Church of England in England set up a committee to report on the duties and obligations involved in membership in the Church of England.

Why the Holy Communion? The foundation of all our Christian life is to obey our Lord's commands, one of which was and is, "Do this in remembrance of Me."

The following sermon was preached initially a I the Induction of the Reverend Bruce Howe (one of Father Tanton's "hoys" from St. Mark's Parish, Halifax) as Rector of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, on February 17,1980, and again on October 26 of the same year at the Induction of the Reverend Keith Ham/in* (another of his "boys") as Rector of the parish of Antigonish - Bayfield, Nova Scotia. It was preached a third time on July 13, 1982, when Canon Robert Tuck was inducted by the man who replaced him as archdeacon in Prince Edward Island, the Reverend Robert Power, as Rector of the parish of Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown, "after seven years as priest-in-charge" (as Father Tanton notes on his manuscript).

The following sermon was preached initially a I the Induction of the Reverend Bruce Howe (one of Father Tanton's "hoys" from St. Mark's Parish, Halifax) as Rector of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, on February 17,1980, and again on October 26 of the same year at the Induction of the Reverend Keith Ham/in* (another of his "boys") as Rector of the parish of Antigonish - Bayfield, Nova Scotia. It was preached a third time on July 13, 1982, when Canon Robert Tuck was inducted by the man who replaced him as archdeacon in Prince Edward Island, the Reverend Robert Power, as Rector of the parish of Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown, "after seven years as priest-in-charge" (as Father Tanton notes on his manuscript).

The following sermon was preached initially a I the Induction of the Reverend Bruce Howe (one of Father Tanton's "hoys" from St. Mark's Parish, Halifax) as Rector of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, on February 17,1980, and again on October 26 of the same year at the Induction of the Reverend Keith Ham/in* (another of his "boys") as Rector of the parish of Antigonish - Bayfield, Nova Scotia. It was preached a third time on July 13, 1982, when Canon Robert Tuck was inducted by the man who replaced him as archdeacon in Prince Edward Island, the Reverend Robert Power, as Rector of the parish of Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown, "after seven years as priest-in-charge" (as Father Tanton notes on his manuscript).

The following sermon was preached initially a I the Induction of the Reverend Bruce Howe (one of Father Tanton's "hoys" from St. Mark's Parish, Halifax) as Rector of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, on February 17,1980, and again on October 26 of the same year at the Induction of the Reverend Keith Ham/in* (another of his "boys") as Rector of the parish of Antigonish - Bayfield, Nova Scotia. It was preached a third time on July 13, 1982, when Canon Robert Tuck was inducted by the man who replaced him as archdeacon in Prince Edward Island, the Reverend Robert Power, as Rector of the parish of Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown, "after seven years as priest-in-charge" (as Father Tanton notes on his manuscript).

The following sermon was preached initially a I the Induction of the Reverend Bruce Howe (one of Father Tanton's "hoys" from St. Mark's Parish, Halifax) as Rector of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, on February 17,1980, and again on October 26 of the same year at the Induction of the Reverend Keith Ham/in* (another of his "boys") as Rector of the parish of Antigonish - Bayfield, Nova Scotia. It was preached a third time on July 13, 1982, when Canon Robert Tuck was inducted by the man who replaced him as archdeacon in Prince Edward Island, the Reverend Robert Power, as Rector of the parish of Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown, "after seven years as priest-in-charge" (as Father Tanton notes on his manuscript).

of Chester, Nova Scotia, was installed as the dean of the St. Margaret's Region in the Diocese of Nova Scotia. Canon Tanton. who had retired and was living at Bridmote in the Region, was the preacher.

of Chester, Nova Scotia, was installed as the dean of the St. Margaret's Region in the Diocese of Nova Scotia. Canon Tanton. who had retired and was living at Bridmote in the Region, was the preacher.

of Chester, Nova Scotia, was installed as the dean of the St. Margaret's Region in the Diocese of Nova Scotia. Canon Tanton. who had retired and was living at Bridmote in the Region, was the preacher.

(b) Regional Dean, Rural Dean, the Dean of Nova Scotia - a dean in theory is one of or over ten.

Go - teach - "Who do men say that I am? Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." This is the Church's message - the strong Christ of the Creeds. No watered down doctrine of Christ will win the world, (a) The first sermon in the Apostolic Church was that of St. Peter on the death and resurrection of Christ. Lord Ramsey of Canterbury writes, "Easter tells us both of a mighty deed and of a continuing presence. Christians rejoice in both and find in both a focus of faith and hope. The deed is of God's sovereign power; Christians are, in St. Paul's words, "believers in Him who raised up

Jesus from the dead," and their God, in St. Peter's words, is one "who raised up Jesus from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God."

- which by the way carried over a long time after (Feast of the Purification incident*). Anglo-Catholics were the leaders - Kingsley, F.D. Maurice, Basil Jellicoe, Father Wainwright of St. Peter's, London Docks, William Temple, Bishop Gore. The emphasis on the INCARNATION - that Jesus came to save the whole man - whole faith - for the whole man for the whole world - this was their mission.

Emmanuel Amand de Mendieta, a converted R.C. Benedictine, says, "Historically, doctrinally, in moral teaching and in liturgy, she continues the life of the Church of the Middle Ages, and is the one fully Catholic Church of this land (England). She remains faithful to the universal tradition of the Church of our Lord, and conforms to this in the spirit of St. Augustine's words: "In necessities unity, in doubtful things liberty, in all things charity." In the

* On February 2. 1949, The Feast of the Purification, six priests who formed the nucleus of "The Anglican Fellowship for Social Action" in the Diocese of Nova Scotia - a group that included Stavert Tanton - were summoned by Archbishop George Frederick Kingston to meet with him, and his new coadjutor Bishop. Robert Harold Waterman, at King's College, to hear complaints and accusations levelled against them by a group of laymen to the effect that they were "trouble-making, destructive, anarchic and communistic." The meeting ended when one of the group asked the Archbishop if any of the six would be among the ten best parish priests in the diocese. The Archbishop replied that all six would be included in such a list (See The Briefcase Boys, by Russell Elliott, Lancelot Press, page 126).

On Sunday, July 1, 1973, a Service of Thanksgiving, with HM Queen Elizabeth present, was held in , Charlottetown, to mark Prince Edward Island's Centennial in Confederation. The preacher was Father Tanton, chosen not because he was the ranking Anglican dignitary - that in the view of the Anglican Church was the Bishop of Nova Scotia, because the Bishop of Nova Scotia exercises episcopal jurisdiction over the Island - but because he was the chairman that year of the Charlottetown Ministerial Association. An unfortunate incident occurred in the course of the Royal Visit when the Bishop of Nova Scotia, the Right Reverend William Davis, with Mrs. Davis, turned up at Government House in Charlottetown to attend a formal dinner in honour of the Queen and Prince Philip, and was refused admittance. In the view of the government authorities he was, as the Bishop of Nova Scotia, from "away", and therefore not an eligible participant in an Island event.

On Sunday, July 1, 1973, a Service of Thanksgiving, with HM Queen Elizabeth present, was held in , Charlottetown, to mark Prince Edward Island's Centennial in Confederation. The preacher was Father Tanton, chosen not because he was the ranking Anglican dignitary - that in the view of the Anglican Church was the Bishop of Nova Scotia, because the Bishop of Nova Scotia exercises episcopal jurisdiction over the Island - but because he was the chairman that year of the Charlottetown Ministerial Association. An unfortunate incident occurred in the course of the Royal Visit when the Bishop of Nova Scotia, the Right Reverend William Davis, with Mrs. Davis, turned up at Government House in Charlottetown to attend a formal dinner in honour of the Queen and Prince Philip, and was refused admittance. In the view of the government authorities he was, as the Bishop of Nova Scotia, from "away", and therefore not an eligible participant in an Island event.

On Sunday, July 1, 1973, a Service of Thanksgiving, with HM Queen Elizabeth present, was held in , Charlottetown, to mark Prince Edward Island's Centennial in Confederation. The preacher was Father Tanton, chosen not because he was the ranking Anglican dignitary - that in the view of the Anglican Church was the Bishop of Nova Scotia, because the Bishop of Nova Scotia exercises episcopal jurisdiction over the Island - but because he was the chairman that year of the Charlottetown Ministerial Association. An unfortunate incident occurred in the course of the Royal Visit when the Bishop of Nova Scotia, the Right Reverend William Davis, with Mrs. Davis, turned up at Government House in Charlottetown to attend a formal dinner in honour of the Queen and Prince Philip, and was refused admittance. In the view of the government authorities he was, as the Bishop of Nova Scotia, from "away", and therefore not an eligible participant in an Island event.

On Sunday, July 1, 1973, a Service of Thanksgiving, with HM Queen Elizabeth present, was held in , Charlottetown, to mark Prince Edward Island's Centennial in Confederation. The preacher was Father Tanton, chosen not because he was the ranking Anglican dignitary - that in the view of the Anglican Church was the Bishop of Nova Scotia, because the Bishop of Nova Scotia exercises episcopal jurisdiction over the Island - but because he was the chairman that year of the Charlottetown Ministerial Association. An unfortunate incident occurred in the course of the Royal Visit when the Bishop of Nova Scotia, the Right Reverend William Davis, with Mrs. Davis, turned up at Government House in Charlottetown to attend a formal dinner in honour of the Queen and Prince Philip, and was refused admittance. In the view of the government authorities he was, as the Bishop of Nova Scotia, from "away", and therefore not an eligible participant in an Island event.

On Sunday, July 1, 1973, a Service of Thanksgiving, with HM Queen Elizabeth present, was held in , Charlottetown, to mark Prince Edward Island's Centennial in Confederation. The preacher was Father Tanton, chosen not because he was the ranking Anglican dignitary - that in the view of the Anglican Church was the Bishop of Nova Scotia, because the Bishop of Nova Scotia exercises episcopal jurisdiction over the Island - but because he was the chairman that year of the Charlottetown Ministerial Association. An unfortunate incident occurred in the course of the Royal Visit when the Bishop of Nova Scotia, the Right Reverend William Davis, with Mrs. Davis, turned up at Government House in Charlottetown to attend a formal dinner in honour of the Queen and Prince Philip, and was refused admittance. In the view of the government authorities he was, as the Bishop of Nova Scotia, from "away", and therefore not an eligible participant in an Island event.

On Sunday, July 1, 1973, a Service of Thanksgiving, with HM Queen Elizabeth present, was held in , Charlottetown, to mark Prince Edward Island's Centennial in Confederation. The preacher was Father Tanton, chosen not because he was the ranking Anglican dignitary - that in the view of the Anglican Church was the Bishop of Nova Scotia, because the Bishop of Nova Scotia exercises episcopal jurisdiction over the Island - but because he was the chairman that year of the Charlottetown Ministerial Association. An unfortunate incident occurred in the course of the Royal Visit when the Bishop of Nova Scotia, the Right Reverend William Davis, with Mrs. Davis, turned up at Government House in Charlottetown to attend a formal dinner in honour of the Queen and Prince Philip, and was refused admittance. In the view of the government authorities he was, as the Bishop of Nova Scotia, from "away", and therefore not an eligible participant in an Island event.

On Sunday, July 1, 1973, a Service of Thanksgiving, with HM Queen Elizabeth present, was held in , Charlottetown, to mark Prince Edward Island's Centennial in Confederation. The preacher was Father Tanton, chosen not because he was the ranking Anglican dignitary - that in the view of the Anglican Church was the Bishop of Nova Scotia, because the Bishop of Nova Scotia exercises episcopal jurisdiction over the Island - but because he was the chairman that year of the Charlottetown Ministerial Association. An unfortunate incident occurred in the course of the Royal Visit when the Bishop of Nova Scotia, the Right Reverend William Davis, with Mrs. Davis, turned up at Government House in Charlottetown to attend a formal dinner in honour of the Queen and Prince Philip, and was refused admittance. In the view of the government authorities he was, as the Bishop of Nova Scotia, from "away", and therefore not an eligible participant in an Island event.

One hundred years ago today, Prince Edward Island became a part of the Dominion of Canada. This was a political move, and because it was and is political there will always be differences of opinion as to the value of the move. Let that be as it may - one thing is certain, that something more important than political tactics makes a people great.

One hundred years ago today, Prince Edward Island became a part of the Dominion of Canada. This was a political move, and because it was and is political there will always be differences of opinion as to the value of the move. Let that be as it may - one thing is certain, that something more important than political tactics makes a people great.

The Most Reverend Francis Spence (left), the Roman Catholic Bishop of Charlottetown, and Father Tanton, lead H.M. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip into , Charlottetown, on Dominion Day, 1973, for a Service of Thanksgiving on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Prince Edward Island's entry- into the Confederation.

The Most Reverend Francis Spence (left), the Roman Catholic Bishop of Charlottetown, and Father Tanton, lead H.M. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip into , Charlottetown, on Dominion Day, 1973, for a Service of Thanksgiving on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Prince Edward Island's entry- into the Confederation.

The Most Reverend Francis Spence (left), the Roman Catholic Bishop of Charlottetown, and Father Tanton, lead H.M. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip into , Charlottetown, on Dominion Day, 1973, for a Service of Thanksgiving on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Prince Edward Island's entry- into the Confederation.

One of Staffs great friends at King's was Harry Ploughman. Harry let it be known to all and sundry that he intended to live a celibate life, and he showed little interest in the girls until his last year in college. Then, much to the surprise of his colleagues, he began spending most of his evenings at Sherriff Hall, the Dalhousie University women's residence. The attraction was a young lady named Philippa Thygesen. Staff and Bill Maclntyre, a law student, knowing that Harry was expecting to hear from the Archbishop of Fredericton about his appointment to a parish in the spring, thought they would play a trick on Harry. They acquired a couple of pages of the Archbishop's letterhead and matching envelope, apparently through Bill's mother, who was the Archbishop's secretary. In any event, they wrote a letter to Harry, and forged the signature of the Archbishop. In the letter Harry's anxiety to know what parish he would be sent to after he was priestcd was acknowledged, and the Archbishop stated that he had just the right parish for a person who felt called to a celibate life - the Mission Church of St. John the Baptist in Saint John. It would soon be vacant, and had always been served by an unmarried priest, for that was all it could afford. The letter went on to state that the Archbishop would be visiting King's shortly, and that he would be able to supply Harry with further details at that time.

Staff Tanton's first parish was , Prince Edward Island, in the late 1930s. He was not married at that time, and had a very nice middle-aged lady as his housekeeper. Just up the road, in the nearby village of Valley, the oldest boy in a large family living in a small house was having difficulty finding enough privacy at home to study for his final high school examinations, and Staff let the lad live in the Rectory for a while. When Bishop John Hackenley, making his rounds on an episcopal visitation, was expected to arrive in from the adjoining parish of Alberton, Staff set out in his horse and buggy for the store in the nearby village of Valley to buy some supplies. Before he left, Staff said to the housekeeper and the lad, "If the Bishop comes before I return don't let him into the bathroom, I have to get a plunger to loosen it up!"

Staff Tanton's first parish was , Prince Edward Island, in the late 1930s. He was not married at that time, and had a very nice middle-aged lady as his housekeeper. Just up the road, in the nearby village of Valley, the oldest boy in a large family living in a small house was having difficulty finding enough privacy at home to study for his final high school examinations, and Staff let the lad live in the Rectory for a while. When Bishop John Hackenley, making his rounds on an episcopal visitation, was expected to arrive in from the adjoining parish of Alberton, Staff set out in his horse and buggy for the store in the nearby village of Valley to buy some supplies. Before he left, Staff said to the housekeeper and the lad, "If the Bishop comes before I return don't let him into the bathroom, I have to get a plunger to loosen it up!"

Staff Tanton's first parish was , Prince Edward Island, in the late 1930s. He was not married at that time, and had a very nice middle-aged lady as his housekeeper. Just up the road, in the nearby village of Valley, the oldest boy in a large family living in a small house was having difficulty finding enough privacy at home to study for his final high school examinations, and Staff let the lad live in the Rectory for a while. When Bishop John Hackenley, making his rounds on an episcopal visitation, was expected to arrive in from the adjoining parish of Alberton, Staff set out in his horse and buggy for the store in the nearby village of Valley to buy some supplies. Before he left, Staff said to the housekeeper and the lad, "If the Bishop comes before I return don't let him into the bathroom, I have to get a plunger to loosen it up!"

Staff Tanton's first parish was , Prince Edward Island, in the late 1930s. He was not married at that time, and had a very nice middle-aged lady as his housekeeper. Just up the road, in the nearby village of Valley, the oldest boy in a large family living in a small house was having difficulty finding enough privacy at home to study for his final high school examinations, and Staff let the lad live in the Rectory for a while. When Bishop John Hackenley, making his rounds on an episcopal visitation, was expected to arrive in from the adjoining parish of Alberton, Staff set out in his horse and buggy for the store in the nearby village of Valley to buy some supplies. Before he left, Staff said to the housekeeper and the lad, "If the Bishop comes before I return don't let him into the bathroom, I have to get a plunger to loosen it up!"

Our story reverts to Alberton, where I was the rector. The day before Bishop Hackenley arrived at our rectory the float in the toilet in our bathroom broke. We had to tie it up with twine. The Alberton store keeper said he would have to send to Summerside for a replacement, which meant a delay of several days. So we had to tell the Bishop, "Please, sir, don't flush the toilet, we'll look after it!"

Our story reverts to Alberton, where I was the rector. The day before Bishop Hackenley arrived at our rectory the float in the toilet in our bathroom broke. We had to tie it up with twine. The Alberton store keeper said he would have to send to Summerside for a replacement, which meant a delay of several days. So we had to tell the Bishop, "Please, sir, don't flush the toilet, we'll look after it!"

Our story reverts to Alberton, where I was the rector. The day before Bishop Hackenley arrived at our rectory the float in the toilet in our bathroom broke. We had to tie it up with twine. The Alberton store keeper said he would have to send to Summerside for a replacement, which meant a delay of several days. So we had to tell the Bishop, "Please, sir, don't flush the toilet, we'll look after it!"

Now, a day later, when Staff returned from Tyne Valley, he saw the Bishop's car was in his yard. The young lad met Staff, who said, with his big laugh, "I see the Bishop got here ahead of me!"

"My God," groaned the Bishop, "What's wrong with you clergy here in Prince Edward Island? I came all the way from Alberton for this!"

"My God," groaned the Bishop, "What's wrong with you clergy here in Prince Edward Island? I came all the way from Alberton for this!"

One time, when Staff was at , about forty young people from the Anglican Young Peoples' Association groups on the Island, along with a few clergy, gathered at George DeBlois's summer cottage at Stanhope for a week¬ end.

But the story has a not altogether unhappy ending, for on the way home to Staff found a kindly dentist in Summerside who fixed him up with a temporary set of teeth. He must have presented a satisfactory appearance to Connie, for they were soon married, and had a long and happy life together.

Many, many people, older and younger, also grew spiritually as is indicated by the number of young men and women from the parish who felt called by God, either to ordained ministry, or to missionary work in various isolated areas of Canada, or simply to serve in the local parish as workers in innumerable efforts.

Finally, Staff Tanton was the prophet who woke up the whole of the of Nova Scotia with his demands for service for and care of those who could not care for themselves. Almost single-handedly he pushed, pulled, coaxed, shamed and persuaded local and provincial authorities that a hospital was urgently needed for the area. The nearest hospital at that time was in Halifax, some 60 miles distant, over treacherous, 25-to-30 miles per hour, dirt and gravel roads. The cottage hospital was constructed within a few years, and has served that widespead population with distinction for almost 50 years. My eldest sister, Verna Mason, RN, FRAHA, eldest of 16 of us, children of James and Myrtle Mason of Tangier, former teacher and

From the time Father Tanton arrived in the Parish of Tangier, after World War II, until I was ordained deacon, then priest, serving in the Parish of Saint Paul's, Rawdon, Nova Scotia, until I left to become curate at Saint Augustine's, Lethbridge, Alberta, in 1952,1 had a very close association with him. He helped to mold my life, spiritually. With Father Ted DeWolf of the Parish of Musquodobit, Father Tanton was my mentor and guide in the early spiritual formation of my life. I shall always be grateful to those two men. They assumed a task, for me and for my future, that was begun, of course, by my father and mother - and by my older brother. Lieutenant Cashman Mason, RCNVR, who studied theology at the University of King's College in preparation for ordination, but was lost at sea during the war in the torpedoing and sinking of H.M.C.S. Valleyfield in 1944.

Since all but one of the families that constituted the fishing village of on Nova Scotia's eastern shore were Anglican the local school board had no problem in allowing one hour a week in school time for religious education. Sometimes this job was the responsibility of some local woman, notably Mrs. Charles Power or Mrs. Mattie Boutilier in the "little room" in the two room schoolhouse, or me, Jim Humphries, in the "big room". At other 72

When I was accepted by the Bishop of Nova Scotia in 1959 to study theology at King's College in Halifax he told me that I would be under the direction of the Rector of St. Mark's Church in Halifax, Father George Stavert Tanton. When I was speaking with Bishop Ernest Reed (the Bishop of Ottawa) a few days before departing for "Bluenose Country" I told him I was to be under the direction of a Father Tanton. Bishop Reed's reply is just as clear in my mind today as it was then. "One thing you can be certain of, Dick, is that Staff Tanton will either make you or break you." I hope and pray that he made me! One Sunday our beloved Father, who was lovingly referred to by the members of the Servers' Guild as "Big Boom" (you had to know Staff to understand that one), was in a very sour mood. The Bishop had called the night before to say he was going to visit St. Mark's for Confirmation on Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday was always a big day at St. Mark's, and our dear Father said, "The Bishop has no right coming to my Church on Palm Sunday!" At that point "big mouth" (guess who?) said something like, "It's his Church, isn't it? You know - 'accept this charge which is mine and thine'!" Later, when I went over to the Rectory for breakfast Mrs. Tanton asked me what had gone on in the Church. Apparently Father Staff had stormed into the Rectory a few minutes earlier muttering something like, "I have been told off and there is nothing I can do about it, because he is right!"

Connie Tanton, flanked by Ramona Tanton (left) and Helen MacKinnon (right) pours tea at a Diocesan Church Society event in Prince Edward Island.

I was to hear those words again some years later. While visiting him in Charlottetown, I pointed out that he had just sailed through a stop sign in his car without stopping. Again - "I'm Rector here!"

Another time, the Queen Mother was being driven down the street past St. Mark's, and he had the big front doors flung open wide in the hope that she might remember her previous visit to the Church in 1939, and come in for a repeat. I missed seeing her entirely, for he had sent me up into the tower where I was totally enclosed, swaying on the end of the bell rope. His hope was that the clamour of the bell ringing would entice her in. It didn't work. But the Queen Mother more than made up for it some years later at his rectory in Charlottetown!

It was my happy lot to be rural dean during much of Father Tanton's regime as Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island. He was wonderful to work with. For almost the first time in my experience in the Church I was working with a superior who actually encouraged me to be creative and to do things. At the same time, when I was being hot-headed, he would cool me down with a word of caution.

On one occasion we were getting ready to welcome Archbishop Ted Scott, the Primate, who was soon to visit Prince Edward Island. As rural dean I prepared a colouring sheet for Sunday school pupils across the Island, showing the Primate at prayer, garbed in his new cope and mitre. The Rector of Milton, who was "low church", objected to the cope and mitre, and wrote a highly critical letter to the Diocesan Times newspaper. I was greatly annoyed, and more than prepared to do battle with him. Father Staff told me to simmer down. After a bit, I produced a revision of the drawing showing the Primate in his undershorts, the irate critic jumping up and down, and myself at the drawing board expressing the hope that the new version would satisfy any objections.

But there were times when he was himself quite forthright in speaking his mind. There was never anything personal or nasty in how he did it. While he was at St. Mark's he became quite notorious as a critic of the Masonic Order. His predecessor at St. Mark's, the Very Reverend E.B.N. Cochran, who had moved across town to become Dean of All Saints' Cathedral, had been very prominent in Masonic affairs. Staff did not think that some of the Masonic rituals could be reconciled with Christian doctrine, and he was not slow to say so. Undoubtedly it made him unpopular in certain quarters. One time, some years after his retirement, he attended in Charlottetown the Theological Conference that his successor at St. Peter's Cathedral, Canon Malcolm Westin, instituted, and listened to me give a paper on the Tractarian Movement in the Maritime Provinces. When I came to refer to the choice of Robert Harold Waterman as Coadjutor Bishop of Nova Scotia in 1948 I attributed Bishop Waterman's election to the familiarity he had gained in the Diocese as chairman of the post-war Anglican Advance Appeal. Staff disagreed. "They thought he was a Mason!" he called out from the floor, and the whole assembly collapsed in laughter.

But there were times when he was himself quite forthright in speaking his mind. There was never anything personal or nasty in how he did it. While he was at St. Mark's he became quite notorious as a critic of the Masonic Order. His predecessor at St. Mark's, the Very Reverend E.B.N. Cochran, who had moved across town to become Dean of All Saints' Cathedral, had been very prominent in Masonic affairs. Staff did not think that some of the Masonic rituals could be reconciled with Christian doctrine, and he was not slow to say so. Undoubtedly it made him unpopular in certain quarters. One time, some years after his retirement, he attended in Charlottetown the Theological Conference that his successor at St. Peter's Cathedral, Canon Malcolm Westin, instituted, and listened to me give a paper on the Tractarian Movement in the Maritime Provinces. When I came to refer to the choice of Robert Harold Waterman as Coadjutor Bishop of Nova Scotia in 1948 I attributed Bishop Waterman's election to the familiarity he had gained in the Diocese as chairman of the post-war Anglican Advance Appeal. Staff disagreed. "They thought he was a Mason!" he called out from the floor, and the whole assembly collapsed in laughter.

But there were times when he was himself quite forthright in speaking his mind. There was never anything personal or nasty in how he did it. While he was at St. Mark's he became quite notorious as a critic of the Masonic Order. His predecessor at St. Mark's, the Very Reverend E.B.N. Cochran, who had moved across town to become Dean of All Saints' Cathedral, had been very prominent in Masonic affairs. Staff did not think that some of the Masonic rituals could be reconciled with Christian doctrine, and he was not slow to say so. Undoubtedly it made him unpopular in certain quarters. One time, some years after his retirement, he attended in Charlottetown the Theological Conference that his successor at St. Peter's Cathedral, Canon Malcolm Westin, instituted, and listened to me give a paper on the Tractarian Movement in the Maritime Provinces. When I came to refer to the choice of Robert Harold Waterman as Coadjutor Bishop of Nova Scotia in 1948 I attributed Bishop Waterman's election to the familiarity he had gained in the Diocese as chairman of the post-war Anglican Advance Appeal. Staff disagreed. "They thought he was a Mason!" he called out from the floor, and the whole assembly collapsed in laughter.

One time, fairly early on in his time as Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island, when I was rector of Summerside and rural dean, he called me on the telephone. "I have threatened to resign!" he said. "Will you support me?" "Of course," I said, "What is it about?"

One time, fairly early on in his time as Archdeacon of Prince Edward Island, when I was rector of Summerside and rural dean, he called me on the telephone. "I have threatened to resign!" he said. "Will you support me?" "Of course," I said, "What is it about?"

It was about his insistence that he be consulted on appointments of clergy to Island parishes. This the Bishop did not want to do. It was very convenient for the Bishop to have a place to which to move clergy who, for various reasons, needed to be moved, but whose reputations were such that they were difficult to place. For the Bishop to have two civil provinces within his diocese meant that he could give such individuals a fresh start with less likelihood of them being handicapped in the new place by having their reputation precede them. Archdeacon Tanton's purposes, on the other hand, were quite different. He wanted to build a team of priests in Prince Edward Island that would work together to build up the Church on the Island. He therefore wanted to have a say in who he got to work with.

More serious was the decision of a Nova Scotian diocesan committee in Halifax to discontinue the stationing of a resident priest in Alberton, which had become vacant with the move of its rector, the Reverend Michael Ness, to Crapaud, and to place it under the pastoral care of the rector of . This would save the Diocese the money it was shelling out each year to subsidise the resident priest in Alberton. Father Tanton was determined that there should be no further "retreat", as he called it, on the part of the Anglican Church in Prince Edward Island. Moreover, he was still as much committed to the rural ministry as he had been in Tangier. He felt that it was important to have, and keep, good priests in rural parishes, and that the Diocese could do no better thing with its money than to provide them, and support them. The Diocese, on the other hand, was busy amalgamating rural congregations in order to eliminate, as far as possible, aided parishes, and free up funds for other purposes.

More serious was the decision of a Nova Scotian diocesan committee in Halifax to discontinue the stationing of a resident priest in Alberton, which had become vacant with the move of its rector, the Reverend Michael Ness, to Crapaud, and to place it under the pastoral care of the rector of . This would save the Diocese the money it was shelling out each year to subsidise the resident priest in Alberton. Father Tanton was determined that there should be no further "retreat", as he called it, on the part of the Anglican Church in Prince Edward Island. Moreover, he was still as much committed to the rural ministry as he had been in Tangier. He felt that it was important to have, and keep, good priests in rural parishes, and that the Diocese could do no better thing with its money than to provide them, and support them. The Diocese, on the other hand, was busy amalgamating rural congregations in order to eliminate, as far as possible, aided parishes, and free up funds for other purposes.

More serious was the decision of a Nova Scotian diocesan committee in Halifax to discontinue the stationing of a resident priest in Alberton, which had become vacant with the move of its rector, the Reverend Michael Ness, to Crapaud, and to place it under the pastoral care of the rector of . This would save the Diocese the money it was shelling out each year to subsidise the resident priest in Alberton. Father Tanton was determined that there should be no further "retreat", as he called it, on the part of the Anglican Church in Prince Edward Island. Moreover, he was still as much committed to the rural ministry as he had been in Tangier. He felt that it was important to have, and keep, good priests in rural parishes, and that the Diocese could do no better thing with its money than to provide them, and support them. The Diocese, on the other hand, was busy amalgamating rural congregations in order to eliminate, as far as possible, aided parishes, and free up funds for other purposes.

More serious was the decision of a Nova Scotian diocesan committee in Halifax to discontinue the stationing of a resident priest in Alberton, which had become vacant with the move of its rector, the Reverend Michael Ness, to Crapaud, and to place it under the pastoral care of the rector of . This would save the Diocese the money it was shelling out each year to subsidise the resident priest in Alberton. Father Tanton was determined that there should be no further "retreat", as he called it, on the part of the Anglican Church in Prince Edward Island. Moreover, he was still as much committed to the rural ministry as he had been in Tangier. He felt that it was important to have, and keep, good priests in rural parishes, and that the Diocese could do no better thing with its money than to provide them, and support them. The Diocese, on the other hand, was busy amalgamating rural congregations in order to eliminate, as far as possible, aided parishes, and free up funds for other purposes.

So he decided to fight the decision. He rounded up the entire body of Anglican clergy on the Island, and they went over to Halifax and confronted Archbishop William Davis and his committee with a demand that the priest in Alberton be retained. The committee backed down, and the Reverend Tom Mitchell was appointed, and stayed seven years as "priest-in-charge". The committee saved face by insisting that he not be made rector, so that he could be removed at the discretion of the Bishop, and he was given some vaguely defined responsibility for "youth work" across the Island, as if Alberton parish, with its four churches - two of which were not functioning - did not rate a full- time priest. Tom Mitchell was succeeded by the Reverend John Ferguson, who, when he departed after 10 years to go to the parish of , left Alberton a self-supporting parish. By his stand Father Tanton won a future for Alberton that certainly would have been lost if the diocesan committee had had its way.

So he decided to fight the decision. He rounded up the entire body of Anglican clergy on the Island, and they went over to Halifax and confronted Archbishop William Davis and his committee with a demand that the priest in Alberton be retained. The committee backed down, and the Reverend Tom Mitchell was appointed, and stayed seven years as "priest-in-charge". The committee saved face by insisting that he not be made rector, so that he could be removed at the discretion of the Bishop, and he was given some vaguely defined responsibility for "youth work" across the Island, as if Alberton parish, with its four churches - two of which were not functioning - did not rate a full- time priest. Tom Mitchell was succeeded by the Reverend John Ferguson, who, when he departed after 10 years to go to the parish of , left Alberton a self-supporting parish. By his stand Father Tanton won a future for Alberton that certainly would have been lost if the diocesan committee had had its way.

So he decided to fight the decision. He rounded up the entire body of Anglican clergy on the Island, and they went over to Halifax and confronted Archbishop William Davis and his committee with a demand that the priest in Alberton be retained. The committee backed down, and the Reverend Tom Mitchell was appointed, and stayed seven years as "priest-in-charge". The committee saved face by insisting that he not be made rector, so that he could be removed at the discretion of the Bishop, and he was given some vaguely defined responsibility for "youth work" across the Island, as if Alberton parish, with its four churches - two of which were not functioning - did not rate a full- time priest. Tom Mitchell was succeeded by the Reverend John Ferguson, who, when he departed after 10 years to go to the parish of , left Alberton a self-supporting parish. By his stand Father Tanton won a future for Alberton that certainly would have been lost if the diocesan committee had had its way.

So he decided to fight the decision. He rounded up the entire body of Anglican clergy on the Island, and they went over to Halifax and confronted Archbishop William Davis and his committee with a demand that the priest in Alberton be retained. The committee backed down, and the Reverend Tom Mitchell was appointed, and stayed seven years as "priest-in-charge". The committee saved face by insisting that he not be made rector, so that he could be removed at the discretion of the Bishop, and he was given some vaguely defined responsibility for "youth work" across the Island, as if Alberton parish, with its four churches - two of which were not functioning - did not rate a full- time priest. Tom Mitchell was succeeded by the Reverend John Ferguson, who, when he departed after 10 years to go to the parish of , left Alberton a self-supporting parish. By his stand Father Tanton won a future for Alberton that certainly would have been lost if the diocesan committee had had its way.

Fie was quite fearless. Perhaps the best example of this that I saw was his performance in the United Church's Epworth Hall in Summerside one Sunday night during the campaign to merge the Anglican and the United Churches in the early 1970s. After visits by the Church Union commissioners. Dr. Craig and Canon Latimer, to Prince Edward Island, a panel was formed to go about and hold regional meetings to raise consciousness about the issue. The Anglican representatives on the Prince Edward Island panel were Archdeacon Tanton and Mr. Bennett Carr. The Summerside meeting was held in Epworth Hall, and nearly every one of the 25 to 30 people who turned out for it were United Church members. Very few Anglicans came because they had had the excitement of a visit by the Primate, Archbishop Scott, in the morning, and they weren't much for Church Union anyway, because they thought it meant that they would be swallowed up by the United Church, which, in Summerside, was much bigger than themselves.

Fie was quite fearless. Perhaps the best example of this that I saw was his performance in the United Church's Epworth Hall in Summerside one Sunday night during the campaign to merge the Anglican and the United Churches in the early 1970s. After visits by the Church Union commissioners. Dr. Craig and Canon Latimer, to Prince Edward Island, a panel was formed to go about and hold regional meetings to raise consciousness about the issue. The Anglican representatives on the Prince Edward Island panel were Archdeacon Tanton and Mr. Bennett Carr. The Summerside meeting was held in Epworth Hall, and nearly every one of the 25 to 30 people who turned out for it were United Church members. Very few Anglicans came because they had had the excitement of a visit by the Primate, Archbishop Scott, in the morning, and they weren't much for Church Union anyway, because they thought it meant that they would be swallowed up by the United Church, which, in Summerside, was much bigger than themselves.

Fie was quite fearless. Perhaps the best example of this that I saw was his performance in the United Church's Epworth Hall in Summerside one Sunday night during the campaign to merge the Anglican and the United Churches in the early 1970s. After visits by the Church Union commissioners. Dr. Craig and Canon Latimer, to Prince Edward Island, a panel was formed to go about and hold regional meetings to raise consciousness about the issue. The Anglican representatives on the Prince Edward Island panel were Archdeacon Tanton and Mr. Bennett Carr. The Summerside meeting was held in Epworth Hall, and nearly every one of the 25 to 30 people who turned out for it were United Church members. Very few Anglicans came because they had had the excitement of a visit by the Primate, Archbishop Scott, in the morning, and they weren't much for Church Union anyway, because they thought it meant that they would be swallowed up by the United Church, which, in Summerside, was much bigger than themselves.

Fie was quite fearless. Perhaps the best example of this that I saw was his performance in the United Church's Epworth Hall in Summerside one Sunday night during the campaign to merge the Anglican and the United Churches in the early 1970s. After visits by the Church Union commissioners. Dr. Craig and Canon Latimer, to Prince Edward Island, a panel was formed to go about and hold regional meetings to raise consciousness about the issue. The Anglican representatives on the Prince Edward Island panel were Archdeacon Tanton and Mr. Bennett Carr. The Summerside meeting was held in Epworth Hall, and nearly every one of the 25 to 30 people who turned out for it were United Church members. Very few Anglicans came because they had had the excitement of a visit by the Primate, Archbishop Scott, in the morning, and they weren't much for Church Union anyway, because they thought it meant that they would be swallowed up by the United Church, which, in Summerside, was much bigger than themselves.

Fie was quite fearless. Perhaps the best example of this that I saw was his performance in the United Church's Epworth Hall in Summerside one Sunday night during the campaign to merge the Anglican and the United Churches in the early 1970s. After visits by the Church Union commissioners. Dr. Craig and Canon Latimer, to Prince Edward Island, a panel was formed to go about and hold regional meetings to raise consciousness about the issue. The Anglican representatives on the Prince Edward Island panel were Archdeacon Tanton and Mr. Bennett Carr. The Summerside meeting was held in Epworth Hall, and nearly every one of the 25 to 30 people who turned out for it were United Church members. Very few Anglicans came because they had had the excitement of a visit by the Primate, Archbishop Scott, in the morning, and they weren't much for Church Union anyway, because they thought it meant that they would be swallowed up by the United Church, which, in Summerside, was much bigger than themselves.

Fie was quite fearless. Perhaps the best example of this that I saw was his performance in the United Church's Epworth Hall in Summerside one Sunday night during the campaign to merge the Anglican and the United Churches in the early 1970s. After visits by the Church Union commissioners. Dr. Craig and Canon Latimer, to Prince Edward Island, a panel was formed to go about and hold regional meetings to raise consciousness about the issue. The Anglican representatives on the Prince Edward Island panel were Archdeacon Tanton and Mr. Bennett Carr. The Summerside meeting was held in Epworth Hall, and nearly every one of the 25 to 30 people who turned out for it were United Church members. Very few Anglicans came because they had had the excitement of a visit by the Primate, Archbishop Scott, in the morning, and they weren't much for Church Union anyway, because they thought it meant that they would be swallowed up by the United Church, which, in Summerside, was much bigger than themselves.

So the meeting took place. Father Tanton, dressed in black, was the dominating figure on the stage. In the Hall were many people with whom he had grown up, for Summerside was his home town. They were now leading citizens, prominent in business and in the service clubs. He lectured them on the Apostolic Succession, and the necessity of it for valid sacraments, indeed for a valid church, and how they would have to accept it if they were to have union with the Anglicans. If any of those present had been thinking of Church Union as the United Church taking over the Anglican Church, they were very soon made aware that Staff Tanton did not see it that way. Before long he had become the focus of attention in the room. The atmosphere became heated. Some of his old school chums were on their feet shouting at him. He sat there like the Rock of Gibraltar, speaking his mind in an even voice, and making no compromise of what he believed. They were disturbed by his display of conviction, deeply offended by his unwillingness to compromise. I was afraid that the shouting and the insults that were being hurled at him might trigger a heart attack. But after a while the meeting ended, and the gathering fell upon the spread of tea and sandwiches and cakes that usually adorns such occasions as if nothing had happened. And everybody was friendly again. Staff got a cup of tea, came over to me, winked, and said, "How did I do?"

So the meeting took place. Father Tanton, dressed in black, was the dominating figure on the stage. In the Hall were many people with whom he had grown up, for Summerside was his home town. They were now leading citizens, prominent in business and in the service clubs. He lectured them on the Apostolic Succession, and the necessity of it for valid sacraments, indeed for a valid church, and how they would have to accept it if they were to have union with the Anglicans. If any of those present had been thinking of Church Union as the United Church taking over the Anglican Church, they were very soon made aware that Staff Tanton did not see it that way. Before long he had become the focus of attention in the room. The atmosphere became heated. Some of his old school chums were on their feet shouting at him. He sat there like the Rock of Gibraltar, speaking his mind in an even voice, and making no compromise of what he believed. They were disturbed by his display of conviction, deeply offended by his unwillingness to compromise. I was afraid that the shouting and the insults that were being hurled at him might trigger a heart attack. But after a while the meeting ended, and the gathering fell upon the spread of tea and sandwiches and cakes that usually adorns such occasions as if nothing had happened. And everybody was friendly again. Staff got a cup of tea, came over to me, winked, and said, "How did I do?"

Sources & Acknowledgments. The idea for this book first came to me after Father Tanton's death in 1987, but for various reasons it could not be implemented until 1996, when it took shape, not as the biography I had originally intended, but as a kind of collage of texts and pictures, linked together by the running commentary with which the reader is by now familiar. Connie Tanton was interested in the project, and made available to me for it many of the photographs reproduced in the book. I wish it had been possible to get it into print before her death. I am grateful also to Ronald Orton ofCharlottetown, without whose support it is doubtful the book would even now be in print. I am indebted too to the Reverend Jonathan Eayrs, to whom Father Tanton entrusted his papers before his death, for the texts of most of the sermons and addresses included in the book; to those who responded to my appeals for recollections of Father Tanton, whose contributions are included in the section titled "A Few Tales"; to Mrs. Courtney Maynard of , who produced a copy of the Citation that accompanied Father Tanton's Doctor of Divinity degree from King's College, and the photograph of Father Staff and Connie reproduced in the front of the book. I would also like to thank Canon Russell Elliott for shedding light on the otherwise puzzling reference to the "Feast of the Purification incident" in Father Tanton's notes for his "What Anglicanism means to me" talk given to Anglican students at the Atlantic School of Theology. Canon Elliott's book, The Briefcase Boys, and Edith Rowlings' The Story of Emmanuel Church, Dartmouth, N.S. 1871 - 1987 also include important references to Father Tanton and aspects of his ministry.

On June 25, 1978, four years after his retirement, Father Tanton returned to Prince Edward Island to preach at the annual Anglican Rally at , Crapaud, where he is shown above (secondfrom left) with Paul Kays (left), Canon Robert Tuck (his successor as Archdeacon in 1979) and Clayton Mill (right).

On June 25, 1978, four years after his retirement, Father Tanton returned to Prince Edward Island to preach at the annual Anglican Rally at , Crapaud, where he is shown above (secondfrom left) with Paul Kays (left), Canon Robert Tuck (his successor as Archdeacon in 1979) and Clayton Mill (right).

When the University of King's College conferred an honorary Doctorate of Divinity on Canon G.S. Tanton in 1967 it described his rural ministry as "extraordinary", and referred to the "respect and affection he inspired in the people " of the Diocese of Nova Scotia. In this small book Canon Robert Tuck has brought together photographs, recollections, anecdotes, and Father Staffs own sermon notes and reminiscences to serve as a souvenir of a man whom he describes as "perhaps the outstanding Anglican priest of his generation in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island "

When the University of King's College conferred an honorary Doctorate of Divinity on Canon G.S. Tanton in 1967 it described his rural ministry as "extraordinary", and referred to the "respect and affection he inspired in the people " of the Diocese of Nova Scotia. In this small book Canon Robert Tuck has brought together photographs, recollections, anecdotes, and Father Staffs own sermon notes and reminiscences to serve as a souvenir of a man whom he describes as "perhaps the outstanding Anglican priest of his generation in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island "

When the University of King's College conferred an honorary Doctorate of Divinity on Canon G.S. Tanton in 1967 it described his rural ministry as "extraordinary", and referred to the "respect and affection he inspired in the people " of the Diocese of Nova Scotia. In this small book Canon Robert Tuck has brought together photographs, recollections, anecdotes, and Father Staffs own sermon notes and reminiscences to serve as a souvenir of a man whom he describes as "perhaps the outstanding Anglican priest of his generation in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island "

Books, , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, CIA 2X6

Books, , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, CIA 2X6