“He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
-Ps. xxxiii. 5.
“For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies, Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our grateful song of praise”
In writing a few stories to be submitted to Anglican Life from The Parish of Bay St. George, we see around us God’s gift of love and beauty in every seasonal colour. At this time of the year that this is being written, the fall colours along with the Harvest Festivals help us express our thankfulness for all God’s love. In addition, as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Jeffreys (1985 – 2025), we continue to express our thankfulness for the many years of our church community.
In September 2025, we began to plan for the 4th Harvest Festival of the Parish of Bay St. George to be held at the Lion’s Club on October 11th, 2025. Our four congregations met to plan to ask for donations of vegetables, baked goods, jams and pickles, berries, and salt fish products. All items were freely given including monetary donations, turkeys, hams, buckets of salt beef, riblets, and knitted goods. The local stores and surrounding grocery and business outlets also gave very generously. Many raffle sales, spin-the-wheel and tickets made the day for one of fun and laughter. The parish council of Bay St. George extends a heartfelt thank-you to all who participated in, and were part of, our 2025 Harvest Festival. Without you all, it could not be the success we experienced helping the church go forward.
In October 2025 the vestry of St. Mary Magdalene Church, Jeffreys, made special plans to celebrate their 60th anniversary on October 26th, 2025. Under the leadership of Mrs. Ida Chaffey-Keeping plans were made to have a roast beef supper on Saturday, October 25th. Rev’d Cutler organized the Anniversary Service for Sunday October 26th at 7:00 p.m. Members of the vestry met on Friday evening to peel potatoes, turnip, and carrots that were enough to serve 100 dinners. Mr. Jack Alley roasted the beef at the cooking facilities offered at the Lion’s Club.
The roast beef dinner was a delicious meal enjoyed by all. It was a beautiful social evening, and much reflection was offered surrounding the building of St. Mary Magdalene Church. There is only one church member alive now who helped to cut the logs in order to start the construction of the church. Mr. Calvin Madore, who is now 90 years old, did this 60 years ago, and continues to be a very active member at regular worship services today.
Our Diocesan Administrator, The Rev’d Mickton Phiri, was our celebrant at the Anniversary Service. The Rev’d William Matchem, and Mrs. Florence Gillis were invited to bring greetings on behalf of the United and the Roman Catholic Churches. Rev’d Matchem with Mrs. Amelia Cutler from St. Boniface Church, Ramea, and Mrs. Betty Flynn from The Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist Church, Corner Brook, provided the music. We were so delighted to be joined by Naomi Felix, a seven-year-old granddaughter of Ida’s from the United Baptist Church, Rothesay, New Brunswick, to play “The Ode to Joy” on her violin.
We were deeply moved by her presentation.
Mr. Skyeler Quilty was our cross-bearer, Mrs. Vene Curnew presented the first reading, Mrs. Shirley Hulan led the psalm, Mrs. Ida Chaffey-Keeping presented the second reading, and the Rev’d Nancy Hulan joined us as guest priest, and proclaimed the Gospel. The Rev’d Norman Cutler gave the sermon. Mrs. Shannon Alley prepared the flower arrangement and roses were donated by Deanna Coffin. Mrs. Vene Curnew presented the anniversary cake.
The Hymns for the Anniversary Service were:
- “The Church’s one Foundation”
- “We love the place O God”
- “When the sun comes up tomorrow”
- “Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah”
- “Now thank we all our God”
After the dismissal, everyone gathered around in a circle to sing Bud Davidge’s beautiful song “Music and Friends,” after which the anniversary cake was cut and shared with everyone.
A special thank you for all who joined us for the 60th Anniversary of St. Mary Magdalene Church.
