This week in Christian history: Third Crusade ends, first Anglican service in Canada, first US Senate chaplain dies
First Anglican church service in Canada held – Sept. 3, 1578
This week marks the anniversary of when the first Church of England service was believed to have been held in Canada, being led by the Rev. Robert Wolfall at Frobisher Bay.
The exploration of the region was part of Martin Frobisher’s third expedition in search of a Northwest passage to gain access to the Pacific Ocean, and by extension trade with East Asia.
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“Maister Wolfall on Winter’s Fornace, preached a godly sermon, which being ended, he celebrated also a Communion upon the land, at the partaking whereof was the Captain of the Anne Francis, and many other Gentlemen, and Souldiers, Mariners, and Miners with him,” read a contemporary account.
“The celebration of the diuine mystery was the first signe, seale, and confirmation of Christ’s name, death, and passion euer knowen in these quarters. The said M. Wolfall made sermons, and celebrated the Communion at sundry other times in seuerall and sundry ships, because the whole company could neuer meet together at any one place.”
Frobisher’s expedition would decline to make a permanent settlement at the location at that time, with the party returning to England soon after.
