Bishop Tom Corston spent a 'little different Christmas' in 2010 as he travelled to Chapleau and Foleyet for services through freezing rain, fog and 'beautiful bush'

Rt Rev Thomas A. Corston, who most of us from Chapleau commonly refer to simply as "Tom", spent a "little different Christmas" shortly after he became the ninth Anglican Bishop of Moosonee, in 2010.

At Christmas time in 2010,  Tom left Timmins on an historic trip down Highway 101 to preside at services at St. John's In Foleyet, and at St. John's in Chapleau. 

Writing in his blog in January 2011, he shared the story. I stumbled across his blog while doing some research recently, contacted Tom, the son of the Frances (Jardine) and the late Henry Corston, who were our next door neighbours, and asked if I could quote from it. He gave me permission. 

His little different Christmas started out a bit badly when shortly after leaving Timmins, he realized he had forgotten his wallet so had to return to the Synod office for it. 

Having left early, he had time but on the drive to Foleyet, "I encountered some light freezing rain but made the trip in good time.

"The rain created some beautiful Christmas card scenes on the surrounding trees."

The church was filled for the four p.m service. St. John's in Foleyet had been his first parish 35 years ago, in 1975. so "it was great to see some old friends in the congregation, now with grandchildren. We even had an organist so we enjoyed singing the carols and ended the celebration with everyone holding a candle and singing 'Silent Night'"

Leaving Foleyet he wrote, "I was worried for the drive to Chapleau as it was now dark. The highway was good though and I encountered no more freezing rain. Just outside town I encountered fog and as I entered town with the shops now closed and literally no one present on the main street, it was a surreal experience driving in the heavy fog.  Certainly not what one would expect on Christmas Eve in a northern community."

He noted that Chapleau was his home community and the large St. John's Church had struggled in recent years to keep its doors open. As an aside, St. John's was sold in 2016 to Jason Rioux, and plans for its future are now underway. Also for those who may not know, Tom attended Chapleau Public and Chapleau High Schools and was active in St. John's.

"What a wonderful experience it was that the old church was filled by the time the celebration began," he wrote.

"The full church unnerved the Layreader somewhat as she confessed her nervousness. I assured her that I was far more nervous than she because I recognized so many friends of my youth who came out to meet me, with grandchildren in tow.

"Christmas at home was a wonderful celebration, even with the canned music!!"

"I had not been in my home church for Christmas since 1974 and it was good to see family and friends come out to renew old acquaintances."

Tom was ordained Deacon in 1974 at St. John's, and to the priesthood in 1975.

His son Andrew  met him in Chapleau and they spent Christmas Eve at his sister Margaret's home on Borden Lake.

On the drive to Sudbury the next morning Tom related that he enjoyed "travelling through some beautiful bush, coloured with God's frosty paint brush."

As I read Tom's blog, my mind wandered back to 1885, and the first Church of England (Anglican) service held at Christmas time in Chapleau. It was conducted by Rev Gowan Gillmor, best known as 'The Tramp' who travelled the CPR line in Northern Ontario, as the "railway missionary." The service was likely conducted in a boxcar which was the first station.

Ian Macdonald collection

Rev. Gillmor was known to walk the CPR line, and at times pushed a handcar from place to place. 

Rev. Gillmor was also in Chapleau to  assist with the planning of the building of a church, which was officially opened on the site of the old tennis court on July 1,  1886.

The first service in the present St. John's was held on March 29, 1908 when it was dedicated by Bishop George Holmes.

Rev John Sanders

I also recalled reading about the travels by canoe and dog team of Rev. John Sanders (Saunders), who conducted a service at Chapleau on the banks of the river in 1882. I don't know if Rev. Sanders ever visited Chapleau in the Winter, but like Bishop Tom, am sure he enjoyed travelling through the "beautiful bush..." of Northern Ontario. Rev. Sanders may have been the first Indigenous (Ojibway) priest in the Church of England (Anglican) in Canada. 

Tom made it home safely to Sudbury where he was greeted by wife Ruth, son Stephen, mother Frances, and other family members.

He retired as Bishop of Moosonee on December 31, 2013, and is now Assisting Bishop, as well as interim part time Rector of the Church of the Epiphany in Sudbury, where he previously served as Rector.

Thank you Bishop Tom for letting me share parts of your "little different Christmas." It also let me do what I really enjoy -- mixing metaphors with my references to Rev. Gillmor and Rev. Sanders!.. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

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Rev Phelan Scanlon appointed priest-in-charge of St John's Anglican Church in Chapleau

Rev Phelan Scanlon

UPDATE: Rev. Phlelan Scanlon is no longer at St John's. He left in February 2016

Archbishop Colin Johnson has announced that The Rev. Phelan Scanlon will become Priest-in-Charge of the parishes of Chapleau & Foleyet in October.

The announcement was made on the St. John's Church Facebook page by Bishop Tom Corston.

Fr. Scanlon's first Sunday at Chapleau will be October 25th at 10:30 am...Fr. Scanlon is a seasoned priest having served 24 years in the Diocese of Toronto before coming to our Diocese of Moosonee in 2011. 

It is  is a preliminary 18-month appointment during which he and the congregation will work together to discern if there is any possibility for growth in the Chapleau Anglican community. 

Come out on October 25th to welcome him.

St. John's Anglican Church marks 130th anniversary in 2015 as it plans for the future

St. John's Anglican Church marks its 130th anniversary in 2015, as members of the congregation plan the future of one of the last historic public buildings in Chapleau.

St. John's was established in 1885 with the first services being held in a boxcar used by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a station. The first church building was located on the old tennis court across from the present church.

First St john's. Rev Robert Warrington in photo

The first service in the present church was held on March 29. 1908 when it was dedicated by Bishop George Holmes. From 1905 to 1913, St. John's was the Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Moosonee and Bishop Holmes and his successor Bishop John Anderson both lived in Chapleau.

Let's fast forward from 1885 to 1935 in the midst of the Great Depression when St. John's celebrated its 50th anniversary. It was not only a highlight in the parish history, but in the interests of full disclosure, it is of great personal interest to me.

First, family members were involved in the 50th anniversary celebration. My grandfather, George Hunt, was the choirmaster; my mother, Muriel (Hunt) Morris was a soloist at the anniversary service, and my grandmother, Edith Hunt and aunt Elsie were in the choir. My grandmother with Mrs. P.J. Collins was a convener of the anniversary banquet.

Second, the visit by Rt. Rev. Derwyn T. Owen, Archbishop of Toronto and Primate of the Anglican Church as guest preacher contributed to me being hired by the Kingston Whig-Standard some 30 years later.

Prior to the actual celebration St. John's,  Chapleau lost an outstanding citizen when G.B. Nicholson died on January 1. Mr. Nicholson was Chapleau's first reeve from 1901 to 1913, and at the time of his death was the Member of Parliament for the area.

For 25 years Mr. Nicholson. who had been People's Warden for many years, also conducted an Adult Bible Class for 25 years, returning from Ottawa on weekends to teach it.

In 1935, despite the depression and loss of members through CPR transfers after it moved its district offices to Schreiber, and other factors, the church was debt free.

Archbishop Owen preached at the anniversary service and gave address at the banquet. A vote of thanks was given to him moved by P.J. Collins and seconded by Albert Evans.

William Card spoke on the early history of the parish. Church wardens were Charles W. Collins and Albert Evans. Vestry board members included George Collinson, Charles McKnight, F.J. Morris, Jim Good, R.J. Hopper, P.J. Collins, John Corston, Fred Matters, A.C. Whybray, W. Broomhead, E. Woodard, Harry Searle, F. Bacchus and W. Card. George Hunt was Choirmaster and Miss Nettie Herner, the church organist.

The Chapleau Post reported that a "splendid banquet" in the Town Hall brought the anniversary celebration to a close. 

Here is part of the newspaper report:  ..."the hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion. The tables looked very pretty each table having silver baskets with yellow mum. also yellow candles, white and yellow being the colour scheme throughout."

My grandmother and Mrs. Collins were overall conveners, assisted by George Collinson and Charles Collins, decorations; Mrs. A Simpson, tables and ladies in charge of tables were Mrs. W. Card, Mrs. F. Matters, Mrs. J. Corston, Miss Swanson, Mrs. A. Whybray, Mrs. Bacchus, Mrs. C. Matheson, Mrs. Glabb, Mrs. W. McMullen, Mrs. W. McLeod, Mrs. Machan and Mrs. Encil.

Mrs. J. Coulter and Mrs. F.J. Morris were in charge of the food table while Mrs. G. Collinson looked after tickets; Mrs. Westerman, the kitchen assisted by Mrs. Folkerts, Mrs. Herbert and Mrs. Chappise.

The young men "ably assisting pouring tea" were John Woodard, Lorne Woodard, Harvey Glabb. John Way-White, Bill Pepper, ken Crowhurst, Harry Searle, David and Elbert Collinson and Percy Encil.

Rev. Harold Hesketh, Rector of St. John's was "in the chair".

I am sure it was a precious moment for my Grandpa Hunt to be the Choirmaster on this special occasion and have his daughter singing a solo. Mom, who would have just returned home to teach at Chapleau Public School sang "Now the Day is Over". Having my grandmother and aunt in the choir would have made it even more special.

Fast forward to 1965 and I went to Kingston for a job interview at the Kingston Whig-Standard as a reporter, with Robert D. Owen, the executive editor of the newspaper. Mr Owen was a nephew of Archbishop Owen, and knew where Chapleau was, and the anniversary of St. John's

In the course of the interview he asked me if I was staying the weekend. Mom was visiting in Toronto at the time, and had driven over with me. I told Mr. Owen we were and would be attending St. George's Anglican Cathedral where they had a magnificent choir. That did it. Mr. Owen hired me. Small world!

I wish the good people of St. John's and Bishop Tom Corston who has accepted position as interim priest in charge of St. John's well as  they plan for the future of this historic place in the life and times of Chapleau

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY DONALD WHITE

Mike Turner, Fred McAuley, Donald White, Doc Potts 1932 canoe trip

My very best wishes to Donald White. World War II veteran and member of Chapleau Cree First Nation, who celebrated his 102nd birthday recently.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca


Thanks to Dorothy Turner for photo from canoe trip in 1932 from Chapleau to Moose Factory.

Bishop Tom Corston awarded Doctorate of Sacred Theology Degree but listens to 'language of appearance' from Cree Elder

Rt. Rev. Thomas Corston, who retired as the ninth bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Moosonee on December 31, 2013, was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Sacred Theology by Thornloe University in Sudbury. at its last Fall Convocation.

Tom, as he is best known to many Chapleauites, is the son of Frances (Jardine) Corston and the late Henry "Chicken" Corston. He is a graduate of Chapleau Public and Chapleau High Schools. While attending high school he served as president of the Students Council.

Tom explained that he was awarded the degree of "Doctor of Sacred Theology" by Sudbury's Thorneloe University in recognition of his  years of rural and northern ministry.

A member of St. John's Anglican Church, he was ordained a deacon there in 1974, and a year later became a priest. He also was president of the Anglican Young People's Association. St. John's is a parish in Moosonee.

In an interview at the time of his retirement, Tom told the Timmins Times, “My very first parish was Foleyet, but unlike all of my classmates, I was given a parish to myself rather than being appointed as an assistant,” Corston remembered. He admitted it was a humble beginning, but he remembered he felt like he was in charge of the world’s grandest cathedral."

He served at parishes in three dioceses before being elected bishop in 2010. 

Catching up with Tom recently, he explained that most of his episcopate in Moosonee Diocese was to work at a restructuring model that would see the survival of the Diocese in the face of dwindling congregations and financial resources. 

"We did that and I have to say that after a year, it is working well. Basically, with the approval of the Ontario Provincial Synod the Diocese has been placed "in suspension" and the Metropolitan, Archbishop Colin Johnson of Toronto, is now also the Bishop of Moosonee. 

"While he is as present to the Diocese as possible, he asked me to come back and act as his Assistant Bishop. That way we guarantee that all communities will receive an episcopal visitation, if not by him, then by me."

So, despite being "retired" Tom remains busy and is also an Honorary Assistant at his former Sudbury parish, the Church of the Epiphany.

He also delivered the address at the Thornloe University Convocation and it is excellent. I will share just one anecdote that he told from his ministry, which touched me immensely. One of the people he met along the way was Andy. Here is the anecdote:

"One was Andy…a Cree leader from Moose Factory…a big man, an elder, a Layreader in the church, a product of the Residential School system. I spent many a day with Andy and his family, serving together in the Sanctuary, in the boardroom, sitting at his kitchen table and hunting geese on the James Bay. In my memory Andy and his wife Annie stand out as examples of sacrificial love and self-giving that was evidenced, when in their middle-age, in adopting two non-native infants who were victims of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

" It was also from Andy that I learned some of what it means to be “professional”. You see, I had started to think that there was no need for me to be properly attired in my parish. I started not to wear my collar. I mean, what did it matter? My parishioners were blue-collar workers, men were more relaxed when they came to service, so why not the clergy? 

"One evening Andy came to see me and gave me a bit of a lecture about my lax attitude. He said to me, 'Tom, we look to you as our pastor…we want you to be proud of your profession and we want to be proud of your as our minister…you need to be the priest you were ordained to be and whom we called you to be in this community. You need to wear your collar and be proud to be a witness to our town.

'It might not sound all that important to you, but in a day when we face dress-down days in the work-place, when more and more of us are encouraged to relax and perhaps dress more casually, the truth is there are times when how we dress says a great deal about how we have or have not embraced our role and responsibilities. It’s much more than convention, or a “dress code”. It’s the language of appearance that says we have taken some care about how we meet the world.

"As you step out from this place, remember that it is more than what you know or what you say that will have the attention of those you encounter."

In an interview with the Anglican Journal on his retirement Tom said that whenever he tells stories from his history in the diocese of Moosonee, people tell him, “ ‘Bishop, you’ve got to put it on paper before it is gone.’ So that’s my project. I’m going to write a book about the church of the north…I would like to embark on something like that.”  

Thanks and congratulations Tom. After my first reference to him as bishop I chose to refer to him as Tom with all respect to his position in the church. I did so because I have known him since our growing up years on Grey Street where we were next door neighbours and friends, even though I am a bit older than him.

Our families go back even longer as neighbours as my grandparents Edith and George Hunt, my mother Muriel and aunt Elsie lived next door to the Corston family in the early years of the 20th Century. One of my great memories was the day Tom's father Henry told me he thought of  my Mom as his sister -- there were eight boys in the Corston family. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

BULLETIN  Bishop Tom has agreed to be priest in charge at St John's Chapleau and at Foleyet for an "indefinite period" http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.ca/2015/04/bishop-tom-corston-agrees-to-act-as.html

Photos

Bishop Tom delivering Convocation Address

Bishop Tom Corston receiving the degree from Chancellor Barbara Bolton (beside her is Provost Dr. Robert Derrenbacker and Registrar, Dr. Ian Maclennan)
 
Tom and family Ruth, Andrew(L) & Stephen (R) (photos provided by Tom Corston

ROBERT FIFE MEETS BISHOP TOM CORSTON 44 YEARS LATER AT CHAPLEAU HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

When Robert Fife was in Grade 9 at Chapleau High School in 1968-69, Tom Corston was in Grade 13 and president of the Students' Council. During the initiation a photographer captured Bob holding an umbrella over Tom, while also sneaking a smoke at the bottom of the hill at the new CHS.

Over the next 44 years they went their separate ways but they met at the 90th anniversary reunion festival of CHS, where Tom, now the Rt. Rev. Thomas A Corston, the Anglican bishop of the Diocese of Moosonee, invited Bob, now the Ottawa Bureau Chief of CTV NEWS, to participate in an ecumenical service.

Thomas A. "Tom" Corston, born and raised in Chapleau, Ontario, the son of Frances (Jardine) and the late Henry "Chicken" Corston, was elected the ninth Bishop of the Anglican Church Diocese of Moosonee at a synod in Timmins in July 2010..

He had been serving as an  archdeacon in the Anglican church and also Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Sudbury, Ontario, in the Diocese of Algoma.

Growing up in Chapleau, Tom was active in St. John's Anglican Church, as AYPA president, which is a parish in the Diocese of Moosonee, he now leads.. Tom becomes the first Chapleau boy to have become an Anglican priest to have been elected a Bishop. Tom was also a president of the Students' Council at CHS.

He graduated from Lakehead University with the Bachelor of Arts degree and Wycliffe College with a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained a deacon in the Anglican church in a service at St. John's Anglican Church, Chapleau, in 1974, and became a priest a year later.

He started his ministry in the Diocese of Moosonee and then served in several parishes in Atlantic Canada and Ontario.

Tom's grandparents John and Lydia (Swanson) Corston, came from James Bay in the Diocese of Moosonee to Chapleau in 1907 where his grandfather began work with the Canadian Pacific Railway. They established their family home on Grey Street.

Bob, who was born in Chapleau,  is the son of Margaret and the late Clyde Fife. Bob's grandfather George Fife was manager of the Chapleau Electric Light and Power Company and served as reeve of the Township of Chapleau from 1938 to 1942. Bob's father Clyde was later the manager and then of Chapleau Hydro.

After graduating from CHS. where like Tom,. he had served as president of the Students' Council, Bob attended the University of Toronto where he earned the Bachelor of Arts degree.

In 1978, Bob started his journalism career in the parliamentary bureau of NewsRadio and then he worked for United Press International.  He then became a senior political reporter for the Canadian Press and later spent 10 years as Ottawa Bureau Chief and political columnist for the Sun Media chain. At one point in the 1980s Maclean's magazine called Bob the best investigative reporter in Canada.


After the National Post was founded he joined it in 1998, and he became Ottawa Bureau Chief for CanWest News Services and the National Post in 2002.. He has won the Edward Dunlop Award for Spot News and two National Newspaper Citation of Merit for political reporting.

In 1991, Bob's first book, 'A Capital Scandal' which he wrote with John Warren came out. In 1993, Bob's second book, 'Kim Campbell: The Making of a Politician' was published. She became the first female prime minister of Canada. Both books remain a must read for a better understanding of politics in Canada. 

However, it has been since  Bob became Ottawa Bureau Chief of CTV News in 2005 that he has become a household name in Canada.

At the end of the service, a photo op was arranged where Bob and Tom would pose for a photo, although in so doing, I neglected to let them know that the 1968 photo would  play a role in this column. Thanks to Dr Bill Pellow for arranging for the photos to be taken. My email is mj.morris@live.ca.

Thanks to Dr. W.R. 'Bill' Pellow for arranging the photo shoot and providing the photos from the reunion.. Dr. Bill and Bob are surely discussing the major events of the day. Dr. Bill also attended CHS.

SEE STORY ON ROBERT FIFE: http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.ca/2011/01/robert-fife-from-chapleau-winner-of.html

SEE STORY ON TOM CORSTON http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.ca/2010/04/tom-corston-elected-ninth-anglican.html

Robert Fife from Chapleau, winner of national newspaper awards and best selling author leaves Ottawa Bureau Chief of CTV News to join Globe and Mail

CHS Student Council 1972-73 Bob seated front second on right side

Robert Fife was not sitting in his assigned seat when I arrived in Room 104 at the new Chapleau High School in January 1969 to teach Grade Nine history -- "The British Epic"-- replacing a teacher who had become ill and would be away for some time.

UPDATED: November19,2015. Bob is leaving CTV News to become Ottawa Bueau Chief of The Globe and Mail.

I had never been in the new school on the hill opened in 1966, as I had attended the high school on Pine Street where the Chapleau Civic Centre is now. It was the last place I expected to be on this winter morning as I had been home visiting my mother, Muriel E. (Hunt) Morris, and was planning to return to the newspaper business.

However, when George Evans, the school's assistant principal called to ask if I would replace a teacher, and the pay was $25.00 a day, I accepted and put plans to travel to either Vietnam to cover the war there or Beirut, Lebanon, to write about drug smuggling on hold for the time being -- it is now over 40 years later and I have never been to either place.

So there I was in Room 104, first class of the day, history with Grade Nine "A", having been given the text books, a day book and student seating plan. I put my name on the blackboard, turned and looked at the seating plan, and immediately sensed all was not right. In my best Dr. Karl Hackstetter voice, I yelled, "Get back in your right seats NOW." (For those who never met Dr. Hackstetter. trust me, he could yell.)

It worked. Students scurried to get to where they belonged, and there in front of me was Bob Fife, since February 2005 the Ottawa Bureau Chief for CTV NEWS, then in Grade Nine at CHS. He is also the Executive Producer of CTV's Power Play and Question Period.

Bob Fife far right listening to J.B. Walsh

Several days later, Bob appeared at the staff room wanting to speak with me. It turned out that the teacher I was replacing had been directing a play and Bob asked if I would take over as director. By his reckoning, because I was a reporter, I must know something about drama.

Bob played the leading role in a delightful one act comedy called 'Sunday Cost Five Pesos' and we expanded the production into a student talent night, which continued in the 1970swith Bob being named best actor for his performances on several occasions. For several years at CHS we did two productions a year involving a large number of students.

Also in 1969, the Chapleau Little Theatre was founded with Margaret Costello. a distinguished journalist and actress in Canada and the United States, who had moved to Chapleau, in a leading role in Kay Hill's comedy "Three to Get Married." Just days before opening night, a cast member became ill, and Bob very quickly took over the role and pulled it off as if he had been rehearsing for months.

I should have realized he was eventually headed to prime time television.

Somehow, in 1969,I ended up replacing the Midget hockey coach on a trip to Timmins and "Fife" as I came to call him almost ended my coaching career before it really started. There was a fight during the game, and after we returned to Chapleau, a letter arrived from James Aspin, long time secretary manager of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association alleging that the Chapleau coach had been yelling at his players to "Fight! Fight!"At a meeting in the old Town Hall basement, of course I denied it. Earle Freeborn asked me if I had yelled anything.

David Mizuguchi collection

After a moment I said yes. I had yelled "Fife! Fife!" at Bob who was involved in the fight trying to get him to the bench. This explanation was sent to the NOHA and I lived to coach another day.

During his years at CHS Bob was also active in other student activities and served as president of the Student Council in 1972-73.

Shortly after I joined Facebook a couple of years ago, Charlie Braumberger, who was in the same class as Bob messaged me saying, "You must be really proud of Bob's success."

I paused a bit before replying. Of course I am, but I have been proud of every student I ever had in the 32 years I spent in the classroom at Chapleau High School and College of the Rockies. To anyone who ever asked me about students, I have had a standard reply, "I have never met a bad student."

Bob Fife with Tom Corston

But I know what Charlie meant. Bob was interested in the news and peppered me with questions from the first moment he knew I had been a reporter and editor. Our conversations on the issues of the day continued for years.

Bob, who was born in Chapleau,  is the son of Margaret and the late Clyde Fife. Bob's grandfather George Fife was manager of the Chapleau Electric Light and Power Company and served as reeve of the Township of Chapleau from 1938 to 1942.

His father served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, and I recall to this day, Clyde telling me the story of my parents Jim and Muriel being at the ceremony in Toronto when he got his wings, and my father tried to make him laugh while on parade. Clyde, who was my father's best man at the wedding of my parents in 1940 also claimed that he "looked after" my father after I was born in Hamilton.

Our grandmothers were the best of friends and enjoyed playing golf on "Ladies' Day" at the golf course in Chapleau. Bob and I also got a chuckle over the time that his grandmother went to visit mine on Elgin Street when the snow banks were really high. Bob's father dropped his mother off and she assured him she could get to my grandmother's house. Somehow Mrs. Fife got stuck in the snowbank. My grandmother, Lil Morris, was watching and immediately called Clyde to come and rescue his mother. All went well and they had their visit.

After graduating from CHS Bob attended the University of Toronto where he earned the Bachelor of Arts degree.

In 1978, Bob started his journalism career in the parliamentary bureau of NewsRadio and then he worked for United Press International. It was his contact with UPI that got me one of my most interesting reporting assignments, covering a test of the nuclear winter theory in 1985 at Chapleau. Bob got me the assignment.

He then became a senior political reporter for the Canadian Press and later spent 10 years as Ottawa Bureau Chief and political columnist for the Sun Media chain. At one point in the 1980s Maclean's magazine called Bob the best investigative reporter in Canada.

After the National Post was founded he joined it in 1998, and he became Ottawa Bureau Chief for CanWest News Services and the National Post in 2002.

In 1991, Bob's first book, 'A Capital Scandal' which he wrote with John Warren came out, and I recall going to a bookstore in Cranbrook to see if I could get a copy. There it was prominently displayed in the new book section, and as I thumbed through it and noted that he dedicated it to his mother Margaret, I became a bit emotional which caused the lady in the store to ask if I was all right.

"I am fine," I told her. "I know Robert Fife and I am so proud of him." I went on to tell Bob's background and left with the book. As I write, it is beside me on my desk -- and the story it tells about politics in Canada and the need for the reform of Parliament it calls for is as relevant, perhaps moreso today, than it was 20 years ago.

In the acknowledgments Bob mentions Derik Hodgson who was an incredibly good reporter of my generation with whom I had worked at the Kingston Whig-Standard and Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. It so happened that by 1991 Derik had become communications director of the Canadian Labour Congress and had organized a conference for editors of labour union publications. I was the editor of Insider, the faculty magazine at College of the Rockies and attended the conference in Vancouver,

Small world that it is, there I was with my old friend Derik drinking coffee in the Hotel Vancouver, discussing a book by a Chapleau boy, who we both knew, albeit coming to know Bob in different ways. We were agreed on the message of the book.

In 1993, Bob's second book, 'Kim Campbell: The Making of a Politician' was published. She became the first female prime minister of Canada. Again, it remains a must read for a better understanding of politics in Canada.

Robert Fife, CTV NEWS

He has won the Edward Dunlop Award for Spot News and two National Newspaper Citation of Merit for political reporting.

However, it has been the past six years after Bob became Ottawa Bureau Chief of CTV News that he has become a household name in Canada. Especially since I have been on Facebook, many of his old friends have messaged me, "Did you see Bob on the news last night?", "Bob is interviewing the prime minister", "Did you teach him?" and so on, but I am guilty too.

While I was scanning photos of Bob for this piece at Walmart, I was getting help from a lady there, and pointed to photo of Bob with Tom Corston, and asked her, "Do you ever watch CTV News?" to which she replied she did.

"Do you know Bob Fife?" and again the answer was yes. Pointing to Bob holding an umbrella over Tom, who is now Anglican bishop of Moosonee, I said, "That's him when he was in Grade 9", adding, "Bob is from Chapleau." My email is mj.morris@live.ca

THE CHS STUDENT COUNCIL OF 1972-73

Chapleau High School Student Council of 1972-73 when Bob Fife was president. Front row from left Jamie Doyle, Eileen McRea, Tom Tangie, Bob, Patty Desbois. Middle row from left Rusty Deluce, Joan Lapointe, Walter Sonego, Dan Plouffe, Michael Dillon, Mary Ann Morris, Doris Delaney. Back row Robert Doyle, Gary Legros, Leslie Doig, Maurice Blais, Pat Connelly, Keith Marsh
 

'Hinge students' at Chapleau High School participated in locked door rebellion during exciting days at new school in 1966, Tom Corston recalled, as planning begins for 90th anniversary reunion in 2012

CHS gym class on field 1960s

Tom Corston referrred to those who attended both the "old" and "new" Chapleau High School as "hinge students" as he recalled the exciting days in 1966 as the school moved from Pine Street to its present location on the hill.

Writing in the souvenir newspaper published for the 75th anniversary in 1997, Tom says they were exciting days moving from the old to the new.

"We were leaving behind a venerable building that we were aware held valuable memories for our elders. Their initials were well carved into many an old desk and their portraits hung on every available wall space.

"But the old building had become overcrowded and a firetrap." Tom recalled classes being held in the converted basement gymnasium, "freezing in gym shorts out on the back field on cold autumn days because we had no gym; and learning of all things in the 60s to fox-trot. as part of gym class, in the dusty basement of the old town hall."

Tom reminded me of a decade earlier when we learned to waltz at dances in the old high school basement when Dr. Karl A. Hackstetter was a teacher at the old high school... He had returned as principal for three years just before the new school opened.... and it appears that the fox-trot became the dance of choice.

When I received a message from Graham Bertrand advising that a meeting is planned for November 24 in the council chambers of the civic centre in Chapleau at seven p.m. to start organizing the 90th anniversary celebration of Chapleau High School in 2012, Tom's article came to mind and I contacted him about using parts of it in a column. Tom, who is now the Anglican Bishop of Moosonee, replied quickly, "Just fine."

1967 reunion Margaret Rose, Alex in centre

In 1982 and 1997, CHS marked its 60th and 75th anniversaries respectively with hugely successful celebrations, and if the positive reaction on a Facebook page is any indication, the 90th will be quite a party too. Margaret Rose Fortin and Alex Babin were the co-chairs of both reunions.

Tom wrote that the new school was "indeed, beautiful. We who were among its first residents, were so very proud. It required a bit of a longer walk for most of us, in a day before school buses, but it had fully equipped labs, bright classrooms with big windows, a library, a beautiful gymnasium and shiny floors, kept so diligently by a custodial staff to three from the one elderly janitor who cared for the old school.

"Suddenly a great change for us, as well, was that we were all assigned a locker and no longer just a hook upon which to hang our coats."

Tom outlined some of the rules at the new school, some of which were the usual, but he noted that girls had to wear dresses and boys dress pants and no jeans. That rule was not changed until a vote by students in the 1970s several years after I had returned to teach at CHS, and I recall that although a the dress code was changed the results were closer than I thought they would be.

But the rule that led to a student rebellion was the one where students had to stay outside the school during the lunch hour, except for bus students.

Tom shared the story of the student rebellion at CHS:

"We had become frustrated with a rule and with those who were our masters. As i remember it, it was a cold winter day and we had to wait outside the new building during rhe lunch hour. After all, we could never be let loose to have the run of the new building while the staff was off for lunch.

"We were cold and disgruntled. We pounded on the door but to no avail. Then it started small but the rabble rousers among us began to agitate and and before long we were a crazed mob of unruly demonstrators, the likes that CHS had never seen before

"We rebelled! And when the doors were finally opened we moved as a yelling, unruly mob into the new gym not even taking off our shoes.

"We went on strike. We held a sit-in and we sang and we shouted and refused to return to class.... We were strong . We spoke with one voice. It was heady stuff. No one could control us or change our minds."

But, as Tom reported, things changed quickly. The rebels were doing well until the school principal Bill Mair returned from lunch, walked into the gym, and "with one great yell sent us all scattering. It had all lasted 20 minutes and the rule stood!"

However, there was one very significant change at CHS during Tom's time there in 1968 when he was president of the student council -- the new school colours.

"Students had become disgruntled with the old school colours of green, white amd red. .. The opinion was that a new school needed new colours..."

Although some graduates of the school were a bit disgruntled about changing the colours, finally a decision was made and the chosen colours became dark blue and light blue.

"It was a drastic change and some of our parents disagreed, " Tom wrote. "But we were undaunted in our choice. It was ours -- we liked the new colours , and liked even more the stamp we were able to put on our new building and on the history we were making."

Tom also noted that ot her members of the school colours committee included Joan Whitney, David Stevens, Clem Pilon, Marjorie McCrea, Gordie Welch and Gerry Bowland.


Thanks for the memories Tom of those years over 30 years ago when you were a student at CHS. As plans evolve for the celebration of the 90th anniversary in 2012, out of the mothballs of memory will come more stories from all those who have been part of Chapleau High School. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

As plans evolve and more information on the 90th becomes available, I will post it.

Tom Corston becomes ninth Anglican bishop of the Diocese of Moosonee

UPDATE... On July 6, 2010: Tom Corston was consecrated as a bishop in the Anglican Church today in a ceremony at St. Anthony's Church, Timmins, Ontario, and was later installed as the ninth bishop of Moosonee in a service at St Matthew's Anglican Cathedral in Timmins.


Thomas A. "Tom" Corston, born and raised in Chapleau, Ontario, the son of Frances (Jardine) and the late Henry "Chicken" Corston, has been elected the ninth Bishop of the Anglican Church Diocese of Moosonee at a synod in Timmins.

Tom, who is currently an archdeacon in the Anglican church is also Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Sudbury, Ontario, in the Diocese of Algoma, is expected to take up his new duties in July, 2010. He succeeds Archbishop Caleb Lawrence, who retired.

Growing up in Chapleau, Tom was active in St. John's Anglican Church, as AYPA president, which is a parish in the Diocese of Moosonee which he will now be leading. Tom becomes the first Chapleau boy to have become an Anglican priest to have been elected a Bishop. Tom was also a president of the Students' Council at Chapleau High School.

He graduated from Lakehead University with the Bachelor of Arts degree and Wycliffe College with a Master of Divinity degree.

In June,1974, Tom was ordained a Deacon in a service at St. John's ina service conducted by Archbishop James A. Watton, then the Bishop of Moosonee. He was ordained to the priesthood a year later.

He started his ministry in the Diocese of Moosonee.

Tom is married with two children.

Tom's grandparents John and Lydia (Swanson) Corston, came from James Bay in the Diocese of Moosonee to Chapleau in 1907 where his grandfather began work with the Canadian Pacific Railway. They established their family home on Grey Street.

Tom is a successor to John Horden, the first Bishop of Moosonee in 1872, who travelled around the vast area by canoe, snowshoe and on foot. Bishop Horden was considered one of the great missionaries of his time.

Here is where Tom has served in his ministry taken from a curriculum vitae prprepared for his nomination for Bishop of Moosonee:

Curate, Church of St. Michael & All Angels, Toronto, ON, 1974-75
Incumbent, Foleyet, Gogama, Mattagami First Nation, 1975-78,
Incumbent, Longlac, Caramat, Hillsport, Nakina, Armstrong, Collins, Allanwater Bridge,
Ogoki Post, 1978-80
Rector, South Porcupine & Schumacher, 1980-83
Regional Dean, Deanery of Cochrane, 1982
Rector, St. Margaret’s Church, Fredericton, NB, 1983-85
Rector, Iroquois Falls, Matheson & Montieth, 1985-87
Rector, Chatham, NB, 1987-92
Regional Dean, Deanery of Chatham, NB, 1990-1992
Rector, Holy Trinity Church, Sault Ste. Marie, 1992-98
Regional Dean, Deanery of Algoma, 1995-1997
Rector, Church of the Epiphany, Sudbury, 1998-present
Regional Dean, Deanery of Sudbury/Manitoulin, 1999-2002
Archdeacon of Sudbury/Manitoulin, 2002-present