Lasting legacy
The Christ Church in Bloomfield has stood in its present location since 1828
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Since it had rained all day, Dad was unable to work in the field even though the sun had come out in the late afternoon. Mum suggested he do the milking a bit early and we would go to Bloomfield to see Grampie.
Cliff and I were concerned that we reach Aiton's store before closing time so we could get ice cream. Irene knew Mum and she always added a little extra on to the top of our cones.
When we drove up the steep hill to Grampie's house, we found him sitting
outside on the front doorstep smoking his pipe.
I wondered what old story he would tell this evening and I didn't have long
to wait. He pointed off in the distance to the steeple of the Anglican
Christ Church and said, "You know that church used to be on the opposite
side of the road."
I figured he meant the road had changed but I was in for a surprise as he continued talking.
"That church is really old. It was built in the early 1800s. Then in about 1828, John Hayes gave the piece of land where the church now sits. Isaac Raymond rounded up 13 yoke of oxen and moved the church. About ten years later the chancel and steeple were added."
Today a great deal of historical information on Christ Church in Bloomfield
is available on their website at http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/alfresco/index.htm
with information such as:
In 1797, a two and a half acre lot of land was given to the church by Simon
Baxter, a loyalist. In 1811 a Church building, 30 feet by 40 feet was erected.
On July 18,1826, Christ Church was consecrated as the Parish Church by
the Right Reverend John Inglis and 34 persons were confirmed. At this time
the burial ground was also consecrated.
The Church building was moved across the road in 1828 to a piece of land
given by John Cook Hayes. The moving was done by Isaac B. S. Raymond using
13 yoke of oxen.
In 1859 the seats were made free. Brass hanging chandeliers with beautiful ruby glass globes were given by Miss Charlotte Whitney.
A silver paten and chalice was presented to the Church by Miss Eliza Marven in 1873.
The 749 pound bell that was hung in the tower in 1896 still tolls and echoes across the river and unto the hills, summoning the parish to worship, announcing a birth or marriage or bidding farewell to one of the members.
Although you may not be able to worship with the congregation, you will be able to learn much of the history of the church by sitting in a pew on their website at http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/alfresco/histor~1.htm.
There is also a publication "Parish of Christ Church, Norton, New
Brunswick", by J. E. Hoyt that can be viewed at the Kings County Museum,
Hampton.
