The Last Keewatin Baptism

I am a retired priest at the Church of St. John the Baptist in Fort Frances, Ontario. I would like to share with you a story about the last baptism in Keewatin Diocese.
In the summer of 2014, our grandson, Daniel, his wife, Krystal, and their three little boys, who live in Thunder Bay, were here for a holiday. I was so pleased when they asked me to baptise their three month old, Isaac. As our rector, Wayne McIntosh, was on vacation, Georgina Connor and I officiated at the service.
20150323_171457It was a very special service for our family, as you will see. Isaac’s paternal grandparetns, Carol and David, were here from Sioux Lookout, and his other parternal great-grandparents, Bernice and Don DeBenedet, came from Thunder Bay. Also present were his aunts and uncles.
It was not what you would call a “quiet” service, as we had six other great-grandchildren present, four years of age and younger! Isaac’s four-year-old cousins carried up the bread and wine (under adult supervision!)
We were also pleased to have fellow Christians with us from the United Church, as they have a midweek service only during the summer, and from the Roman Catholic Church. Certainly Isaac was very warmly welcomed into our Chistian family!
What made it especially memorable for us was that Isaac’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all present and all four had been baptised at St. John’s.
Barbara Murray

Author

Keep on reading...

News

On Family and Identity: The Passion of Perpetua

In the first few centuries of the Common Era, Christians were the targets of sporadic persecutions by the Roman authorities. The imperial persecutions of Decius, ...
News

2024 Advent & Christmas Services

St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (274 Campbell St.) Christmas Eve Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 5:00 pm An all-ages service with Holy Communion. Tuesday, Dec. 24 at ...
News

Exploring Seeds of Wisdom: Perspectives from a Rich African Christian Tapestry

In the heart of Africa, vibrant cultures intertwine with deep spiritual traditions. From the oral traditions that echo through generations to the innovative educational initiatives ...
Skip to content