AU10/100/7/3

Letter from S.A.Francis in Norwood Grove, Manitoba [Canada] on Gordon Ironside & Fares Company Limited, packers and exporters, note paper with a drawing of the factory [in Montreal?] on it: "Your letter of the 24th ulto came to hand safely and I am taking this opportunity of replying to it. I find the same as you do that my time is very much taken up with one thing or another and it is very seldom that I have any evening to myself or even visit my friends. The church takes up up [sic] three evenings every week, Mondays for Young People's Association, Wednesday service, and Thursday choir practice. You would be surprised at the difference there is out here and at home in the English church. The service is the same but a different spirit seems to enter into it, and I am of the opinion, the same as a good many more that disestablishment of the English church in the Old Country would mean the building of it up. The church that is bound to prosper is the one that has to struggle and fight to keep its head above water, as the mere fact of it have [sic] to be aggressive makes it progressive. I have seen a change in our own instance since I have been connected with St.Philip's. When I came here we had a little poky place of wood holding a hundred people at the outside. Now we have a fine large church of brick and stone, with lofty basement, under, lighted by electricity and capable of seating 500 or 600 people comfortably and already we get it nearly full of a Sunday evening. We make the service attractive with plenty of singing and generally an anthem or solo during the offertory and we have proved that it draws. I am sure that you would enjoy the trip out here and do not think that if you once get settled down that you would wish to return. However I hope that in the near future you will be able to see your way clear to pay me a visit when I shall be only too pleased to point out to you all the beauties and advantages of the country. Was sorry to hear that your father had been unwell but hope that with the trying weather of winter over he has fully recovered. I have no doubt that you have heard I am thinking of entering the ranks if the benedicts shortly so you see if you do make up your mind to take a trip over here you will have somewhere to stay. I think my father intends coming over here this year or next to see what it is like. It would not be a bad idea for you to try and make arrangements to get off and come with him. I will however leave the suggestion with you. With regard to the stamp question I have been on the look out for you but have not landed anything yet. If I come across any which I do not think you have I shall certainly corral them for you. I am enclosing a farthing or half cent stamp which I don't hardly think you will have in your collection as they don't seem to be used outside of the large cities. I shall have to be drawing to a close for this time. I hope that you are well. Remember me kindly to your family and all Ampthill friends. Expect you are on the look out for anniversary pieces now. We have a blizzard blowing here today after a spell of very mild weather. Shall be glad to hear from you whenever you can find time to write"

29 Mar 1905

From: 1905 To: 1905

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Francis, Samuel Alfred,
Peer, Arthur Henry,
Gordon Ironside & Fares Company Limited

Canadians, specific emigration, Gordon Ironside & Fares Company Limited, billheads, church choirs, Established Church, church groups, general children, personal faith, disestablishment, electricity, specific marriages, church music, weather, stamp collecting, Manitoba Norwood Grove, Montreal, AMPTHILL