Years ago, when a New Brunswick community didn't have a church or altar, the Bishop would bring an altar! Hank Williams, Verger Emeritus, shares some information about this interesting piece of history.
Hollingsworth Tully Kingdon, (1835 - October 13, 1907) was the second bishop of the Diocese of Fredericton. He was nominated by Bishop John Medley on January 12, 1881 as bishop coadjutor (a bishop with rights of succession) and ordained as bishop July 10, 1881. He succeeded Bishop Medley on his death in 1892. Bishop Kingdon was awarded an honourary Doctor or Civil Law (HonDCL) by Trinity College, Toronto in 1893. He lived in Bottreaux House in Fredericton until his death in 1907.
This traveling altar was used when Bishop Kingdon traveled to parts of the diocese where there might not have been facilities for celebrating a eucharist in the area. It was made and used from 1881 until 1906. It was bought by Bishop W.H. Moorehead between 1938 and 1956 from Mrs. C.K. Whatley of 99 Park Street, Sydney, N.S. for $500. I find it interesting that on the side of the metal traveling case, it is listed simply as being to be returned to the bishop in Fredericton. Obviously Fredericton was small enough at that time for anyone to know where it was to be delivered!
It contains a chalice and paten with the name G. Butterfield, London on the bottom, 2 brass candlesticks, 2 brass vases, a red burse and veil and a white burse and veil. There are purificators for use in the eucharist and even a metal box with the original candles, some yet unlit.
You might notice that the altar cross, in the background is, of course, non-freestanding since, at the time, the priest celebrated the eucharist with his back to the congregation.
Inside the set is also a hand-written note stating the following: "The outside oak of this box was from some oak sheathing about 450 years old in Good Easter, Essex. The little stone was consecrated as an altar stone by Bishop Forbes at Breckin (Brecklin?) for Wm. Becdon Hearltride (?), Presenter of Sarum. March,1894, T.K. Fredericton”. I believe Good Easter in Essex was Kingdon’s church until his arrival in Canada.
Yet another great example of the treasures of the cathedral!
-- by Hank Williams, Verger Emeritus
