Those of Christian faith helped develop Canada

Canada has many reasons to be proud of its first 150 years. We have achieved advances in intellectual, industrial, economic and other fields. We should remember that the inspiration and hard work behind much of what we value came from the Christian faith of many of our pioneers.

Explorers Samuel de Champlain and David Thompson, for example, were men of devout faith with a missionary outlook.

Rev. Egerton Ryerson, a Methodist preacher, was a leading influence in religion, education, publishing and politics in Ontario.

Missionary doctor Wilfred Grenfell pioneered medical services in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many early hospitals and schools were founded and operated by nuns, and some still exist.

Business founder Timothy Eaton conducted his business by Christian principles.

As settlement expanded across the country, much of the social, medical and education work was carried out by those who both preached and lived the gospel. The name Albert Lacombe comes to mind. Churches were prominent features of most early communities.

Despite Christian influences being diminished in recent times by the rise of liberalism, churches are still centres of godliness and goodwill, and the development of our civilization owes more to their efforts than is generally acknowledged.

Charmaine Wood Irvine