Tárogató, 1940-1941 (3. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1940-09-01 / 3. szám
TÁROGATÓ IS 1840 ------ 1940 THE JAMES EVANS CENTENARY at Norway House, June 19th and 20th, 1940 Direct North from Manitoba’s capital, Winnipeg, the Red River flows into the Winnipeg Lake, the 12th largest inland lake, and by the shore line the 3rd largest in the world, A group of 42 United Church ministers, 1 minister of the Anglican Church, and 1 minister of the Mennonite Brethren Church travelled north from Winnipeg to celebrate the centenary of the Indian Mission in the far North, 300 miles from Winnipeg; where the daylight at present lasts 20 hours. The prediction of the Captain, that he will have to face a rough voyage, if so many ministers will be on board, happened promptly. The twinscrew Steamship “Keenora” plowed through the waves. What happened to the Ladies, Philosophy, Divinity, Ministry and the rest of the passengers and some of the crew on board cannot be revealed, as every one minded his very own business on the way to the North. The crowded Steamer had all its doors shut and looked like a deserted ship with the Captain at the side of the steering wheel and the engineer at the throttle. The first stage of the seasickness “I am afraid, I will die” crept nearer and nearer. As it lasted only two days, the second stage “I am afraid, I won’t die” wasn’t reached. The hearty welcome, the colorful celebration, the friendliest hospitality, and the most pleasant return trip on the calm sea, made every one of the large family of the “Big Chief,” Dr. J. A. Connie, forget the first experiences, ready to start this unforgetable trip all over again. 100. One hundred Indian children, colorfully clad in traditional costume and waving green boughs, formed the vanguard Wednesday of hundreds of other Indians who gathered here to welcome a large delegation from the United Church in Canada. It was the beginning of a two-day ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the arrival at Norway House of Rev. James Evans, first missionary at Norway House and inventor of the Cree syllabic, first written language of the Canadian Indians. It was in 1840 that James Evans landed at what is now Norway House on the shores of Little Playgreen Lake. 100 years! What a difference one hundred years makes! In the world of to-day ten years makes a vast change, both in equipment with which we work and live and in our trend of thought. But here at Norway House what a mixture we have. The things of old mingled with things new. Ways of living not much changed from one hundred years ago interwoven with customs that the life of to-day brings. The Indian visits his nets as of yore to feed his family, and then perhaps goes to some public gatherirg at night. The Missionary visits winter camps and sleeps in his robe much the same as of old, and at home he has his modern young people’s organizations for the newer generation. THE RECEPTION. The committee extended a very hearty welcome indeed to the visitors at Norway House on this very special occasion. Presenting the key of the “City of Norway House” to the leader of the party of guests, Dr. J. A. Cormie, Superintendent of Missions in Manitoba, the local Chairman of the Organization Committee, Rev. R. T. Chapin, B.A., said: The “city” is yours, and we hope you’ll enjoy every event of the celebration and every contact you make while here. — And we hope you will carry away with you a warmer feeling in your heart for the Indian and the Indian work of our Church. DEDICATION OF BIBLES. Chief John Moonias, of the Crees, OUR ENGLISH SECTION.
