Tárogató, 1940-1941 (3. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1940-10-01 / 4. szám
CANADAN VIESTI death. The Indians made preparations to kill him, but Thomas Hassell’s mother stopped there preparations. Placing her hands on Mr. Evans’ head, she said “The white man shall not die, because their was no evil in his heart, and he loved my son. He shall live and be my son, in the place of the one who is dead.” Mr. Evans remained with the Hassell family during the period of mourning, and continued to contribute to their support afterwards. THE CONCLUSION OF JAMES EVANS’ WORK AT NORWAY HOUSE by Mr. P. G. Lazenby, Agent of the Dominion Government for Indian Affairs, who took a most active part in all the celebrations. The conclusion of James Evans’ work as a Missionary, at Norway House, and the events which preceded it, and which were immediately responsible for it, provide what is probably the saddest chapter in the story of this great and good man of God, who gave his all, to bring the Gospel Story to the native Indians. The relating of these events, though unpleasant, cannot very well be omitted, because to do so, would leave the story of James Evans and his work incomplete, and “Hanging in mid-air” so to speak. However, while relating these events, let us remember that a hundred years of time have gone by since they occurred, and time is a great healer, and softener of trouble and sadness. You have already heard the story told, of how the English Wesleyan Church was asked to send out three missionaries to establish missions from the Hudson’s Bay to the Rocky Mountain and that James Evans was asked to superintend the work of these mis.sions. This was in 1840 — one hundred years ago. The assistant in this great missionary venture, the great Hudson’s Bay Company offered to provide canoes, provisions, interpreter and houses, without cost to the church, thus giving the work of bringing The Book to the Indians of the North, a splended start. You have also heard related, the If story of the York Boats, and of how the Christian Indians who were employed on the York Boats observed the Sabbath Day, by rest and worship. At this time, Sir George Simpson was Governor of the Great Company. Sir George was a man of iron will, resolute purpose, and great determination. His word was law, and all opposition was swept aside ruthlessly. A man of great physical powers and endurance, he was engaged in travelling from place to place throughout this north land building up the business of the Company, which had apparently reached a low ebb at that time, and he was determined to make a success of his work sparing neither himself, nor anyone else to achieve the object of the York boat brigades, driving them on with all the speed of which they were capable, day after day from dawn till dark without cessation. When it came to his knowledge that the Christian Indians working on the York Boats insisted on resting and observing one day in seven as the Sabbath Day — the day set apart by God himself for rest and worship, and cessation from labour — he became furious, and from that time, adopted a hostile attitude towards James Evans, whom he held responsible for having taught the Indians Sabbath observance. Even though it had one day in seven did far better work, and kept in far better physical condition than those who were compelled to work every day including the Sabbath, Sir George could not—or did not — that time, he determined to rid the country of James Evans. It should be made clear, that this antagonism was “personal” with Sir George himself, and did not constitute the real George’s attitude was reflected in those under him, and who were dependent upon him, though in a more passive way. These officials could not openly continue their friendship with James Evans, without incurring Sir George’s displeasure and suffering the consequences. Henceforth, James Evans could no longer depend upon the Company’s posts to supply him with provisions and no longer did he receive the usual wary reception from the Co.’s officials. It was a very sad time for the great hearted missionary, but he continued his way as best he could, against
