Parish Profile

(Excerpts taken from the Northern Lights summer/fall, 2001)

An Anglican presence began in this area in the late 1800’s as a response to visits by Bishop Ridley, Diocese of Caledonia. Bishop Ridley had appreciated the need for ministry to people in the Glenora area known as the Upper Stikine Mission, who were feeling the effects of the gold rush. The Rev. Frank Palgrave was the first fulltime priest in this area in 1897.

The first church building was started in the spring of 1903 at Tahltan village by the Rev. Thomas Thornton and his family. Later (1912-1913), Thomas’s son, the Rev. Fred Thorman began services once a month at Telegraph Creek. In 1918 Fred Thorman and his family moved to Telegraph Creek and traveled to Tahltan once a month for services. Daily lay led prayer services were conducted at Tahltan by the First Nations people.

Rev. Thorman also constructed a mission house in 1921 and began construction of a church building in Telegraph Creek. St. Aidan’s was dedicated on August 21st, 1924 by the Rev. Thorman and the Rev. Hodgson who was Thorman’s replacement. In 1937 a new log church was dedicated at Tahltan. Telegraph Creek continues to be the main point for regular services.

The community of Telegraph Creek has a population of approximately 350 people. St. Aidan’s parish consists of only 24 families. Although the numbers are not large, there has been incredible growth at St. Aidan’s. There is regular voluntary participation in worship, particularly through the Bible readings and prayers. We have young people taking part through the ministry of servers.

The sense of ownership is catching. As some people undertake responsibilities, others decide to take part. Growth is happening.