CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY ARCHIVE

Section V: Missions to the Americas

Part 2: North West Canada, 18211880

Part 3: North West Canada, 18221930

Part 4: British Columbia, 18561925

Introduction to Part 4

Part 4 contains the papers for British Columbia, 1856-1925 including the Original Papers, 1856-1925, the Letter Books, 1881-1925 and the Précis Books, 1881-1925.

The Original Papers, pre 1880 include letters, journals and Annual Letters sent by missionaries, bishops and schoolmasters to the Secretary in London. The early papers pre 1880 are listed alphabetically by bishops, missionaries and others. Bishops listed are George Hills, British Columbia, William Carpenter Bompas, Athabasca and William Ridley, Caledonia.

The letters and journals give vivid descriptions of the hardships experienced by the missionaries in their day to day life and journeys in the northern wastes and also contain much detail on the life and customs of the American Indians.

Subjects covered are: statistics compiled by Bishop Hill of the Indian tribes of the Pacific Coast – number of men, women and children and language; account of his visit to Metlakatla Mission where he examined 100 catechists; printed report of the first synod of the Diocese of British Columbia,1875.

Also to be found are: Bishop Bompas’ letter on his arrival at Metlakatla and his first impressions,1877; narrative of a journey to Metlakatla in the winter of 1877; report of a visit to Kincolith and Metlakatla in February 1878; account of Christmas at Metlakatla, 1877.

Also a letter from Bishop Ridley on his arrival and his first impressions of Metlakatla; report on a month’s journey into the interior; letter re William Duncan and Robert Tomlinson.

The correspondence of missionaries and others include the following: Rev William Henry Collison, Very Rev Edward Cridge, Robert Cunningham, Rev Robert Reid Arthur Doolan, William Duncan, Rev Frank Barrow Gribbell, Mrs Lise Gribbell, Rev Alfred James Hall, Henry B Owen, Captain James C Prevost, Henry Schutt, George Edward Sneath, Rev Robert Tomlinson.

Rev William Henry Collison

Letter from Rev Collison about his journey and arrival at Metlakatla; report on a journey from Metlakatla to Massett, Queen Victoria Islands, 1876; specimens of the Hydah and Tsimshian languages; newspaper cutting of Lord Duffrin’s visit to the Queen Charlotte Islands, 1876; Annual Letters for 1876, 1880; petition from Christians at Metlakatla requesting that Mr and Mrs Collison should not be moved to another station,1876.

Very Rev Edward Cridge, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria

A report by Rev Edward Cridge on a visit to Metlakatla,1867; letter to William Duncan giving his reasons for leaving the Church of England and joining the Reformed Episcopal Church, 1875.

Rev Robert Reid Arthur Doolan

The papers contain news cuttings re the sale of alcohol to the Indians,1866; copy of the minutes of the Committee meeting held in Metlakatla, 1866; abstract of his journal for 1 May – 30 Sept 1865; printed journal for 1 October 1865 – 31 March 1866; diary for April 1866 – 30 June 1866; journal for 27 Sept 1866 – December 1866

William Duncan

Letter to the Governor of British Columbia,1865; minute of committee meetings held at Metlakatla,1867 re Mr Owen’s case; letter to the Governor of British Columbia requesting the possibility of divorce being allowed amongst Indians,1867; letters from Paul Leegaio, 1868-1869; printed report of the British Columbia government on Indian Reserves,1875; address from Christians at Metlakatla urging the Bishop to be reconciled with Dean Cridge, 1877; newspaper cutting on the Governor–General’s visit to British Columbia, 1876; journals for 1856-1861, including his account of his first visit to the Kee-thrahtlah Indians, 1860; Annual Letters for 1868-1869, 1871,1873-1876, 1878-1879.

Rev Alfred James Hall

Letter after his arrival and his work of three months,1877; a printed copy of “The Primary Manual of the Fort Rupert CMS Mission”, 1879; letter after two years at Fort Rupert including two visits made to the “neighbouring heathen tribes”; letter re the traffic in liquor with Indians at Metlakatla and Fort Rupert, 1880; account of the first few months in Metlakatla, 1878; Annual Letter for 1878.

Rev Robert Tomlinson

Letter applying for a site for the mission buildings and reserve,1869; an account of a whisky woman; account of work among the Kitiksheans,1875; statement by Rev Tomlinson in reference to the withdrawal of his licence by Bishop Hills,1877; extracts of a diary for 1867-1868; tour among the tribes on the Nass and Skeenia Rivers,1874; First to Third Annual Reports of the Kincolith Mission Hospital, 1871-1874; Annual Letters for 1868-1870, 1872-1876, 1878-1879; sketch map of the Pacific Coast showing Fort Simpson, Metlakatla, Kincolith and Indian settlements along the Skeena and Nass rivers.

The Letter Books, 1881-1925 contain copies of outgoing correspondence from the Secretaries in London to the mission secretaries. They contain a wide variety of topics with many letters of instructions to new missionaries going out to the field.

The Original Papers, 1881-1925 contain the letters, journals and annual letters sent by missionaries, bishops and schoolmasters to the Secretary in London. They are arranged chronologically by year and contain much interesting information on the work and experiences of the missionaries and other workers in the field and on the lives of the American Indians.

Annual Letters from Robert Tomlinson, 1881; W Collison, 1881; Henry Schutt, 1881; Alfred J Hall, Fort Rupert; Mr Duncan,1881; extract from Rev C B Nash’s Annual Letter,1886; journal of the Aiyansh Mission, Nass River, September 1910-March 1911 by James B McCullagh.

Reports - report of the Ankihttast mission since the return of Rev Tomlinson; a report on a visit to Fort Rupert and other tribes, Jan 1882, Alert Bay by Alfred J Hall; report of a meeting of chiefs and Indians at Metlakatla, 1882; printed report of the commission on the state and condition of the Indians of the North West Coast of British Columbia; report on a missionary tour by Dr Ardagh and R W Gurd to Kithatla,1889; printed report on the Indian Schools of Manitoba and the North West Territories by the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Indian Affairs; report on the Industrial School at Alert Bay by A W Corker, the Principal.

Miscellaneous including newspaper cuttings, photographs, annual reports of the missions, copies of newspapers - Memo on events at Metlakatla,1881; letters re Mr Duncan’s behaviour in inciting the people against the Bishop; an account of the destruction of the mission building at Metlakatla; newspaper cuttings relating to the situation in Metlakatla, 1883; letter from native women complaining about the departure of Mr Duncan; newspaper cuttings re the resignation of the Bishop of British Columbia; copy of Dr Powell’s address to the Tsimpsean Indians at Metlakatla,1884; diary kept by A J Hall 17 August-30 December 1883; news cuttings re the trouble with the Indians at Metlakatla; photos taken in the Queen Charlotte Islands by Mr Maynard; account of work among the Zaguills, Alert Bay; annual report of the North Pacific Mission, 1885;newspaper cutting on the refusal of the Indians in Metlakatla to allow surveying of the Indian reserves; newspaper cutting on the problems with the Tsimpsean Indians; letters from Indian Chiefs complaining that Bishop Ridley had only visited Massett twice in 50 years; letter from Indians on the reserve at Hazelton to the Superintendent of General Indian Affairs, Ottawa re the Indian Agent and Rev Field; news cutting about the fire at the mission house at Metlakatla, 1890; photograph of the Girls’ Home at Metlakatla; photograph of the children at the Girls’ Home at Alert Bay and of the new mission house at Aiyansh; leaflet of “The Friends of the Indians of British Columbia“; copy of the “Journal of the Fourteenth Synod” in the Diocese of British Columbia with the statistics for the year; copies of “The North British Columbia News” reporting on the floods at Aiyansh; photographs of the floods at Aiyansh and of an Indian wedding feast.

Minutes of Meetings and Conferences - proceedings of the annual conferences of the missionaries of the North Pacific Mission; minutes of the Nass River Station, 1885.

Financial - Statement of receipts and expenditure for the building of Christ Church Mission Church; statistical returns of the North Pacific Mission, 1886; list of expenditure for building the mission house at Massett; discussion on missionary salaries.

The Précis Books, 1881-1925 consists of a printed précis of the papers sent to London with the date, writer, date received, summary of contents, proposals for committee action to be taken and/or the secretary’s remarks.

Topics included are: confidential and personal letters from the missionaries; news on the mission stations; receipt of Annual Letters and journals; reports of conferences; accounts of visits by the Bishop; minutes of the Mission Board.

EXTRACTS

Account by William Duncan on his journey to Metlakatla, April 1878:

Narrative of journey to Metlakatla A Race with Winter

On the 8th Oct 1877 I left Dunvegan on Peace River by canoe to ascend the upper part of Peace River, the weather being very cold and frosty. All the latter part of September the frost and snow had been more severe than I had ever known it before at the same season so that winter had decidedly the first start in our race…. On the 17th we reached Rocky Mountain House where we found all the Indians assembled & for the first time I found no sick in the camps, which I attribute to their unusually liberal use of soap & water as compared with the tribes further north….

After 11 days hard work poling against the stream we arrived at MacLeod Lake Fort on 29th Oct. In passing the Parle Pas Rapid our canoe turned once & drifted down the stream but being a large one descended safely. The next one we ascended more easily and met with no further accident….Most of the time that we were passing through the gorge of the Rocky Mountains the weather was foggy but when the mists cleared we saw the bold crags and hilly heights closely overhanging the river in snow and grandeur….

On reaching his destination Rev Duncan describes the Indians of the area:

….the habits of the natives here are partly those of the forest Indians and partly those of the Esquimaux. In temper and in skill the coast tribes differ much from the Chepevyan, but I see in them a strong likeness to the northern Indian tribes that I have visited west of the Rocky mountains. The constant use of their large Cedar canoes is the chief characteristic of the coast Indians & the indented coast studded with islands is very favourable for canoeing. This rocky coast abounds with shell fish and salmon which form the chief of the natives’ sustenance and at the mouth of the Naas River is caught in large shoals the oolikun a smaller fish about twice the size of a sardine and so full of oil as to burn like a candle. This fishery and that of the salmon form the summer employ of the natives except such of them as are engaged by Europeans to work at the mines or in the exportation of salmon packed in tins. In winter the natives are engaged at their homes in their villages collecting firewood and hunting deer & fur animals more like the inland tribes. Just now many of them are off seal hunting.

The Indian houses are large, built roofed and floored with split cedar boards, the fire in the centre with an opening above for the smoke. They have large cedar boxes to contain their clothes and valuables. They eat various cakes made of sea weed, poplar bark, herring spawn, or bitter berries. Their condiment being seal oil or the grease of the oolikun fish. They are now very well dressed in European clothes though 20 years ago they were wrapped in nothing but blankets which they obtained from the Hudsons Bay Co in exchange for furs….

Journal of Captain James Prevost, Vancouver Island:

Sunday – one of the coldest days this year; I found about 40 assembled for service- As I saw some of them struggling up against the wind and snow, scarcely able to stand on the ice, I thought of the many little petty excuses about the badness of the weather that often keeps many at home from attending church. I spoke very plainly and simply about Jesus having been offered up as a sacrifice for sinners – They retain so very little, it is necessary to repeat again and again the same truths…. Lost my way in the evening when going to Mr Cunninghams to hold service – The snow storm was so blinding. After about half an hour travelling in a circle, I found the land again. Gale very violent. I fear the house will be unroofed. Rang the bell for school, but the wind was too high to allow any to come – Engaged in making up accounts etc….

Journal of Henry Schutt, Metlakatla, c1876:

….During the summer months, while our people were away at the salmon fishing, I went to visit them on the Saturday, and held service on Sunday in one of the Indian huts. These huts present a very strange sight. Four fires are made in different parts of it, and around each fire a separate family will be found grouped; while overhead hanging on cross sticks, hundreds of salmon are to be seen undergoing the process of smoking & drying for winter use. Upon first entering a hut it is impossible to see far into the interior for smoke, and a feeling of suffocation comes over you. But as soon as you sit down this passes away. On the Sunday morning only one fire was lighted; soon seats were arranged all round , and at the sound of a bell all the Indians at the Station came trooping in, and all neat and clean in their best clothes. During Service all were very orderly and devout, and the sweet–toned native singing was accompanied on the concertina by one of the elders….

Journal for 1868 of Rev Robert Tomlinson:

….May 16 Arrived at Metlakatla today about 6pm. Here notwithstanding the joyful reception given us, our hearts were sorrowful for a sad calamity had befallen our poor people when I was away.

On April 28th some Niskah Chiefs at the villages gave a whisky feast to which they invited a large number of Tchimsheans. As may easily be anticipated when the liquor began to take effect a contention arose which resulted in a fight. 3 men were shot ( 2 killed and one wounded) One of those killed was a Tchimashean. Some of his fellow tribesmen unable to revenge his death on the scene of the fight devised the diabolical design of making a tour down the river and murdering every Niskah they might meet….

Extracts from a Conference 1885/6 giving details on the mission stations:

Kincolith

When Bro Collison went there about 18 months ago he could not get one man to assist him to carry his goods from the beach to the Mission House. Through the providence of God a better feeling has pervaded the Nishgas and all are now working harmoniously together. The remnants of a fast decaying tribe have lately joined their community and the work is now steadily progressing.

Ayensh

The Missionary in charge of this Station has not attended the Conference, and our knowledge of the work is limited: but as far as we can ascertain no real progress has been made.

Kitwinga

Owing to the difficulties existing at Metlakatla a resumption of heathenism has taken place, and almost all refuse to attend Church. The Duncanites have stirred up these Indians against the Mission, and in consequence we are now unable to report favourably of this station. We ought therefore to pray the more earnestly that the Holy Spirit may be given to this people that they may be brought out of darkness into the light of God.

Skeena Forks

The Natives here continue to declare themselves the Bishop’s people. They are now without a European Teacher….

Journal of Albert J Hall on a visit to the Indians south of Alert Bay 1889:

Monday Jany 14th Left home early this morning accompanied by our native teacher William to visit four villages to the South of us. We were towed thirty miles by the Missionary Steamer “Glad Tidings”. William remained in our boat. It blew a strong head wind and all our things were drenched. At noon we left the steamer and pulled eight miles up an inlet reaching our first village at 3pm. A bitterly cold day and we were glad of our welcome. Enjoyed the big fire in our hosts’ houses. We soon had an opportunity of addressing twelve men who sat round our fire. William prayed and after another address I offered prayer. All seemed impressed and were very quiet. 7pm exhibited the Magic Lantern.

Tues 15th This morning visited the sick and dispensed medicines. In one house enjoyed speaking to five men and one woman. Sang the “Venite” and made them repeat it. They thanked me saying my words were good….

Wed 16th Woke at 3am, very unwell and dreaded the journey. Our host has been exceedingly kind to us giving us a huge fire night and day. His fire wood is six feet long and one foot in diameter. One woman brought us a dish of eggs, another supplied us with venison and a little girl laid at my feet a partridge. A fair wind and reached the Tlawatsis village at 12.30 having travelled 18 miles in three hours. A great shouting announced our arrival and the Indians came out of their houses to see what had happened. Perhaps one hundred came to the beach and our bedding etc was soon carried to our host’s house. There are 320 souls in this village. About an hour after our arrival two Alert Bay canoes arrived with twenty or more men in each. They have been invited to a feast and will return tomorrow. Sisippunwi ( sunbeam) called us to have tea with him. He is a believer and knows the way of salvation. Could speak freely to him. The Numkes chief came in and defended the “potlatch”….

Tues This village is very dirty compared with others visited, but the people are very robust and have more activity than other tribes. They live principally on native food and have had little intercourse with Europeans. They spend eight months of the year at the head of Kingscombe Inlet, but are driven to the coast by the excessive winters of the interior. Went to see the head chief in order to arrange for the holding of a service. He said the whole of the village were about to assemble at a seal feast and I could speak there. At this feast eight seals were devoured and I saw a man count out seventy five dollars and give to his father in law in order to be allowed to retain his wife. It is quite a common practice for the wife’s relatives to take her from her husband unless similar presents of blankets or money are made them….

Extract from minutes of the CMS conference with reports on the stations by A J Hall, 1902:

Melakatala Since the fire an old store had been utilised for Church and other meetings. Sufficient money ($3200) had been given or promised to build a new church and work on the new-building had commenced. Natives were often now invited to preach and this had proved a great success. At a Bible class for adults the members were taught to give addresses. Plans were out for building a new Girls Home by the Indian department. The Government have also promised to build a day school for the “White Home”. Men of the age of 30 were difficult to manage being inclined to free thought. Mr Keen said the Mission party was a united one, and spoke highly of the ladies work. Communicants 55; offertories $165.55: scholars 98: deaths 4: births 15.

Kincolith The appearance of small-pox had put a strain on the Naas Missionaries, but by God’s help they had kept if from spreading. Much liquor had been brought in from Alaska and had given them trouble. The population was stationery. Day school average was 35.

Aiyansh Native teachers did well during the illness of the missionary. The zeal of Church Army preachers is cooling off but the best remain true. The people are prepared for self-help, because this has been taught them for 4 years. A Government surveyor is coming to mark off the reserves into 10 acre allotments, and the Indians will then settle on their own lands. The Missionary has ten lads living with him who are skilful printers. The strongest heathen supporters are lapsed Christians. The heathen make their own intoxicants and there are often sad scenes of drunkenness among them.

Alert Bay There are 7 villages within 30 miles of Alert Bay without any teacher, and two earnest young men are needed to commence a mission in two of these villages. There has been much drunkenness in these heathen villages the past winter; several have been fined and imprisoned and thus the illicit trade checked. In the boarding schools 49 boys and girls have been carefully taught and trained and there are good results visible. The Sundays are now quiet and the services well attended….

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