By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
The Anglican Church of St. Edward the Confessor in Oliver rang its bells 96 times last Friday in honour of Queen Elizabeth II who died on Sept. 8.
Reverend Patrick Reid helped with the count as ringer Penelope Johnson used an old set-up featuring wood handles attached to wires through the ceiling where eight copper bells hung ready to chime.
Reid said all Anglican churches in Canada including those in the Kootenay diocese rang their bells at noon to pay tribute to the Monarch, whose passing left a “hole” in their communities.
Reid said the Anglican Church of Canada used to be called the Church of England in Canada, so they have a long association with the UK Monarch.
“In our prayers every week we pray for the Queen. It will be a little unusual this Sunday because we’ll be praying for the King.”
Reid said a lot of their members have English heritage.
“The Queen has been very much a part of our lives growing up, in our worship, so it’s losing a close friend.”
Johnson said the church was built in 1950 and the bells were installed in 1952. She noted they had to increase the height of the tower to make it more stable for the bells. “The lower the tower the more unstable, so increasing the height of the tower actually makes it more stable for the support of the bells.”
She said the bells were founded in London. One bell commemorates the orchardists of the area, many of whom were Anglicans.
Johnson said the bells are normally cast in bronze with 80 per cent copper and 20 per cent tin.
Other than Sundays, the bells are rung for some funerals.
The Town of Oliver announced that flags at municipal buildings and parks will be flown at half-mast until sunset on the day of the Queen’s memorial service. The Town of Osoyoos is doing the same.
On behalf of Oliver council, Mayor Martin Johansen expressed condolences on the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning sovereign.
“Our thoughts are with the King and all the members of the Royal Family at this sad time.”
The Monarch, who marked seven decades on the throne, gave Royal Assent that Oliver was the Wine Capital of Canada during her 2002 Golden Jubilee Tour of Canada.
The regional district trademarked the branding in 2004, and Oliver has since changed the trademark to Canada’s Wine Capital.
In her condolences, Governor General of Canada Mary Simon said the Queen was compassionate, dedicated, humble, engaged and wise.
“When I was growing up, my grandmother revered the Queen, as did so many in the Arctic. She would tell us stories about Her Majesty, about her role and her commitment.
Her Majesty’s warm welcome when we spent time with her earlier this year was a profound moment in our lives and a memory we will cherish forever.”
Simon said the Queen’s reign encompassed the mandates of 12 Canadian prime ministers and 13 governors general.
Simon noted the Queen officially visited Canada on 22 occasions where she professed her love for the country.
“She was a steadfast presence during some of the most tumultuous times of our lives, and most recently gave comfort to so many during the pandemic.”
Lieutenant Governor of BC Janet Austin said the Queen’s long and steadfast reign endured for 70 years.
Austin said the Queen’s presence touched entire generations of Canadian families, who watched her grow from the teenage princess who trained as a mechanic with the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the Second World War, to the young Queen who charmed crowds on her many tours throughout the country.
“The impact of the reign of Her Majesty cannot be understated; the passing of this Queen represents the end of an era defined by its longevity and her ceaseless service.”
Premier John Horgan said the Queen will be remembered for her full-hearted service to her people, and her steadfast commitment to her duties as the sovereign and head of the Commonwealth.
“The Queen held a special place in her heart for British Columbia. We were honoured to host the Queen seven times, six as reigning monarch. With each visit, the Queen brought British Columbians together in common purpose.”
In the 1980s the Queen officially granted the province its Coat of Arms, an important symbol of independence and sovereignty.
In the 1990s, the Queen honoured B.C. by opening the Commonwealth Games. And in the 2000s, during her Golden Jubilee Year, the Queen dropped the puck at a Vancouver Canucks game to the delight of hockey fans.
“At every opportunity, Queen Elizabeth II made time for people, especially children,” Horgan said.
Bell ringer Penelope Johnson coordinates the event on Sept. 9.
Lyonel Doherty photo
