St. Albans Methodist Church 1922 Wedding Preformed by Pascal DiFlorio

For Pascal’s grandson Michael…As you precede on your 1st, authorized to solemnize the rites of matrimony as they used to say in the early 1900’s. In 2010 we would probably prefer to say… “To celebrate or observe with dignity and gravity.”

With the coming of summer we went to St. Albans, where I supplied the Methodist Church for 3 months while the minister was in California to visit relatives. During this time we lived in the church Parsonage.

One night a short time after we arrived at the Parsonage a couple came with a request to be married. After a few words of advice and examination of the marriage license we proceeded to solemnize the Matrimony. In the midst of the service the young lady fainted. At once my wife Margaret got a glass of water, soon the lady recovered and we were able to conclude the service. Such was our experience connected with the first matrimony, which I solemnized.

A Hymn for "airmen" by Minnie Conklin

A HYMN FOR AIRMEN
Our Father, whose unerring sight,

Regards the eagle in its flight,

Watch o’er the craft that wings its way

Where storm clouds lower and dangers play.

Grant wisdom for the trying hour,

Sustain the spirits’ hidden power,

To heavenward thought attend thine ear

And manifest Thy presence near.

And may our airmen come to be

The messengers of harmony,

To haste Thy kingdoms glad increase,

And usher in the age of peace.

Remember those who fondly yearn,

For those who never will return;

May skill prevail till every plane,

Comes safely to its part again.

The author of the poem must have been a joy to be around because even her granddaughter Shirley is just so much fun to talk to on the phone. Shirley got the “History Bug” and has never stopped adding to her web site.
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~twigs2000/

Shirley gave me permission to use her grandmothers poem and share with

Agape Flights

Agape Flights Blog now up and running- Another way to connect with the ministry.


Agape Flights is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Christian ministry that provides ongoing and critical support services to close to 400 missionary families that work in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. Agape provides coordination and support getting supplies and services to the island nations in the Caribbean for the missionaries via air support on “Bandit,” from Agape’s hanger and home base at the Venice Florida Airport.

YOU CAN help by praying for the missionaries and checking out Agape Flights web site to find out more about this important ministry. You can see the missionaries’ current needs and you can read the stories about the missionary families- their victories and struggles plus updates from missionaries in the field, many from the earthquake regions of Haiti.

Agape has been providing continual service for their member missionaries for 30 years and will celebrate the Anniversary at the Agape Flights Hanger on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Check Agape Flights web page for further details and RSVP gomissions@agapeflights.com with “Celebration” in the subject line.

“airman” Another definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airman

…"Airman" is capitilized when referring to enlisted members of the United States Air Force. More informally, it can refer to any member of an air force, or to any pilot, aviator, or aircrewman, military or civilian, male or female.
Further, people in these services who are involved in flying are also "airmen".) In the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) usage, an airman is any holder of an airman's certificate, male or female. This certificate is issued to those who qualify for it by the FAA Airmen Certification Branch.
The definition of “Airmen”
Airman may refer to: *Airman, a term which describes a person serving in an air force or other military aviation service. *For civilian and generic usage, see Aviator


Also the granddaughter Shirley said, “I can even remember your grandmother playing a tiny apartment piano and hear her singing along”

I loved hearing Shirley say this because I never heard my grandmother play a single note- why I do not have an answer but I can remember her speaking voice… I cherish the fact that I was able to find Shirley through her web site and talk to somebody that knew my grandparents!

Guest Speaker in Anna Maria Island Florida

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Anna Maria Island, Florida Rev. Dr. Pascal DiFlorio to substitute preach for a fellow pastor while pastor is away.

Close to the End of This Section ...

Flashing forward looking for the missing link...a travel log written by Dr. Pascal DiFlorio...now missing and presumed mixed in with his grandsons and great grandson's stuff. The travel log has notes from the 1930 trip to Europe and is the link between the Pascal DiFlorio bio and "Rebels on the Rampage," the 30,000 word document written in 1929.

Rebels on the Rampage is about the influence of Italian Divines upon the English Reformation- Principally in the Reign of Edward VI-

1930 Europe...Anita stayed with cousins

Pascal and Margaret sailed to Europe in 1930 to visit Pascal's family and hometown of San Pietro, InFine Italy. Their daughter stayed with Margaret's sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Rev. Arthur E. Kelly for two months while they were in Europe. To my knowledge it was the only trip to visit family in Italy and their 1st and only visit was 24 years after Pascal left Italy in 1906 as an 18 year old young man.

Dr. Manning, Missionary Secretary in Toronto...

(Pascal felt his life was in danger because he had been asked to act as interpreter in province of Ontario on the issue of the “Dry” province…)

I consulted Dr. Manning, the missionary secretary in Toronto. He advised against our leaving… “St. Francis Assisi would not leave.”

“This may be so but he did not have the responsibility of a wife and daughter.” Both of us regretted the situation and proceeded our own way.

So we packed the very few belongings and set out to Montreal…the place which we knew best. Our great difficulty was where will we stay? We could not afford to rent an apartment and buy the furniture. The matter was serious, but there was a way out.

We communicated with aunt Sarah and aunt Elizabeth. They lived in Lachute, and had accommodation. Yes they had room for us. We went and decided that Margaret and Anita were to stay with the aunt and I was to go to Montreal and rent a room in the Wesleyan College and carry on historical research. And, so I went to Montreal and rented the room which I had occupied and visited my little family on week ends.

After a few months we rented a flat partly furnished which served our needs. The flat was on Park Ave…not far from the college. This meant that I could go home for my meals. The short distance made it possible for Margaret to take Anita to the McGill Campus where they enjoyed playing.

September 22, 1922

We remained in the parish for about two years. Here Anita was born September 15, 1922. We took her to church when she was about 3 weeks old thus Margaret was able to play the piano for the church.

During this time my brother-inlaw came from Italy his name was Vitulio Vecchiarino. He remained with us for a few months and because there was very little work he decided to go to Providence, RI. To his brother’s house.

As for us we carried on and were happy. I decided to enroll with the United Theological College for the Th.D. degree. This would keep me studying; but our plans had to be changed. Among the Italians there was an undesired element- the province of Ontario was “dry,” Among the Italians there was an undesired element. There was a strong feeling against the alcohol ban; so it was decided to take a vote. The feelings ran high. I was urged to act as interpreter. This brought me in bad repute with certain Italians. My life was in danger and I had been ill advised. So we decided to pack up and leave.

Pascal & Margaret Together for a Lifetime

Pascal DiFlorio Blog 1920…Margaret

The separation from Margaret was hard but we wrote each other often, so we did not mind our separation. In fact we found that we loved each other very much. The year 1920 I received my B.A. degree from McGill University. Margaret was present. Graduation was remembered as a great event in the lives of both Margaret and I. The following year I received my Bachelor of Divinity from the Wesleyan Theological College and was ordained as a minister of the Methodist Church, in the Montreal Conference, Cornwall, Ont. Canada. The date was June 5th 1921. At the time I was appointed to a little church in an out of the way place. This was not to be; in that, I applied also to the Board of Home Mission, in Toronto, Ontario to pastor an Italian Church. I went to Toronto and interviewed Dr. Smith who took a great interest in my case. He phoned the District Superintendent at St. Catherine, Ont. And gave him information and qualifications (which I had) to serve as a minister among the Italians in Welland, Ont. And Niagara Falls, Ont. I was to receive $1200 per year as long as I was single and $1500 plus the rent of a house if married. So at once I informed Margaret and we agreed to proceed to make preparations for our wedding day.

In the mean time I stayed in Thorold with a college friend named Santo Gualtieri. While I was in Thorold I looked for a house. I ended up renting a furnished house at 73 Ross Street, Welland. By correspondences Margaret and I planned to marry September in Brockville in the home of the Rev. Arthur Kelly, whose wife Alice was Margaret’s sister.

On September the 8th we met in one of the rooms in the Kelly’s home in the presence of Margaret’s father, Mr. Peter MacLauren and of the Kelly’s- Arthur, Alice, Doris, Norma and Elaine. The service was simple; the way both of us wanted it. After the service we sat for dinner, it was a treat on the part of the Kelly’s. After dinner Margaret and I extended our thanks for the hospitality and kindness. They helped to make the event memorable. In the afternoon Margaret and I bade goodbye to everyone and set out for Welland. We took the boat and went to Toronto where we visited the Exibition. We had planned to stay in Toronto a few days but the weather was very hot so we decided to go on…to Welland where our first home awaited us!

On Sunday we went to church…we had to walk about 20 minutes and both of us had a job…Margaret officiated at the piano and I at the pulpit. The congregation was small and made up of Italians. With the passing of days we visited in the homes and thus we instructed them in the ways of the Master. Besides Welland we had two other preaching places- Bridge Burg, New Yort and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

We assisted people to secure jobs, naturalization papers and night classes in English. We linked the city and the people associated with the church.

All These Kingdoms I Give To You...

I climbed the mountains in the area. At the top of the mountain there were stomps. I stood on a stomp and what a magnificent sight it was at the rising of the sun. I stood on a stomp covered with snow that glistened before me.

At the time I had a thought… “All these kingdoms I give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”

Third Temptation
Mark1:13; Luke 4:5-8, 13
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me."
10Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the LORD your GOD, and Him only you shall serve."
11Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
--------------(Then Jesus Begins His Ministry)--------------

(Dr. Pascal DiFlorio…recapped some of what he had already said…so I will transcribe his story as he wrote it.)

They treated me as a member of the family. With the coming of September I returned to the Wesleyan College where I had a room during my college days…, which extended over a period of more than seven years. I left in the Spring I always did so with a feeling that with the coming of the Fall I would return to the college and to my many friends.
In 1919 and 1920 I went as a “summer pastor” in the Western part of Canada under the auspices of the Presbertian church. I had applied to the Board of Missions of the Methodist church, but I was refused on the grounds that I did not know English well enough. This prompted me to apply to the Presbyterian Board of Missions.

Burton City, British Columbia

It was spring and I applied to the Presbyterian Mission Board to send me to British Columbia.

The answer read: “We do not usually send student-pastors from the East but you are appointed to Burton City B.C.” I was very happy for the chance I had to see the Western most province of Canada. The trip took me to the famous famous Rocky Mountains, Banff, Lake Louise and the Co naught Tunnels.

little lakeside village of Burton on the lower Arrow Lake

I went by train to Arrow Head…from there I took a boat and sailed to Burton City, and to my amazement the city was made up of the post office, a farm co-operative and a hotel plus a manse… for the minister who was to occupy it and to cook his meals.

(Pascal may have mean Arrow Lakes …I am not sure but this is Link to the area)

The village had more men than women. There was a super abundant mass of mosquitoes. This was due to the fact of the fast melting snow had inundated much of the land. This put most of the swamps under water and as the water evaporated the mosquitoes infested the area. I have never seen so many dead or alive. This overflow was due to the fact that the level of the Arrow Lakes had risen 29 feet and so flooded more places than usual. There were two boats on the lakes, one going south and one going north the boats kept us in touch with the rest of the world. The nearest village was Nakusp, British Columbia.

I stayed in a log cabin, which the people called a Manse. I cooked, washed and so forth… I called on the people by foot. I had two churches, the services were held one in Burton City at 11:00 am and after that service I had my dinner and walked the three miles and crossing the lake to hold the 2nd service. I conducted the service and then crossed the lake again in the boat and walked home.

Often on my way home I took off my shoes and walked. One of the great experiences was to see and eat the cherries- I had not seen or eaten for many years.

Nearing the End of My Time in Western Canada

During my stay in Saskatchewan I went to Saskatoon, a distance of 80 miles to write an examination that I had not taken in Montreal, because I was sick the day of the test. Remembering another journey… I set out early one morning on horseback and returned that evening 20 miles each way to see the dentist.

My experience in the West was enriching. Before returning east there was snow, the Northern Stars were the most brilliant I had ever seen. On my trip back to Montreal I fasted, as I had done going West. This was beneficial to the physical system and saved money.

Back in Montreal…

As soon as I arrived in Montreal I phoned Margaret and we did not waste any time in getting together. We had become very fond of each other.

(The ring was worn by Margaret for many many years...her only child Anita gave it to my husband to give to me on my wedding day as a surprise...I have worn it now for 24 years...what happens next to it nobody knows...But I have Anita's wedding ring that she had welded together with her husband's ring...(he would not ware it) but after Anita passed away he kept it in a special box...I have that ring and I will give it to Anita's oldest son to give to his future daughter-in-law to give to Anita's grandson to ware...Thus a nice tradition!)

The 25 Dollar Gift

Another fond memory of Dr. DiFlorio’s short time in the western part of Canada that he recalled when he was very ill with Parkinson’s Disease.


Another experience…

I found the people very friendly their cordiality and informality was appreciated. When I called upon a family I was often urged to stay for dinner, or supper. About a week before I left the area the people planned for a get together. In the course of events, there were speeches. The lady who presided spoke words of appreciation, she said, “that in the years they had come together they had never attended services.” After the speeches I was presented with a $25 gift. Moreover, she herself had undergone a change in that she had thought of the Italians as ditch-diggers. She said, “Thank God, you have opened my eyes.”

Before I precede any further I must say that the last few days seemed very long because I wanted to see Margaret. During the summer we had corresponded and grown to love each other. A good part of the summer Margaret visited her aunt Margaret and family in Brandon, Manitoba.

Because of the acceptance from the Presbyterian Board of Missions, in Toronto and Pascal’s appointment to Kingsland, Saskatchewan, Alberta my grandfather seemed to enjoy his 20 weeks spent out in the western Prairie Land of Canada. It could be that his memories were just that much sweeter due to his appointment coming after such a stinging blow when the Methodist Board of Missions refused him with the reason given per Dr. Manning (who the good Dr. had never met or spoken with Pascal.) Dr Manning said my grandfather did not have “good English.”

My Mother's Father's Sister's Son...and His Daughter...

I am so thankful for the web site by Vittorio Verrillo, Vittorio’s site is such a great idea. I was able to talk to my Mother’s Father’s Sister’s Son and his daughter. I was able to talk to them on the telephone. Thank you Vittorio.

Remember the wonderful web site that connects friends and family to San Pietro, InFine ITALY.

Click San Pietro, InFine ITALY to go directly to this great site.

Or if that does not work you can cut and paste the address:
http://www.sanpietresiallestero.com

Impressive Prairie Land in Canada

The twenty weeks I spent in the West proved to be not only happy ones but also educational. I looked out at vast stretches of land and not a tree in sight, the prairie land was impressive. The temperature was high. One day the thermometer went up to 122 degrees.

It was May when I went west there had not been any rain, and that did not change until then very end of June. The rain got there the crops grew rapidly; therefore, we had things we could eat from the garden. Prior to the rain our diet was POTATOES! Potatoes with pork, potatoes with eggs, Potatoes with eggs and pork, oh and potatoes and eggs.

Once the garden grew we were treated with a large variety of fruits and vegetables.

Squash was one of the vegetables that grew. So I suggested that we pick the bachelor blossoms the ones without the squash. The blossoms were put in boiling water then lifted them out and pored batter over the blossoms to fry them; presto we had pancakes. The Ardes liked this strange dish so much that not long after friends came over and they were treated with the new dish.

Saskatchewan Life in the Vast Prairie of Canada

Saskatchewan Kingsland

This part of Canada with its vast prairie land was all new to me. I had three places that I preached; Kingsland was the center of my operation. To do what was expected of me during the week, I made pastoral calls to individuals in my territory. I would cover 35 miles and preach three sermons on Sundays.

By special arrangement my board was provided by the three churches. At the close of the last evening service, I would stay at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ard; they were parishioners of one of the churches. The following morning I would set out early and return to Kingsland, a distance of 15 miles.

The three churches also provided transportation for me. A horse. I did not know the first thing about horses. The horse belonged to the Bronco family. The first day I rode the horse it seemed to be going well at first but all of a sudden the horse swung to one side of the road to avoid some hay, the noise the buggy made frightened the horse. From that time on I knew that if the buggy squeaks it would then scare the horse.


In order to get in the home where I was stayed- I would have to tie the reins of the horse to the fence or post, that way if the horse was spooked by the sound he would not run away. One morning as I was coming home I dismounted the horse, and the horse started to eat some grass before I tied him to the fence post, so I put the reins down on the ground and proceeded to open the gate…The wheel of the buggy made a noise and the horse dashed for the protection of the barn. For some reason the horse passed between the pump of the well and some farm equipment- then the buggy detached from the harness…and only God knows how…the horse came to a stop. It was a miracle that the Bronco’s three-year-old daughter who ALWAYS came out to greet me was not around.

Miss Margaret MacLaurin Taught Deaf Students in Sign Language and Lived at the MacKay Institute for Deaf

Thank you Alexis for the OK to put the photo of "The Macay Institute" in this Blog and I will as you said not include on a Web Page like Ancestry, But thank you again and I will only use on the blog http://pascaldiflorio.blogspot.com/ .

Permission received on November 25th, 2009, via email to use image of Mackay Institute for Blog. please contact Imtl.org if you wish to copy not to be used without permission.

Picture by W. H. Care; contact us Imtl.org has no relation with owners of this building
**********************************************************************


This link brings you to the Mackay School's author http://archive.org/stream/gu_deafdumbblind00widd/gu_deafdumbblind00widd_djvu.txt



A Compilation by

THOMAS WIDD,

Principal of the Mackay Institution for Protestant Deaf-mutes, Montreal.


He opens with this quote.

TO THE READER

"Having suffered from the most intense deafness for
more than thirty-five years, and labored as a teacher
and missionary to the deaf and dumb for twenty years,
the Compiler of this little work is, in consequence,
thoroughly acquainted with the requirements of this
afflicted class. He would urge all who possess any
influence, however small, with our Legislators, to use
that influence to obtain for the deaf-mute, , in the
name of humanity and justice, the same facilities for
education and spiritual instruction, as are enjoyed by persons
who can hear and speak. He wants justice, not charity."

Miss Margaret MacLaurin...

This came about as a result of attending a party of a number of students and young ladies invited by Miss Adair, the sister of my very good friend, Cyril Adair. Miss MacLaurin was invited to the party because she was one of Miss Adair’s music pupils. During the evening Margaret was Frank Underhill's partner and he escorted her home. After a few days I decided to invite her to go out with me.

I did not know the young ladies address, nor did I remember her name. I turned to my friend Cyril, He furnished me with all the information I needed. I phoned the young lady and having described who I was, I then asked her to go out with me. She consented to go out. She lived in the Mackay Institute, where she taught deaf mute pupils. That year we saw each other about once a week. About the end of April we parted for the summer.

I went to Saskatchewan, Kingsland. This part of Canada with its vast prairie land was all new to me.

The Year was 1915...

Family and friends expected Pascal to be in the new land 4 or 5 years…and come back to Italy and become a Priest of the Catholic Church, by 1915 he was 5 years overdue with what seemed a complete conversion a believer in Christ…NOT A Priest of the Catholic Church.

The year was 1915 and I took an examination for university entrance. I was successful; hence, was admitted to the Wesleyan College and McGill University in the fall of the year.

Life was quite different after I had enrolled for the degreed programs, a Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Divinity. I roomed in the Wesleyan College and bought my meals at the college dining room.

The years I spent there were rewarding. I met many students from other parts of the world. Many students and some professors joined the army because of the nations at war.

The First World War (WWI) broke in 1914, and I entered college in 1915. My address was 750 University St. Montreal, Que. Canada. The summer came and I worked in Montreal so I was able to keep my room on University Street.

Two of the summers while in school I lived in Notre Dame the Grace, with a Grieco family. In exchange for my room and board I taught family members English. The family had a garden that I was able to help take care of, for this I had free access to the vegetables. This I did for two or three years, after which I applied for a church in the Western part of Canada.

I applied to the Methodist Board of Missions. The reply was negative. The reason given was that I did not have “good English.” The man in charge, Dr. Manning, had never seen me; and, Dr Manning had never heard me speak.

Interesting missionary story of the many Methodist that worked in the Western part of Canada during the turn of the century- click …Smoky Lake History a nice web site that is worth a look…copy and paste www.smokylake.com/history/

So I applied to the Presbyterian Board of Missions, in Toronto. A few days later I received a letter that said, “You are appointed to Kingsland, Saskatchewan, Alberta." "Further information will follow." Sever days later I was informed that The Board would pay my traveling expenses plus 10 dollars per week.

This new position was offered at the same time I had met a young lady, Miss Margaret MacLaurin.


This is another web page worth a look life as a circuit riders this web site is interesting…this is a quote from http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~methodists/circuit.htm

Even with the establishment of churches, the circuit rider continued to be an important person. He covered a wide territory on horseback and made many pastoral visits. Methodist circuit riders met with people on the edge of a forest, in a shanty or in a local home. The early missionaries, or circuit riders, were heroes. Carrying their few possessions in their saddlebags, they rode hundreds of miles, braved extreme hardships, even risked their lives, to reach the Indians and those settlers from Europe and the British Isles who had made their homes in tiny, isolated communities in the wilderness. These saddlebag preachers had no fixed homes, were dependant on their co-religionists for food and shelter, and received a salary of $100 to $200 a year.

Saskatchewan teacher recounts story of a blizzard in 1919 … the harsh environment
MY NARROWEST ESCAPE
Alameda, Sask (1919)

"In spite of the terrifying experience I am going to tell about, one of my pleasantest memories is of the winter I spent in Saskatchewan, teaching in a small rural school with eleven pupils."

Click Saskatchewan for story

or paste address http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cansk/school/My-Narrow-Escape.html

My experience during the Summer of 1914 proved to be a Valuable one...

The little book of the Gospel according to St. John the Apostle was connected by the people to Saint Joan of Arc; when I talked about St. John the people gave credit to Saint Joan of Arc.

The people knew little about the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus. They had their prayer book. Very few people knew the English language; and called it, “La Mauvaise Langue,” meaning- The Bad Language. They almost venerated their priests.

(I had to look up the word… Venerated...good thing I did as I do not know Latin!)
Definition of Venerate: to honor in recognition of qualities of holiness, excellence, wisdom.


After five months, from the first of May to the end of September I returned to Montreal and reported to the secretary of the Bible Society. On the basis of the reported activities, scriptures sold, scriptures donated and conversations carried on with the people of that territory I had visited it was thought I had carried on a good experiment.


Upon my return to Montreal I began again to look for work and many times it seemed that the efforts were in vain. Yet in the end I managed to earn more or less enough to meet my obligations.

Soon after my return I was accepted a probationer for the ministry by our Italian Methodist Church and by the District Conferences. I was appointed by the District to do some missionary work among the Italians in and around the city of Montreal.

My missionary work was to preach on Sundays, visit homes showing religious and educational pictures and teach night school classes in English. I also accompanied people, who did not know how to speak English to help them secure work. The result of this work was... some of the people came to church. This type of service seemed to be appreciated.

Examples of life on the road...

By sunset I arrived at another camp. There I had supper and slept. In the morning I had my breakfast and left. At one place I had to walk along the rivers edge. The tide was coming and the ground was soft, I was frightened because my feet sank. Fortunately there was a small branch, I took it an used it to extricate myself from the sinking sand. The first chance I had I returned to a more populated land.

As I went along I learned of Professor Bielair and his wife who were spending the summer in their summer home. I knew the professor in Montreal. He was a French Professor at McGill University. The professor and his wife invited me to dinner and to stay over-night. Professor Bielair’s wife was the daughter of Father Chinique, a converted Roman Catholic Priest. Before I left he told me that there were very few Protestants in that part of the country. The nearest Protestant was ten miles away.

There was a French Protestant Mission Church under the direction of a student pastor for the summer. As I traveled a gravel train overtook me. The man in charge stopped the train and invited me to ride. He asked me where I was going and who I was. As it turned out he himself was a Protestant. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a dollar and gave it to me.

At Lake Long, the train dropped me off; and, there was the mission church and the young Pastor. We were delighted to see each other. Absolute strangers but behaved like “old friends.”

During my stay at the mission church we talked about many things; of the many things, one stands out in my mind. What the young pastor related to me was a narrow escape he had visiting a church. The young pastor said he was asked by several Roman Catholic French Canadians to preach on Saint Peter. Was Saint Peter the Prince of the Apostles?

Was Saint Peter the first Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church? My missionary friend agreed to preach on the subject.


The missionary set aside the Sunday to preach on the subject of Saint Peter. He preached. As usual there was a division of opinion; some folks were even enraged. One day after the missionary spoke he went out to make some “pastoral calls”, and as came out of a home a man came out of another home screaming and carrying an axe! That axe carrying person was determined to kill the young preacher. My new missionary friend said he rushed to his buggy and horse and ran for his life.

It is incredible really, what some people are willing to do “in the name of church or in the name of religion.”

My experience near the Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupre...

I proceeded towards the Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupre, one of the famous shrines of the Roman Catholic Church. Once there I observed many groups of people that came from a distance walking along and singing. Most of the pilgrims knelt as they entered the church and on their knees they took themselves to the statue of Saint Anne. Many hoped for miracles- and why not! Displayed were hundreds of artificial limbs, which were indication of miracles performed by Saint Anne.

After this I went to a camp for workers who were building a road along the Saint Lawrence River. This was to lead to Murrey Bay. As I went along I came to a group of temporary buildings, which served as, an office and sleeping quarters. Here I met a road engineer who invited me to his office.

The road engineer inquired about what I was doing, I told him about my mission. This man asked me my opinion. I told him "it seemed that the people were poor and superstitious; yet, they had very costly church buildings. Moreover, the people had to pay for Baptisms, Funerals, and weddings."

Upon hearing this the gentleman said, “this is not so, get out!” And he said “If you were not an Italian I would throw you in the Saint Lawrence River.”

To this I replied, “Sir, you invited me to your office and asked me for my opinion.” “This I have given you! I am sorry if I have hurt your feelings.” And I left.

As I left I noticed a gang of men that was speaking to the road engineer, they looked my direction. I was afraid, so I hid myself behind some nearby bushes. After a while it seemed safe and I proceeded on my way.

Pascal's new job as a Colporteur...

As I became more proficient in English; and, as I learned more about the Bible, I decided to study for the ministry. Because of my decision I was presented to the Official Board of the Italian Methodist Church; and, was accepted as “Student on Probation.” Apart from my regular studies, I studied subjects which when completed would qualify me as a Minister in a French Ministry.

I was employed as a Colporteur- selling Scriptures, for the Bible House. This was a great experience for me. I traveled in the province of Quebec. I was to sell, or give away portions of Scriptures if the person interviewed showed a desire to have them. I traveled, mostly walking, through the Province and the people were mostly French Canadian and spoke French only. My command of the French language came in handy.

With my knapsack that I carried the Scriptures I walked along, and as I needed more scriptures I sent orders to the Bible House in Montreal designating the address and date that I expected to arrive in order to pick up the parcel.

While traveling I encountered many different experiences. One day, late in the afternoon I found myself a few miles from a village; but, near a house occupied by a middle-aged couple. So I rushed to the door and asked if I could stay until the storm was over. The storm lasted longer then expected and it was getting dark so I asked if I could stay; they refused. However, they gave me some milk and bread and said I could stay in the barn; so I left and went into their barn, with the milk and bread wrapped up in my knapsack with the scriptures. After my supper I laid down on the hay. During the night the rats kept me company. One of them even jumped over me. In the morning I washed my face in a little creek nearby and proceeded toward Saint Anne de Beaupre, one of the famous shrines of the Roman Catholic Church.

As Pascal Learned the English Language...He started to teach English to others...

I had difficulty in securing work. I did any job that I could find. But because of my accident; and the loss of my fingers on my right hand finding a job proved even more difficult. When I was in the hospital I thought I would have to switch and write with my left hand; but soon I discovered that I could hold the pen between the thumb and what was left of 1st finger.

Loading and unloading ships; selling Bibles…social and missionary work, (mostly to Italians), were some of the jobs that I did between 1909 and 1915. I began to teach English, to non-English speaking people.

About this time my brother Justin married and, in due time his wife gave birth to a daughter, Stella. He worked with the Grand Trunk Rail Road, as a brakeman. My brother sadly met with an accident.

I believe Justin DiFlorio died from the accident. No other remarks are made about him, his wife or daughter Stella.

looking for pictures and research

This is from the coast of Italy...I will move this to another post shortly....By now my family had expected Pascal to go back to Italy...but it was 20 years till Pascal went home to his place of birth...His 4 year stay lasted 20 years before he went home for a visit.

A Letter that confirms this is the Edith Nicholson that Pascal said was a beloved teacher...

That is the same Miss Edith Nicholson….I found a letter that connects her to Dr. Villard…when Edith resigned….a quote from her letter to her mother in 1912.

April 26, 1912

Dear Mother,

………………

I resigned on Monday. We all did. I am wondering what Dr. Villard is thinking of. His Board should ask the reason for our resignation. They will have a hard time to get people just to step in and run everything.

…

Written by Edith Nicholson


Please visit Dorothy Nixon’s web site (A Nixon-Wells Web Site) to see some of her other interesting work. Dorothy does extensive historical and educational research and writing.
Click Dorothy Nixon or paste http://www.tighsolas.ca

While at the French Methodist Institute...

I attended school year round and was able to work and go to school between October and May. The money I earned went for my room and board, tuition, books and other expenses.

While I stayed in school I paid ten dollars per month…others paid, as they were able. Most of the boys and girls were given a job of some kind to help with the tuition. Everybody had to make their bed and to keep their room in order. After we dusted and swept our rooms the teachers would conduct an inspection.

There is much for which I am grateful; the principal, Dr. Paul Villard was very understanding and so was my patient and kind teacher, Miss Edith Nicholson.

I think I gave Miss Nicholson much trouble, especially in our Bible classes. At that time I was still a Roman Catholic at heart; but the way she answered my questions disarmed me completely. Miss Nicholson became one of the most beloved teachers I ever had.

The years I spent at the Institute 1909 to 1915 were very happy ones.
…………………………………………………………

In 1915, I entered the Wesleyan College and registered for courses that would lead met to an A.B. degree. Here Miss Nicholson registered me and with great sense of satisfaction it seemed. After I registered we met often. In the course of events Miss Nicholson became Assistant Registrar at McGill University.

In 1920 I had a completed the courses for my B.A. and was to receive the parchment. At the convocation all the graduated walked to the platform. The respective names were called to receive their diplomas. Here I met Miss Edith Nicholson again. I believe she was as thrilled as I was; as she handed me my diploma she exclaimed “Good for you Pascal!”

CLICK on Nicholson…this could be a picture of Pascal’s beloved teacher who worked at McGill University. The 2nd Nicholson link is a picture from McGill...and history of McGill.
http://www.tighsolas.ca/page337.html

Awaiting Word....

After getting help from both Rev. Laidman and Dr. Lattoni , I was awaiting word from the Principal, Dr. Paul Villard so I could join the French Methodist Institute.

I could barely wait for the day when I would receive word from the admissions department that I could attend school there. The French Methodist Institute was a boarding school for the primary purpose of teaching the sons and daughters of the French Canadian ministers.

I attended the Sunday church. The service was in Italian and Dr Lattoni was an eloquent preacher.

Dr Lattoni went with me several times to help me reach a settlement with the Corrugated Iron Company, for the loss of my fingers. The last time we spoke with the manager he belittled my loss. We, Dr. Lattoni and myself suggested a one time, one-thousand dollar settlement; to which, the manager responded “ I would give my right arm for one-thousand dollars!”

I stumbled with Italian and English words when I replied, “Sir, I hope that someday somebody will cut not only your arm, but your head also; and, also for nothing.”

So I don’t know what the manager heard; but, together with my fervent expression he paid the 1000.00 dollars.

In January of 1909 I was admitted to the French Methodist Institute. There were 140 boys and girls. The course offered was intended to cover material from the first grade to university entrance.

This I covered in six years.

* Click ... Dr. Paul Villard - here or above to see a statement from the Principle about the “mission” of the French Institute School. This information from Dorothy Nixon’s Web Page.
* Please visit Dorothy Nixon’s web page to see some of her other interesting work. Dorothy had done extensive historical and educational research and writing.
Click Dorothy Nixon or paste http://www.tighsolas.ca

research...research...

On Sunday I went to Church…

On Sunday I went to church and there I saw the Italian Minister, Rev. Liborio Lattoni and Rev. Laidman who ministered to people of other tongues. Both Rev. Lattoni and Rev. Laidman Servants of Christ took a great interest in me. They spoke on my behalf to the Rev. Dr. Paul Villard who was the principal of the French Methodist Institute located
On Green Ave., West Mount.


In the meantime Dr. Lattoni invited me to attend the daily school of the church. I had already attended this school a couple of winters before. The pupils were mostly small children, except the 3 or 4 men like myself who were anxious to learn English.

(More on Rev. Liborio Lattoni and link to book “Ancient Memories, Modern Identities.”
Italian Roots in Contemporary Canada…by Filippo Salvatore and Domenico Cusmano.

A quote from page 62..
“The melding of his (Rev Liborio Lattoni) Love for Italy and Canada constitutes the most evident merit of his writing. To live a dual life in only one existence has been the late but profound discovery of the man and the artist who was Liborio Lattoni: the search to give his life meaning as a father, a believer and a citizen.”

Rev. Liborio Lattoni was said to be the MOST Outstanding Italian Poet in Canada with over 500 poems written, he started writing the poems in 1915.

I Could Not Afford to be Idle...

I could not afford to be idle when there was the possibility of securing another job. This I did. I looked and found work in a factory where sheet iron was corrugated. I began to work on Monday and the following Monday I met with an accident.

Another man and I operated a machine holding flat sheets of iron. One person was to hold the sheet and the other person had to hold the opposite end. The sheet had to be fed flat. One such sheet that was at my end needed flattening. I was asked by my partner to “slap” the sheet. As I slapped the sheet, he released the machine…my right hand was chewed by the corrugator.

This accident happened because my partner was still befuddled from the effects of his drinking the prior day.

The ambulance came and I was taken to the General Hospital in Montreal. The week I remained in the hospital was a trying experience. All that was left of my right hand was my thumb and one knuckle of my index finger. In order to preserve my index knuckle I had 48 stitches.
.
I was in a general ward, with about fifty patients. I did not know anybody and I did not speak English. It seemed as though every patient had at least one visitor. I alone had no one. The more I thought about how lonesome I was the more lonesome I got.

I was in great pain and had trouble sleeping in the hospital. When I did get to sleep, I would dream that I still had my fingers, and when I would wake up…I would look, I could feel the pain; but, I could not see any of the fingers- they were in fact gone. One day I was in such great pain that I could not contain myself and cried. The attending doctor exploded, “For God sake, shut your mouth.”

The nurse came and tried to console me but she could not supply. I covered my face with a sheet and cried myself to sleep. After a few more days I left the hospital and returned to my boarding house.

Fortunately the surgeon saved my knuckle, as it became very important to write, I discovered that I could write with my right-hand of that very knuckle.