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.”