Our Founder
Unknown Writer - Received from the Nanaimo Community Archives
There were men of every description, and trades that arrived in Nanaimo, not to be a Miner. One such was James Reynard. James Reynard was ordained in Yorkshire England in 1865. He was sent out to the Pacific Coast, first to Victoria to transfer to another vessel bound for the Fraser River, his final destination was Barkerville, the centre of the Gold fields at the time.
Reverend Reynard was dismayed to find the only building vacant had been a saloon and closed for it was too small for the purpose. The Congregation had been waiting for a Minister, and told the Reverend that an empty building in Barkerville was a rarity. Regretfully the building was purchased and converted into a school during the week and a church on Sundays.
The noises from the adjoining buildings disrupted the school classes and the church services. The Reverend prayed for a miracle to deliver him from such surroundings. Fire swept through Barkerville in 1868 destroyed the church building.
September 4th 1870 Reverend Reynard had the great pleasure of opening the doors to the new church building of St. Savior. He has his miracle and wish to open a new church but at a cost.
The rigorous winters and his presence at the village through the Caribou when he was asked, began to affect his health. He had been a frail man when he was sent from England to regain his health.
Unknown Writer - Received from the Nanaimo Community Archives
There were men of every description, and trades that arrived in Nanaimo, not to be a Miner. One such was James Reynard. James Reynard was ordained in Yorkshire England in 1865. He was sent out to the Pacific Coast, first to Victoria to transfer to another vessel bound for the Fraser River, his final destination was Barkerville, the centre of the Gold fields at the time.
Reverend Reynard was dismayed to find the only building vacant had been a saloon and closed for it was too small for the purpose. The Congregation had been waiting for a Minister, and told the Reverend that an empty building in Barkerville was a rarity. Regretfully the building was purchased and converted into a school during the week and a church on Sundays.
The noises from the adjoining buildings disrupted the school classes and the church services. The Reverend prayed for a miracle to deliver him from such surroundings. Fire swept through Barkerville in 1868 destroyed the church building.
September 4th 1870 Reverend Reynard had the great pleasure of opening the doors to the new church building of St. Savior. He has his miracle and wish to open a new church but at a cost.
The rigorous winters and his presence at the village through the Caribou when he was asked, began to affect his health. He had been a frail man when he was sent from England to regain his health.
The doctor had worried over the Reverend's health, as a patient and a
friend. He subscribed a warmer climate, closer to the coast.
In 1871 Reverend Reynard arrived in Nanaimo to become the new Minister of St. Pauls Church. He proved to be a talented musician and after services would hold a Musical evening with his Congregation.
One evening he had a chat with Mrs. Spaulding, DR. McNaughton Jones, Mark Bate, & John Holden. He suggested the Nanaimo should have a Brass Band for there was so much musical talent. Those he spoke to agreed that would be a splendid idea.
A meeting was called for, with the Public to attend, and discuss the ways & means to raise money. The response was overwhelming with more members and funds. With money, the Reverend sent away an order for the instruments required. It would be sometime before the instruments arrived from England.
Reverend Reynard had been, before he left Yorkshire, Choirmaster of Yorkshire Cathedral and Conductor of the Guards Band. With these qualifications he was chosen to be the Bandmaster and Music teacher.
The instruments arrived in late 1872, and the Reverend taught the instruments to the persons who were to play them. He and his students practiced many hours during the evenings on the rectory grounds or inside when the weather was too wet.
May 24th 1873, the Queen's Birthday, Nanaimo Brass Band gave its first Public performance, which was held on the Rectory grounds.
There was a standing ovation for the Band and the Reverend had the members stand up and take a bow. The members themselves lead the applause for the Bandmaster, Teacher and friend.
In 1871 Reverend Reynard arrived in Nanaimo to become the new Minister of St. Pauls Church. He proved to be a talented musician and after services would hold a Musical evening with his Congregation.
One evening he had a chat with Mrs. Spaulding, DR. McNaughton Jones, Mark Bate, & John Holden. He suggested the Nanaimo should have a Brass Band for there was so much musical talent. Those he spoke to agreed that would be a splendid idea.
A meeting was called for, with the Public to attend, and discuss the ways & means to raise money. The response was overwhelming with more members and funds. With money, the Reverend sent away an order for the instruments required. It would be sometime before the instruments arrived from England.
Reverend Reynard had been, before he left Yorkshire, Choirmaster of Yorkshire Cathedral and Conductor of the Guards Band. With these qualifications he was chosen to be the Bandmaster and Music teacher.
The instruments arrived in late 1872, and the Reverend taught the instruments to the persons who were to play them. He and his students practiced many hours during the evenings on the rectory grounds or inside when the weather was too wet.
May 24th 1873, the Queen's Birthday, Nanaimo Brass Band gave its first Public performance, which was held on the Rectory grounds.
There was a standing ovation for the Band and the Reverend had the members stand up and take a bow. The members themselves lead the applause for the Bandmaster, Teacher and friend.