By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
On April 30 2023, at their Sunday morning service, Parishioners of Christ Church were delighted to hear that they received a Thank You note from King Charles III. The Thank You note was in response to a package containing a condolence book and cards marking the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II being sent to Buckingham Palace in February 2023 on behalf of the Parish of Christ Church in Lion’s Head and community members across the Northern Bruce Peninsula.
On the day of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II, Christ Church invited their parishioners and the wider community to participate and observe the tolling of the bells. The bells were rung 96 times on September 19, 2022, each toll marking a year of the Queen’s life. Twenty-two persons took turns ringing the bell. Everyone was invited to sign a condolence book or write a personal message.
The condolence book and cards were then taken from place to place on the Northern Bruce Peninsula, from Christmas Bazaars, community gatherings, choir practices, to bake sales, to allow as many community members as possible to sign the condolence book or write a card; approximately 500 signatures plus cards were collected.
Churchwarden Alison Knight said “COVID-19 restrictions and our usual stormy weather created some challenges”. The book and cards were donated by Brenda Scott from the local funeral home.
In mid-February of 2023, the condolence book and cards were enclosed in a velvet bag hand-sewn by local fabric artist, Jo-Ann Miklautz. Acting Postmaster Chris Cousins at the Lion’s Head Canada Post Office says she was handed a beautifully wrapped package, simply addressed to Buckingham Palace, a first for her. She looked up the postal code and sent off the package. About two months later a letter arrived from the Palace.
Christ Church plans to give a copy of the letter to the Municipal office. Another copy will be kept at the Christ Church in Lion’s Head and the originals will be sent to the Diocese of Huron archives in London ON.
