Fonds P212 - James Scanlon fonds

Reverend Canon James Scanlon was raised in Geraldton, Ontario. He worked in gold mines and pulp camps, as well as briefly served in the army before he went on to complete his Bachelor of Arts at Queen’s University, Kingston, his Master of Arts at the University of Toronto, and later his degree in theology at Wycliffe College. James Scanlon married Doris Wiskin in 1955. Upon graduating from Wycliffe College, he was ordained a priest in his home town Geraldton, Ontario, in 1956. He served as curate for one year at St. John’s Anglican Church, Kingston before he was invited by Bishop Cuthbert Robinson of the Anglican Diocese of Moosonee, to go as a missionary to the East Coast of James Bay, first to Chapais and later to Chibougamau. While in northern Quebec, Reverend Scanlon participated in the construction of several churches including St. Alban the Martyr, Chapais, Christ Church, Chibougamau, and the church in Miquelon. Bishop Watton moved Reverend Scanlon to Moose Factory Island in 1965 where he served as the Rector of St. Thomas Church for four years. Reverend Scanlon was also named Archdeacon of James Bay in the same year. While in Moose Factory, he worked to set up a catechist school in the Diocese, initiated a northern newspaper, Ministikok, and started a bus service on the island. James and Doris Scanlon have two children, Jane and Peter, who were born at Opemiska, Quebec. James and his family returned to St. John’s, Kingston, in 1969 where he served as rector until his retirement.

Reverend Canon James Scanlon has written articles for The Northland, as well as published several works including: “Olden days” at Moose Factory, Letters from James Bay (1883-1885), Bishop John Horden, A Different Time Among the Northern Cree, The Inlanders: Some Anglicans and Indians in Nouveau-Quebec, and The Preacher’s Book at Rupert’s House 1902-1911.