September 26, 2009 – Event at St. Paul’s Anglican Church

The Forsythe Saga

Why have these people gathered in the churchyard at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Kingston, on a lovely autumn afternoon? The family memorial to Joseph Forsythe UE has been restored, and these people were there for its re-dedication.
Volume 4 (1953) of Historic Kingston described this plot as having “a stone penthouse” and reported that the memorial tablet had by then disappeared. Its wording was recalled as:
“In memory of Joseph Forsyth, Esq., born in Huntley, Aberdeenshire, North Britain, June 24th, 1764, and died in Kingston, Upper Canada, September 29, 1813.
Blessed by nature with a kind and liberal disposition, he was courteous and engaging in his manners. His ear was ever attentive to the call of distress, and his hand always open to the poor and needy. His memory, endeared to all who knew him, will be cherished as long as any survive of that society of which he was one of the brightest ornaments.”

The new tablet, in the restored “penthouse”, is briefer than the original.

two photos above and right courtesy Fraser Carr, UE

Left:  The Speaker of the House of Commons, Right Hon. Peter Milliken, stands with the leader of the Fort Henry Guard. Peter is also a proud Loyalist descendant and member of Kingston and District Branch.

Right: Mayor Harvey Rosen brings greetings from the City, while the Guard and a Loyalist Lady (Marianne Thompson) listen.

 

 

After the ceremonial unveiling of the tablet, guests were invited into the church hall for tea. It is not known if refreshments were served when the original tomb was erected, but descriptions from the time do suggest that tea and food were present at most occasions.

Kingston and District Branch UELAC enjoy a long-term relationship with the congregation of St. Paul’s Anglican Church – and certainly all enjoy the ladies’ baking! Their costumes added greatly to the event.

All photos by Audrey Bailey, UE, unless otherwise specified.