The Church of the Good Samaritan, Port Stanton

DONATION

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Box 362, Orillia, ON L3V 6J8

The Church of the Good Samaritan, Port Stanton

BRIEF HISTORY

It was December 5, 1907, when Captain Tom Stanton passed away. During the next three years, Tom’s wife Ellen carried on doing the brunt of the work to keep the Stanton House going. During this time she conceived the idea of building a church with the aid of her neighbour and friend Jane Byrd Musson. Charles Musson provided some financing and Ellen donated the land.

The church was built in 1910, with the lumber coming from the Stanton Mill. Ellen Stanton passed away in June of 1910. The church opened in July, so Ellen never saw its fulfillment. The Musson family looked after the church for as long as they lived. The custodianship passed to their son-in-law, Bruce Taylor.

In 1922, an addition was completed and the altar moved eastward. The altar window The Good Shepherd, was part of the original church. The Good Samaritan window at the rear of the church was a memorial window for Tom and Ellen Stanton. In 1947, the side windows were dedicated as Musson memorials.

The names Charles Musson, Frank Stanton and Wes Hunnisett echo the dedication of the early years. Frank Stanton offered free transportation on his boat for those wishing to attend church. In later times, Bruce Taylor, Walter Stanton and Tom Parish were faithful trustees of this church.

In 1971, this summer church came under the care of St. Luke’s Church, Hamlet. St. Luke’s was closed and demolished in 1996, and today The Good Samaritan is part of a three point parish that includes St. Paul’s, Washago, and St. Luke’s, Price’s Corners.

Good Samaritan & Camp Couchiching campers of yesteryear.

2000s

In 2000, the building was jacked up and a new foundation with steel beams was put in place. The stained glass windows were also refurbished.

As of 2014, the stewardship of the land and church building is provided by Tom and Phyllis Stanton, Tom being the grandson of the founder Ellen Stanton. Their daughter Jane is the present people’s warden.

Today’s church congregation averages about 40 people. It used to average 200. This church is unique in that it is one of the 5 remaining frame churches in the area that are still operational. We are proud of our heritage and now 105 years of service.

St Luke’s Hamlet Cemetery bell tower is refurbished.

Bell tower cross dedicated in memory of Gordon Jacox (Aug 25, 2019).

Plaque on the picnic table in memory of Tom Stanton (2022).

Maureen’s final service (June 30, 2024)

We sense the echo of those preachers and parishioners who have come and gone. We hope you will feel some of the vibrations of these memories as you sit quietly in this building and reflect on life.