The History of Christ Church Cherry Valley

Our present Georgian inspired building was built in 1842, and was consecrated on June 10, 1843. (When Bishop Inglis arrived here in violent rain to consecrate the church there was no congregation. Volunteers rode in different directions and after three hours a good congregation had gathered). Rev. Fred Downes Pauterhad been appointed by Bishop John Inglis as the first officiating clergy person. The petition (to build) was signed by Rev Pauter, Phillip Lane, Alex MacMillan, Thomas K. Awley, William Storey, John Fraser, James Harrison, C. M. Willock, Justice of the Peace, Thomas Beers, Thomas Irving, Robb Dodd, George Irving, and John Nelson. These petitioners and James Hayden also petitioned for church land to be used as a cemetery and this land for the cemetery was consecrated in 1844. Christ Church Cherry Valley was part of the Parish of Bedford.  Cherry Valley is named after Cherry Valley, New York State, from where the Hayden survivors of a massacre there, immigrated to here. A Thomas Tweedy was one of the carpenters, and a direct descendent is active here today. Now overgrown, there is what may be a French regime cemetery in the SE corner (Prince Edward Island was once Isle St Jean).  The church is registered as a heritage place under the PEI Heritage Places Protection Act. Exterior large eave returns, wide corner boards and clapboards are original, and reflect typical architecture of those days. The interior has recently been refurbished to period standards, thanks to generous personal memorial donations.  From extensive and well documented records, we note that the first marriage at Christ Church was between John Jenkins and Mary Mellish, February 24, 1842. Margaret Willock, daughter of Cavendish and Maria Willock was the first person baptised on December 5, 1841. The first burial was Joseph