St. Andrew’s Church
The Right Reverend Charles Inglis, who had become Canada's first Anglican Bishop in 1789, visited Gaspe in 1819. He appointed two clergymen for the coast, and Reverend John Suddard was assigned to the Gaspe Basin. Shortly after his arrival he oversaw the construction of the first Church, St. Paul’s in Gaspe. Prior to this all services had been conducted by visiting clergymen or by laymen in private homes. These services, which may have been more accurately termed "prayer meetings," undoubtedly continued around the Southwest Arm. The only way to Gaspe was by horse and sleigh in winter and boat in summer, so visits to church were likely restricted to baptisms, marriages, deaths, and other important occasions. In 1845 St. James Church was built in Wakeham, making services more readily available to Sunny Bank families.
Nearing the end of the 19th century the people of York began discussing the feasibility of constructing their own house of worship. The people wanted it located centrally, but since York could continue to develop to the west, it was decided that the church be built near the west end. Thus, when Charles Grant offered to donate the present Church property in Sunny Bank, it was readily accepted. The graveyard was consecrated on July 18, 1893. Construction of St. Andrew's Church was undertaken in 1895 during the incumbency of Reverend John P. Richmond, pastor of the missions of Gaspe Basin and Wakeham. It was located in the middle of the cemetery plot and officially opened its doors in December, 1895. The bell wasn't purchased until 1906, at the cost of $292.82. It arrived in Gaspe by boat on June 17 and was erected into place on June 20.
York's new Church only remained joined with Wakeham and Gaspe for two years. In 1897 the Missions of Sandy Beach and York were united and served by one incumbent. This was done to facilitate travel by the minister, as no bridges were yet constructed over the York River. By 1945, changes were again deemed necessary, and the area was redivided leaving it as it remained until recently, with one minister serving the parishes of Gaspe and Sandy Beach, and another serving Wakeham and York.
By the 1920's this church, which held only thirty to forty people, was deemed too small for the rapidly growing congregation, which already exceeded two hundred persons. A new and much larger building was needed, so the people of York set to work. As it was aptly described by Bishop Tim Mathews in his sermon of Aug. 19, 1979 at St. Andrew's 50th Anniversary:
"They asked George Miller of Sandy Beach to draw up the plans, and appointed Mr. John Eagle Sr. to supervise the work. The men of the congregation volunteered their labour and the ladies, organizations, and youth of the parish raised funds. By 1923 the ladies had raised over $4000. The young people made ice cream and sold it. As Russell Keays wrote (and I quote) 'It was simply a dedication of people, young and old, who by determination put manual labour, tireless days and nights to work at the realization of this much needed Temple to the glory of God....' Their architects, engineers, environmental consultants, accountants, and fund raisers were found in the persons of their own congregation and friends. Practical people of York expressing their own views...
St. Andrew's Church (1978)
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