A Short History of the Parish of St.Andrew Anglican / Grace United in Hay River NWT
Initial contact with people of the Hay River area was made in 1868 but the mission was not permanently established until 1893. The following articles are taken from past Arctic News publications.
Hay River by the Ven. J.T. McCollum
Some 1100-km north of Edmonton, Alberta, by road is found the town of Hay River in the Northwest Territories, situated on the southwest shore of Great Slave Lake. One of its claims to fame within the Diocese of The Arctic is that it is the only parish that has a railroad running to it. Hay River is a hub of transportation as from this point at the "end of steel" large volumes of freight moves down to the Western Arctic coast via barges on the Mackenzie River.
But there is a greater and more important claim to uniqueness about this parish. Some years ago the United Church of Canada (a major Canadian Protestant Church) asked St. Andrew's to consider taking on the care of their parish charge of Grace United Church at Hay River. We acceded to this overture with open hearts and, after some "teething" in getting to know each other; we grew into a unique "Family Congregation." The unofficial name of the parish is now "Grace-St. Andrew’s."
As a "Family Congregation," Grace-St. Andrew's Church does all things together - from our services of worship to our governing bodies of Board of Sessions and the Vestry, and including joint confirmation classes. Over the years this parish has grown into a full, rich and rewarding ministry for both the parishioners and their priest or deacon.
Part of the Anglican side of the parish consists of the old but beautiful mission church of St. Peter dating from the turn of the century and situated on the Indian Reserve across the river from the town. It is a sad commentary on our communication and work with these good people that St. Peter's over the past twenty years has become increasingly inactive to the point where it is used only infrequently and then usually to lay to rest a member of the Indian Band on the Reserve. However, we do not lose sight of the expectation that the church will once again come together as a Family of God among this ancient and honourable people through the constant renewing presence of Jesus Christ in our lives.
Archdeacon Haydn & Norma Schofield and their family have moved to Calgary to take up a new parish ministry in that diocese. Bishop Andrew recently ordained Vivian Smith a deacon to be in charge of St. Andrew's. March 26 was a wonderful celebration.
 Bishop Andrew with Deacon Vivian SmithBishop Andrew presents Archdeacon Haydn & Norma Schofield with a diocesan award for all the years they ministered to the people in this diocese.
Anglican priests and others in charge of churches in Hay River from 1868
Rev. William Carpenter Bompas - 1868-1875
Catechist William Robert Norn - 1875 - 1876
Rev. Thomas Jabez Marsh - 1893 - 1907
Rev. Alfred James Vale - 1907 - 1927
Rev. Wilfred Burnett Singleton - 1927 - 1938
Rev. Samuel Eric Richards - 1938 - 1943
Miss Winifred Neville - 1943 - 1952
Rev. James Edward Sittichinli - 1953 (March to June)
Miss Eileen Louise Ramsey - 1953 - 1956
The Rev'd Canon Kenneth Cober Snider - 1956 - 1957
Rev. John William Hofland - 1957 - 1959
Mr. William George McMillian - 1959 - 1961
Rev. Samuel James Bell - 1961 - 1963
Rev. Benjamin Stanley Hall - 1963 - 1970
Rev. John Turquand McCollum - 1970 - 1988
Ven. R. Haydn Schofield - 1988 - 2006
Rev. Robin Trevors - 1999 - 2005
Rev. Vivian Smith - 2006 -
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