REV. JOHN TRENAMEN
To God Be The Glory John Trenaman was born at Grand Lake, New Brunswick, Canada on August 24, 1827. He was formerly a minister of the Baptist denomination, but answering the call for Episcopal missionaries, he ventured south. After a year of study as a special student at the Seabury Divinity School at Faribault, MN.; he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Walker in 1884. His first charge was at Christ Church mission in Wahpeton, Dakota Territory. After serving the community for only a year, he was advanced to the Priesthood, and about this time took charge of the Mission at Wheatland. In 1886, Trenaman was given charge of the Buffalo and Tower City missions. The first service in Calvary Chapel was held by Reverend John Trenaman on October 25, 1886. There was no Rectory when he arrived, so Rev. Trenaman boarded with the Mrs. John Edward family. He became a good friend of the large family, and the children all referred to him as 'Daddy Trenaman'. According to the Buffalo Herald on Oct 14, 1887 He began construction on his own rectory, albeit very small, next to the church. It was the first rectory built and paid for by an Episcopal Priest in Northern Dakota Territory. His foresight and personal contributions did not go without recognition, as noted by Bishop Walker in his Convocation Address: "I am a strong advocate of homes for the clergy in our different parishes and Missions. Without them the work cannot be as efficiently done... It is a matter of the greatest importance that there should be one social rallying point in the parish where all may meet, where all may recognize a common ground. I refer to the little houses adjoining the Church at Mayville and at New Buffalo (Buffalo). I always go to them with much interest and pleasure; for they represent personal labor, bestowed with their own hands, by the honored brethren now in charge of the parishes. The ownership of the buildings is in the Reverend brethren that reared them at their own cost; but they have shown their appreciation of the principle I have suggested that so far as it is possible, it is undesirable that the clergy should be compelled - like a persecuted Apostle - 'to abide in their own hired homes'. When I came to North Dakota there was only one rectory"... The 1889 Parochial Report for the Diocese lists the value of the Rectory at $200. Trenaman's little residence remains as the kitchen of the existing Rectory. Reverend Trenaman maintained close ties with his family in Canada, and many mentions of trips home occur in the Buffalo Herald. On one occasion upon returning from Winnipeg, while getting off the train he was thrown against the car rail and bruised so that he could not conduct services that Sunday. The next year, it is mentioned on Jan.13, 1888 that Rev. Trenaman armed with a turkey and jack rabbit, has gone to St. Thomas, Ontario to visit his wife and children. He returned and held services on Sunday March 4th. Reverend John Trenamen served the congregation faithfully and during his term as rector, also served the missions at Tower City and Wheatland, walking the six or nine miles between the points year round, and in all kinds of weather. He also took the lead in a movement in 1888 to establish an Episcopal College in the vacant buildings of Tower City University in neighboring Tower City. The plan was eventually abandoned for lack of funding. In 1889 he assumed the responsibility of the mission in Casselton as well. The bishop appointed him as Vicar of St. Stephen's Mission, Casselton in 1891. He moved there, but continued to serve Calvary Chapel, Buffalo for several years. Trenaman retired from the position at St. Stephen's in 1896, after which time he did occasional missionary work. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, having held the position of Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota during the years 1896, '97,and '98. At this time he was also President of the Standing Committee. The Reverend John Trenaman died suddenly at his home in Casselton at 10 am, Saturday, November 5th, 1902. The immediate cause of death was acute congestion of the lungs. He left behind a wife and two children in St. Thomas, Ontario, and a son at Page in Cass County. His death was a blow to the whole community, he was an active participant in all matters of public benefit and interest. A short service was held at St. Stephen's Church, the remains being sent to the family home in Canada for interment.
John Trenaman was born at Grand Lake, New Brunswick, Canada on August 24, 1827. He was formerly a minister of the Baptist denomination, but answering the call for Episcopal missionaries, he ventured south. After a year of study as a special student at the Seabury Divinity School at Faribault, MN.; he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Walker in 1884. His first charge was at Christ Church mission in Wahpeton, Dakota Territory. After serving the community for only a year, he was advanced to the Priesthood, and about this time took charge of the Mission at Wheatland. In 1886, Trenaman was given charge of the Buffalo and Tower City missions.
The first service in Calvary Chapel was held by Reverend John Trenaman on October 25, 1886. There was no Rectory when he arrived, so Rev. Trenaman boarded with the Mrs. John Edward family. He became a good friend of the large family, and the children all referred to him as 'Daddy Trenaman'. According to the Buffalo Herald on Oct 14, 1887 He began construction on his own rectory, albeit very small, next to the church. It was the first rectory built and paid for by an Episcopal Priest in Northern Dakota Territory.
His foresight and personal contributions did not go without recognition, as noted by Bishop Walker in his Convocation Address:
"I am a strong advocate of homes for the clergy in our different parishes and Missions. Without them the work cannot be as efficiently done... It is a matter of the greatest importance that there should be one social rallying point in the parish where all may meet, where all may recognize a common ground. I refer to the little houses adjoining the Church at Mayville and at New Buffalo (Buffalo). I always go to them with much interest and pleasure; for they represent personal labor, bestowed with their own hands, by the honored brethren now in charge of the parishes. The ownership of the buildings is in the Reverend brethren that reared them at their own cost; but they have shown their appreciation of the principle I have suggested that so far as it is possible, it is undesirable that the clergy should be compelled - like a persecuted Apostle - 'to abide in their own hired homes'. When I came to North Dakota there was only one rectory"... The 1889 Parochial Report for the Diocese lists the value of the Rectory at $200. Trenaman's little residence remains as the kitchen of the existing Rectory. Reverend Trenaman maintained close ties with his family in Canada, and many mentions of trips home occur in the Buffalo Herald. On one occasion upon returning from Winnipeg, while getting off the train he was thrown against the car rail and bruised so that he could not conduct services that Sunday. The next year, it is mentioned on Jan.13, 1888 that Rev. Trenaman armed with a turkey and jack rabbit, has gone to St. Thomas, Ontario to visit his wife and children. He returned and held services on Sunday March 4th. Reverend John Trenamen served the congregation faithfully and during his term as rector, also served the missions at Tower City and Wheatland, walking the six or nine miles between the points year round, and in all kinds of weather. He also took the lead in a movement in 1888 to establish an Episcopal College in the vacant buildings of Tower City University in neighboring Tower City. The plan was eventually abandoned for lack of funding. In 1889 he assumed the responsibility of the mission in Casselton as well. The bishop appointed him as Vicar of St. Stephen's Mission, Casselton in 1891. He moved there, but continued to serve Calvary Chapel, Buffalo for several years. Trenaman retired from the position at St. Stephen's in 1896, after which time he did occasional missionary work. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, having held the position of Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota during the years 1896, '97,and '98. At this time he was also President of the Standing Committee. The Reverend John Trenaman died suddenly at his home in Casselton at 10 am, Saturday, November 5th, 1902. The immediate cause of death was acute congestion of the lungs. He left behind a wife and two children in St. Thomas, Ontario, and a son at Page in Cass County. His death was a blow to the whole community, he was an active participant in all matters of public benefit and interest. A short service was held at St. Stephen's Church, the remains being sent to the family home in Canada for interment.
I refer to the little houses adjoining the Church at Mayville and at New Buffalo (Buffalo). I always go to them with much interest and pleasure; for they represent personal labor, bestowed with their own hands, by the honored brethren now in charge of the parishes. The ownership of the buildings is in the Reverend brethren that reared them at their own cost; but they have shown their appreciation of the principle I have suggested that so far as it is possible, it is undesirable that the clergy should be compelled - like a persecuted Apostle - 'to abide in their own hired homes'. When I came to North Dakota there was only one rectory"... The 1889 Parochial Report for the Diocese lists the value of the Rectory at $200. Trenaman's little residence remains as the kitchen of the existing Rectory. Reverend Trenaman maintained close ties with his family in Canada, and many mentions of trips home occur in the Buffalo Herald. On one occasion upon returning from Winnipeg, while getting off the train he was thrown against the car rail and bruised so that he could not conduct services that Sunday. The next year, it is mentioned on Jan.13, 1888 that Rev. Trenaman armed with a turkey and jack rabbit, has gone to St. Thomas, Ontario to visit his wife and children. He returned and held services on Sunday March 4th. Reverend John Trenamen served the congregation faithfully and during his term as rector, also served the missions at Tower City and Wheatland, walking the six or nine miles between the points year round, and in all kinds of weather. He also took the lead in a movement in 1888 to establish an Episcopal College in the vacant buildings of Tower City University in neighboring Tower City. The plan was eventually abandoned for lack of funding. In 1889 he assumed the responsibility of the mission in Casselton as well. The bishop appointed him as Vicar of St. Stephen's Mission, Casselton in 1891. He moved there, but continued to serve Calvary Chapel, Buffalo for several years. Trenaman retired from the position at St. Stephen's in 1896, after which time he did occasional missionary work. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, having held the position of Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota during the years 1896, '97,and '98. At this time he was also President of the Standing Committee. The Reverend John Trenaman died suddenly at his home in Casselton at 10 am, Saturday, November 5th, 1902. The immediate cause of death was acute congestion of the lungs. He left behind a wife and two children in St. Thomas, Ontario, and a son at Page in Cass County. His death was a blow to the whole community, he was an active participant in all matters of public benefit and interest. A short service was held at St. Stephen's Church, the remains being sent to the family home in Canada for interment.
The 1889 Parochial Report for the Diocese lists the value of the Rectory at $200. Trenaman's little residence remains as the kitchen of the existing Rectory.
Reverend Trenaman maintained close ties with his family in Canada, and many mentions of trips home occur in the Buffalo Herald. On one occasion upon returning from Winnipeg, while getting off the train he was thrown against the car rail and bruised so that he could not conduct services that Sunday. The next year, it is mentioned on Jan.13, 1888 that Rev. Trenaman armed with a turkey and jack rabbit, has gone to St. Thomas, Ontario to visit his wife and children. He returned and held services on Sunday March 4th.
Reverend John Trenamen served the congregation faithfully and during his term as rector, also served the missions at Tower City and Wheatland, walking the six or nine miles between the points year round, and in all kinds of weather.
He also took the lead in a movement in 1888 to establish an Episcopal College in the vacant buildings of Tower City University in neighboring Tower City. The plan was eventually abandoned for lack of funding.
In 1889 he assumed the responsibility of the mission in Casselton as well. The bishop appointed him as Vicar of St. Stephen's Mission, Casselton in 1891. He moved there, but continued to serve Calvary Chapel, Buffalo for several years. Trenaman retired from the position at St. Stephen's in 1896, after which time he did occasional missionary work.
He was a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, having held the position of Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota during the years 1896, '97,and '98. At this time he was also President of the Standing Committee.
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