Church of the Ascension
Chance Cove , Newfoundland

Chance Cove, NL


The Ascension Church, Chance Cove, NL
The Ascension, Chance Cove, NL

In "the old days", the people of Chance Cove lived in "tilts" (rough cottages) with sod-covered roofs and lit by cod-oil lamps. Church services were then held in the schoolhouse. All the settlers were Englishmen, from West England, and they brought their Church of England culture with them. In the 1880s, the local congregation built its first Church. All the timbers were hand-chopped and entirely assembled by free labor. Everyone rejoiced when the Church was completed in the fall of 1887.

Chance Cove Wharf

Services were done by an English Priest. Once a month, the Rector tramped the 30 miles or more from New Harbour to Sunnyside - through thick woods, over endless barrens, and into mirey bogs. Most notable was a Rev'd Wagghorne, who trumpeted his arrival in a foghorn voice.

Meanwhile, this sturdy, handmade Church withstood the wintry gales until 1980 when a new "modern" buiding was erected. The old building had at last succombed to senility. The new Church was opened and dedicated on August 3, 1980 with the Bishop, The Rt. Rev'd Martin Mate, officiating. Assisting Bishop Mate were the Priest, The Rev'd Stephen Atkins, and Mr. Ronald Clarke. The organist for this special service was Mrs. Myrtle Smith, who is still the organist at The Ascension to this day.

The Ascension Interior

Although the congregation accepted a loan for ten years, they were able to repay it in just five years. On November 24, 1985, The Ascension was consecrated by the Bishop, The Rt. Rev'd Martin Mate. The Priest at that time was The Rev'd Allan Brake. The message on this joyous occasion was delivered by The Rev'd Frank Cluett, Provost of Queen's College.

The Ascension Symbolic Cross
A Church Hall was started and completed in 1985 in the basement of the new Church. It was paid for by 1989. A new electric organ was purchased in memory of loved ones. Since its completion, a number of items have been placed in the Church in memory of loved ones.

The Building Fund Treasurer at the time the Church was built was Mrs. Bernice Anderson. The Treasurer was Mrs. Alvina Smith, who continues to be the Treasurer. The Minister's Warden at the time was Mr. Samuel Anderson; the People's Warden was Mr. Kenneth Clarke; and the ACW President was Mrs. Maggie Hollett. The first Baptism at The Ascension was Crystal Smith, the daughter of Ruby and Thomas Smith; the first Marriage was a double ceremony between Olive Green & George Benoit and between Rick Smith and Wanda Green; the first Burial was for four victims of a fire: Robert Smith, Pleaman, Edna and daughter Sherry Lynn Smith.

The Ascension Sign

Over time, the Church has been part of a number of Parishes: The Parish of New Harbour; The Parish of Whitbourne; The Parish of Chapel Arm/Norman's Cove; The Parish of Chance Cove/Little Harbour/Fair Haven; and now The Parish of the Holy Spirit.

The Ascension is currently being served by The Rev'd Moses Tucker, Associate Priest. During 2007, there were 3 burials and 1 baptism in the Ascension.






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