The Parish of Wicklow, Wilmot, Peel and Aberdeen is located in the central western part of New Brunswick, bordering Maine and extending as far East as the village of Juniper. This area, known as Northern Carlton County, is made famous by the McCain headquarters. Regional employment is found in farming, field labourers, forestry, metal working and manufacturing, transportation, and the food industry. Apart from modest shopping the area is rich in community services, activities and various specialty shops.

 

PARISH HISTORY:

Prior to 1870 there was only one clergyman of the Church of England north of Woodstock and this was the rector of Andover who was also responsible for Victoria and Madawaska.

In 1871 the Rev. Leo Hoyt became the rector of Andover and he established three or four separate missions, one of them being the Mission of Wicklow and Wilmot which included Simonds, Peel and Aberdeen. The first missionary in charge of this mission was the Rev. William Russell Almond, appointed in 1874. He returned to England due to failing health ad was succeeded in 1875 by the Rev. J. E. Flewelling.

Under the leadership of Mr. Flewelling the Mission grew and he remained in the Mission until he resigned and accepted a call to Canterbury in 1899.

The first church to be built in the Mission was St. Barnabas in Wicklow( Greenfield) which was consecrated by Bishop John Medley in June of 1876. Eight years later, St. James Church, Centreville was consecrated by Bishop Medley.

The Rev. E. W. Simonson became rector of the Mission in 1900. At this time a new rectory was purchased in Centreville. This rectory was used until 1962 when the present rectory was constructed in Florenceville.

For many years under the leadership of the Rev.J. E. Flewelling, services had been held in Florenceville, but there was no church building. Services were held in a public hall situated over the general store, owned and operated by John L. Saunders, a member of the congregation.

Following the arrival of the Rev. E. W. Simonson as rector in 1900, the decision was made to build a church in East Florenceville. One of those instrumental in having the congregation arrive at this decision was J.(Jack) H. Jameson, local harness manufacturer. Plans and specifications for the new church were drawn up by Chas. J. Smalley of Stickney. Within a year of making their decision, a plot of land had been selected and purchased and the congregation had raised over $2,000. Then, on Sunday, November 3, 1901, Bishop T. Kingdon consecrated the Church of the Good Shepherd. It is reported that "the church was crowded beyond its capacity with church people and also their many friends of the various religious bodies from these and neighboring parishes". A Confirmation Service was held in the evening at which time 11 candidates received the Laying on of Hands.

Subsequently with the addition of the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Parish became known as the Parish of Wicklow, Wilmot and Peel.

Throughout the years the church has been blessed by the work of the ladies in the Women's Auxiliary, which in due course became known as the Anglican Church Women. There was also a Branch of the Junior Auxiliary for many years. Sunday School has always been a vital part of the ministry and at this point in time we have a small but active Sunday School.

The Church of the Good Shepherd has undergone minor changes since it was built. The church basement was brought to completion in 1961. Over the years the church has been heated by various means and in 1986 the oil furnace was replaced with electric heat. In 1986 it was decided to renovate the basement hall and on October 29, 1986, the Most Rev. H. L. Nutter dedicated the newly renovated Hall.

To help commemorate the 85th Anniversary, a Parish Mission was held in the Church of the Good Shepherd, October 22-26, 1986, under the leadership of the Rev. Canon Philip and Janet Williston of Chatham, N.B. and Captain Bruce Smith, Church Army, and a host of others.

Recently the parish has been blessed with the 11 year ministry of the Rev. Christopher Van Buskirk. Under his leadership the parish envisioned an "assistant rector program." Through this the parish witnessed the great gifts of two curates the Rev. David Perks and the Rev. Chris Hayes.