Port Hill was without a resident missionary until 1846 when Rev. W.H. Cooper filled the position. He had been ordained to the priesthood in St.Pau1’s Church, Charlottetown. This ordination, on August 2, 1846, was the first ever witnessed on Prince Edward Island. Following Rev. Cooper’s ordination, the episcopal party journeyed to St.Eleanors on August 5th for a confirmation service. The next day they continued on to Port Hill where the group was

anxiously awaited:

The new Missionary, with Mr. Yeo, "a most zealous member of the Church" at Port Hill, proceeded to that place to prepare for the Bishop’s coming. On Thursday, August 6th, the Bishop crossed on the ferry, confirmed fourteen at Port Hill, and then, without accepting Mr. Yeo’s proffered hospitality, drove back to Crapaud, a day’s journey of fifty. The Bishop was much encouraged by what he saw and heard on this visit to the mission. A parsonage house, the first on the Island, was being planned for the missionary’s accommodation. (Millman,

p-6)

Largely due to the contributions of the congregation’s time and money, the parsonage had reached a stage of completion by 1852. It was erected on the parsonage farm located on the Cooper Road which was named for the first resident rector of Port Hill Parish, Rev. W.H. Cooper. Although the main construction of the parsonage was completed in 1852, the building was not habitable until three years later. Lack of finances had caused the unfortunate delay and forced the minister to live a distance from the church. It was through the generosity of the rector, the Rev. H.B. Swabey, that funds were made available. He donated £110 to the cause, that amount being the total of local subscriptions to his salary.

1864 reports from both the Archdeacon and the Diocesan Church Society disclosed that the parsonage continued to be a source of annoyance and expense. The following excerpts from the Parish’s records are an indication that its first rectory experienced financial difficulties and considerable repairs from the beginning:

May 29, 1849 - On Motion Resolved That the Church Corporation be Authorized

to grant security on the Parsonage House for the liquidation of the Debt incurred

in building the same; provided it be legal for them so to do.

Resolved that the Interest of the Balance of Debt incurred in Building the Parsonage be levied by Assessment on the Church Pews.