Emma Simms, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Simms of Kensington. Their marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. T.B. Reagh, the predecessor of Rev. Harper as rector of Port Hill Parish. The Harpers had a family of four children: Herbert Blanchard born June 2, 1885; Henry Walden born December 4, 1887; Lucy Olive Blanche born March 10, 1890; Frederick Courtney born December 30, 1895.

Rev. Henry Harper ministered in the Parish of Port Hill for thirty years, setting a time record of service that has never since been equalled. In his 1908 report to the Diocesan Church Society, he gave an account of celebrations held to commemorate his twenty-fifth year of serv1ce:

The most important event during the year was the celebration of the close of twenty-five years of my service in this parish, by the holding of a meeting of the Clerical Association on the 28th and 29th of July. There were present on that occasion the Venerable Archdeacon Reagh, Rev. A.W. Nicholls, Rev. F.M. Webster and Rev. R.M. Fenton. At 7:30 a service was held in St. James’ Church, when the Archdeacon preached to an overflowing congregation. At the close of the service, the Rev. A.W. Nicholls, on behalf of the Clerical Association, presented the Rector with an address, and asked him to accept, as a token of their esteem, a very valuable suitcase and easy chair, for which the members of the Association have the Rector’s grateful thanks for their kind words and valuable gift. Next morning at 8 o’clock, H.C. was celebrated in St. James’ Church, at which a goodly number were present. At 10:30 am. the members of the Association met at the Rectory, where they spent the rest of the day in profitable conversation on matters concerning the Church. At 7:30 pm. another meeting was held in St. James’ Church, when addresses were given on Missions by Rev. F.M. Webster and Rev. R.M. Fenton, and on Sunday School work by the Rev. A.W. Nicholls. This service was also very largely attended and much appreciated.

Rev. Henry Harper was highly respected by his parishioners who often showed their appreciation with special gifts at Christmas. Two in particular that he reported to the Diocesan Church Society were "a very valuable fur coat" in 1899, and a "very nice silver mounted set of driving harness" in 1902.

Due to illness in 1912, Rev. Harper requested from the Bishop a year’s leave of absence. He was unable to return to his ministry, and passed away on April 4, 1913. Three days later he was laid to rest in St. James’ Cemetery. Although it was very cold with drifting snow on the day of his funeral, there were 125 sleighs in the procession. As a tribute of love and

respect, the people of the Parish erected an imposing tombstone in memory of their beloved

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