JOHN J. BAMFORD 
     
     1913 - 1920 
     
     Rev. and Mrs. John J. Bamford arrived in the Parish of Port Hill on July 1, 1913. With 
     
     them from England they brought a horse and wagon which they later sold to Maurice Maynard. 
     
     The automobile they purchased to replace their first means of transportation is pictured below 
     
    
   
   
    
     with daughter Lillian in the foreground. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     The Bamfords and their two children, Jack and Lillian, were the first occupants of the 
     
     present rectory. Living with them also was their housekeeper, Miss Sadie Cleveland, who had 
     
     travelled to the New World with them. One of Miss Cleveland’s duties was to pump water to 
     
     the large tank in the attic of the new rectory. When asked by a neighbour, how long it took to 
     
     fill the cistern, she replied, "I don’t know how long, but I do know how many - 1198 strokes". 
     
    

    
     Rev. Bamford was very supportive of the various church organizations, and became 
     
     particularly involved with St. James’ Guild. A portion of his first annual report to the Diocesan 
     
    
   
   
    
     Church Society is reprinted here: 
     
    
   
   
    
     A Ladies Aid and Sewing Circle was organized and in December a sale and 
     
     supper was held in King George’s hall and they made clear of expenses over $50. 
     
     St. James’ Guild, Port Hill, was reorganized last October, a programme was 
     
     arranged for the winter of different subjects, including Biographical, Historical, 
     
     Missionary and Biblical. We have nearly forty members, and papers are read 
     
     weekly by the members, which have proved helpful and interesting. In 
     
     connection with the above, the Rector has arranged to give a course of six 
     
     lectures during the winter, one each month, the proceeds of which are to be given 
     
     to different objects. Services have been held on Wednesday Evenings in the 
     
     Parish Church, when bible readings have been given at Lot 16 where there are 
     
     a few families of Church people; and at Line Road, Lot 13. 
     
    
   
   
    
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