involved discussion of a proposed "George Hodgson Memorial" at King’s College ;

through which a Divinity Lectureship would be set up. Afier a lengthy discussion at the October 5th Congregational Meeting, it was decided that it was inexpedient for the congregation of St. Peter’s to support this plan for the "Memorial Divinity Lectureship". Instead, the congregation desired to erect some lasting Memorial of its own at St. Peter’s, honouring the memory of Father Hodgson. It was felt that contributions towards the project at King’s College would render impossible any local initiative to raise money.

There had been some talk during the meeting of the possibility of erecting a Memorial Chapel attached to the Cathedral; this would necessitate the raising of a considerable sum to cover the costs of construction and materials. This idea, however, held the advantage of being able to provide the Cathedral community with a living Memorial to Father Hodgson that would be of use to successive generations belonging to St. Peter’s.

The second financial matter pertained to the need to purchase a "reasonable" Church organ. It was resolved that an Organ Committee be established and should proceed to invite subscriptions towards the cause, as well as to collect all information pertinent to the project. While this work was being carried out, it was deemed favourable that a request be made to the Priest-in-Charge to summon a special meeting of the congregation, at which time the matter would be put before them for consideration and hopefully endorsement.

The search for a new Priest continued for approximately one year until it ended in late 1886 with the appointment of the Reverend James Simpson. During the time several applications were received from all over Canada, the United States, and various parts of England. Necessary qualifications were stringently outlined in newspaper advertisements encouraging prospective applicants. One advertisement placed in an English newspaper was indicative of the type of ads placed and the type of man sought. It read:

CANADA, Wanted, an experienced Priest of Catholic views, single, graduate preferred, for sole charge of St. Peter’s Church Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Good preacher and visitor. Church well appointed, climate most healthy, stipend one thousand dollars or 205 pounds a year with house or its equivalent. Passage paid.110

All applications received were read aloud and discussed at the Congregational Meeting of Easter 1886.

110. Congregational Meeting at St. Peter’s Cathedral, April 5th, 1886. St. Peter’s Cathedral Archives.

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