George Ward – the founder of Wardsville and for whom the town is named – had an impressively interesting life that took him from his native Ireland and, as part of his military service, to many parts of the burgeoning British Empire. He ended up in Southwest Ontario, retired from the army and established an inn at Paint Creek (now Wardsville). He survived – just- the American invasion of 1813, and suffered, in addition to the loss of his property, the accusation of treachery due to his confused involvement in the Battle of Longwoods. Nevertheless he lived to the ripe old age of 87, and established a family that cherishes their ancestor to this day.
The connection to St John’s Anglican is through the oak altar table and reredos, seen here in the chancel under the stained glass window, and which memorialises George Ward and his immediate family:
Zooming in the altar table reveals the memorial plaque:
…which reads:
In Memoriam
George Ward, his wife Margaret Shaw, their son Alexander O.Ward, his wife
Mary Ann Neil, their daughter Martha Ward, her husband Malcolm Gordon Munroe.
Much has written about George Ward – follow this link to learn more.
There is no recorded date for when this memorial table and reredos were created, and no record of the crafstman.
The altar table (measuring 20 ft x 5 ft) is carved in oak, and finished with bright varnish. The front is divided into three panels, separated by pillars. Each panel has an upper row of quatrefoils above blind trefoil arches, and a lower row of larger trefoil arches. The design is reminiscent of many upper stories in larger churches.
The reredos (wooden screen behind the altar) measures (x by x). Notice that it is just a little too tall and covers the bottom of the stained glass window behind. However, it very nearly fills the width of the rear wall, suggesting that the St James chancel was of very similar dimensions.
The reredos is made from the same wood as the altar table. “Holy Holy Holy” is written across the reredos in carved wooden letters.
Along the top of the reredos can be seen what are called “crockets” – stylized carvings of flower leaves and buds. These are commonly added to wooden decorations in churches. The screen has a row of the same blind trefoil arches found on the altar table.
The altar table and reredos came to St John’s from St James Anglican Church in Wardsville when the latter was sadly demolished.
More information about St James Church may be found here.