'The Little Church In The Wildwood'

Story ID:	1165
Written by:	Bonnie Jarvis-Lowe
Organization:	Retired RN/Freelance Writer and Photographer
Story type:	Local History
Location:	Terra Nova Newfoundland and Labrador Canada
Longitude:	48* 10' North
Latitude:	54* West
Year:	1939
Person:	A Special Church

‘The Church in the Wildwood’

Just east of Glovertown, Newfoundland, and nineteen kilometers off the Trans. Canada Highway there is a quiet, quaint community called ‘Terra Nova’. The latest Statistics Canada Census shows a census of twenty-eight residents. The tiny town is no longer the bustling area it was during the time of a thriving logging operation. In those days there were stables for the work horses, a train station serving the Newfoundland Railway, and it’s famous ‘Newfie Bullet’ trains, a school, a small hotel, and of course houses for the workers who lived there all year.

Terra Nova’s origin began in 1910 with just two men there who were working for the railway. Hundreds of loggers worked the woods near Terra Nova, and the population slowly increased over the years as the logger’s families moved in to be closer to their loved ones. In 1924 the first school was built, and in 1939 this school was replaced with a school/chapel combination. The people then had a place of worship.

When logging operations amalgamated in 1950, the population grew to two hundred, so a larger school was essential. This larger school was built, and the former school of 1939 was converted into a church.

All logging operations ceased in 1962, and the population of Terra Nova gradually declined, leaving it finally with the twenty-eight people it has now. However, the church still remains a pivotal part of the community.

But what a church ‘Holy Trinity’ is! Terra Nova is beautiful. It is close to the National Park, teaming with wildlife, surrounded by wild roses, plants, and trees, and of course the berry bushes native to Newfoundland. We visit friends there occasionally, and I always notice the quaint little white church that is situated near their home. This ‘summer home’ is in fact the home she lived in for years when her father worked with the logging company. She finds it an island of serenity in a busy world.

The little white church in a setting of well-kept homes and colorful gardens is a scene of tranquility, beauty and peace. I never inquired nor did I ever hear anything unusual about this remarkable church.

That is until I was asked a simple question.

"Do you know that Holy Trinity Church has two altars?", my friend Winnie asked when we were visiting Terra Nova.

No, I did not know, but it intrigued me greatly. The next day we walked into the special little white church, and I was totally captivated by the church in the wildwood.

Yes, there are two altars! At one end is the United Church altar, and at the other is the Anglican altar. This church is lovingly cared for and it shows in the shiny brass and the gleaming wooden floors.

"So how do they arrange seating for the different church services?" I inquired.

Then I was shown the solution. The pews have backs that tilt backwards and forwards. If the Anglican church service is taking place the pew backs tilt back and people are facing the Anglican Church’s altar. When the United church service is taking place the pew backs are tilted the other way, and the congregation is facing the altar of the United Church. I was fascinated, and had to try it! Sure enough, you can comfortably sit facing the altar of your choice.

It is a unique arrangement, and works satisfactorily for everyone. People have their own church, with their own altar, under the same roof with another church which has its own altar. Services for the visiting clergy are arranged to avoid conflicting schedules.

It is distinctly unique in every way. The small church is obviously in a village with a big heart. It is a remarkable example of Christian sharing. The unique arrangement in tiny Terra Nova, Newfoundland and Labrador shows us that the struggle to maintain large churches in declining communities is probably not necessary. People in Terra Nova share their lives, and they share a church. It demonstrates that it is possible to have one place to go to together and share fellowship and worship.

I remembered the words often sung in churches, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

The Holy Trinity Church of Terra Nova, a tiny village in Newfoundland, is a shining example of peace and sharing, leading the way to peace on earth beginning with it’s ‘Alternating Altars’.

Bonnie Jarvis-Lowe