Visit & Tour 2008 - (Page 20) 20 Tourism Services & St. Thomas Times-Journal, February 2008 • www.elgintourist.com St. Thomas Established in 2002, the Elgin County Archives is the official repository for records of the County of Elgin, its constituent municipalities and private collections pertaining to the County and the City of St.Thomas. The Archives has extensive collections for those researching local genealogy and history. Highlights of the collection include Ontario-wide census records, vital statistics information, Scott Studio photographs and Alma College records. The Archives is operated by the County of Elgin and is located in a climate-controlled Elgin County Archives Worth the trip to the Old St. Thomas Church Cemetery facility in the lower level of the County's Administration Building at 450 Sunset Drive in St. Thomas. Come research your family tree or explore Elgin's rich documentary heritage in our comfortable reference room. Further information about the Archives can be obtained at www. elgin-county.on.ca or by calling 519-631-1460 ext. 154. By Times-Journal staff It is one of the most historic and picturesque addresses in St.Thomas. The Old St.Thomas Church is located on Walnut Street, two blocks south of the Jumbo Monument. The Church features pioneer charm with box pews and oil lamps. The serene Churchyard, still active today, is the final resting place of many notable individuals such as Judge Hugh Richardson. Judge Richardson was the senior judge of the Supreme Court of the North West Territories who presided over the trial of Louis Riel and condemned him to death. Other highlights include the newly restored Chrisholm Monument, the graves of Octavius Wallace, who served in the U.S. Civil War, and Daniel Rapelje. Rapelje donated a section of his farm in 1819 to establish the present day site for the Church and Churchyard.The Churchyard also contains a Scattering Garden at the west end. Construction of the Church began in 1822 and the first official service was held in 1824. Summer student tour guides are on duty from late May to Labour Day. Many commemorative items are for sale including t-shirts, self guided tour books of the Churchyard, stationary and a newly issued collectable coin. In early December a public Christmas Carol Sing is held featuring mince tarts, cookies and hot cider to launch the Christmas season. The restored site is available for weddings and special services. For more information call (519) 633-2610 or visit the website at www.oldstthomaschurch.com old st. thomas church Available for Weddings & Special Services. Open late May to Labour Day Tour Guides On Duty Monday - Saturday 519-633-2610 For information 55 Walnut Street (2 blocks South of Jumbo Monument) http://www.elgintourist.com http://www.elgin-county.on.ca http://www.elgin-county.on.ca http://www.thomasandfriends.com http://www.oldstthomaschurch.com http://www.oldstthomaschurch.com http://www.thomasandfriends.com http://www.ticketweb.ca
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