Munro Family History

We have historical notes telling us that John Munro undertook a number of carpentry contracting jobs in his early days in Canada:  The military barracks in Penetang; the Sandford store in downtown Barrie; and the St. Thomas Church in Shanty Bay, which is just to the north of Barrie.  It is unlikely he ‘built’ the church as the records mention; more likely it was the product of a crew of men.  But knowing what we know of his skills, it is certain that the joinery and trim work inside the church was done by his personal hand.  I’ve assembled some images here of that fine undertaking.  Think about how you would have gone about the detail work, one hundred and seventy years ago, before Lee Valley Tools and its cornucopia  of craft instruments.  John Alexander’s work bears the mark of his artisan’s hand and mind­—simple, direct and rustically elegant.  How pleasing to know that his personal touch  lives on in this little country church.  

St. Thomas, like many small churches, is found wanting for parishioners these days, but the services do go on and no doubt God looks down favorably on the assembled faithful. Any of John’s descendants who would feel inclined to attend a church service may want to put St. Thomas on their list of ‘must do’s’ when visiting in Ontario.  

GP.