THE ORIGINAL Mission Hall Non-Denominational Church was built in 1911. Mr. George Pegg, who helped build it, purchased it a few years later. He was its' Lay Minister, Town Treasurer for Pelee Island and School Teacher for Middle Island School, just north of Mission Hall.
The church was fondly referred to as 'PEGG'S MISSION' by many Islanders over the years including the Mennonite population that settled on Pelee from 1925 - 1950.
Mr. Pegg continued caring for The Mission and his home which was a two story dwelling attached to the back, until his death in 1965.
The property and building was acquired by the Islands' Bauhaus Family and sometime later the Sanctuary was converted into a barn. In more recent history, Mr. Don Chambers, a Bauhaus relative acquired both.
Over the years many visitors and residents have sadly and curiously gazed at the deteriorating structure wondering of its' history and its' fate.
The church was fondly referred to as 'PEGG'S MISSION' by many Islanders over the years including the Mennonite population that settled on Pelee from 1925 - 1950.
Mr. Pegg continued caring for The Mission and his home which was a two story dwelling attached to the back, until his death in 1965.
The property and building was acquired by the Islands' Bauhaus Family and sometime later the Sanctuary was converted into a barn. In more recent history, Mr. Don Chambers, a Bauhaus relative acquired both.
Over the years many visitors and residents have sadly and curiously gazed at the deteriorating structure wondering of its' history and its' fate.
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This just gets us started on history...
Hopefully I'll hear and gather and be able to share more as we go. Please let me know what you can add or correct if I don't have accurate information here.
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Hopefully I'll hear and gather and be able to share more as we go. Please let me know what you can add or correct if I don't have accurate information here.
CONTACT US
I'm curious about GEORGE PEGG, what was his story? Common theme seems to be, 'he was a good man, a strong disciplinarian.' Many of Pelee's elders remember going in and talking with him, 'just visiting', they say. The Mennonite Collection of Memories has a few good stories about Mr. Pegg. I wonder what makes a young man come to a small island in the middle of Lake Erie, and live out his life there even after his Church dwindles. The Mennonites wanted to bring him to the mainland and care for him, but he chose to stay on his beloved Pelee, living in his home on the back of a church that he built with his own hands, until he passed on at the age of 98 years. Something tells me he knew of Pelees' magic...
MORE HISTORY to come about The Mission, George Pegg, Middle Island and more.
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Mrs. Martha Krestel
We had a nice visit with this lovely lady, one of Pelee's elders, after a refreshing walk on the beach I don't think she would mind me telling that she is 89 years of age! She is quite a picture of good health. By time we said goodbye all I really wanted to do was curl up on her couch and have a nap. The sun was shining in her southern exposure window with a warm fire going too... |
We left with a few tidbits more history of Mr. Pegg and The Mission. As Mr. Mack Hooper had told me, Mr. Pegg and his wife, Lulu May raised a daughter named Ethel. She grew up, married and left the island. I 'm guessing there could still be be great grandchildren of Mr. Pegg's out there somewhere.
Mrs. Krestel was a Bauhaus before she married. She was one of 13 siblings. She came in from Ohio with her family in 1933 as a young teenager. Her grandfather, Charlie Bradt helped build The Mission. She said that by time her family purchased The Mission it had already deteriorated. After Mr. Pegg died the Sanctuary was not used again and no one ever occupied the home in back.
Martha's brother, Robert, the oldest along with six other siblings were living in the home next door with their Mother. Much later down the road of time, Martha's nephew, Don, whose mother was a Bauhaus sibling, purchased the property from his Uncle Robert. Don remembers as a young boy being at his Grandmothers' with his siblings and visiting Mr. Pegg next door.
Mrs. Krestel remembers the Mennonites being a part of The Mission and a few of the Islanders up until 1965.
She is glad of our plans.
Mrs. Krestel was a Bauhaus before she married. She was one of 13 siblings. She came in from Ohio with her family in 1933 as a young teenager. Her grandfather, Charlie Bradt helped build The Mission. She said that by time her family purchased The Mission it had already deteriorated. After Mr. Pegg died the Sanctuary was not used again and no one ever occupied the home in back.
Martha's brother, Robert, the oldest along with six other siblings were living in the home next door with their Mother. Much later down the road of time, Martha's nephew, Don, whose mother was a Bauhaus sibling, purchased the property from his Uncle Robert. Don remembers as a young boy being at his Grandmothers' with his siblings and visiting Mr. Pegg next door.
Mrs. Krestel remembers the Mennonites being a part of The Mission and a few of the Islanders up until 1965.
She is glad of our plans.
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Mrs. Lulu May Pegg Ethel, 1927-28, Middle Island School
center center back row
center center back row
Mrs. Marion McCormick Hooper states in her book, 'Pelee Island, Then and Now, 1867-1967,' that The Mission was built through the 'intense' efforts of Mr. George Pegg and his wife. She refers to Middle Island as the 'pleasant'' village like area.' where it was built. Also that Mr. Pegg contributed much to the morale and spiritual welfare of the island.
Mrs. Pegg predeceased her husband by many years. Mrs. McCormick Hooper states some time after Mr. Pegg's death that, 'the building is still there though empty and lonely looking.'
Mrs. Pegg predeceased her husband by many years. Mrs. McCormick Hooper states some time after Mr. Pegg's death that, 'the building is still there though empty and lonely looking.'
When the Mennonites first arrived on the Island in 1925 they held church services either in homes or rented buildings. The Peggs invited them to use The Mission Hall. Here they met with English speaking Island families. Mr. Pegg preached first in English, followed by a sermon given by another in German. Lulu Pegg directed the choir and played the piano. Mr. and Mrs. Pegg also both taught Sunday School. The German community used Peggs' Mission on and off over the years, holding services in other locations also. Weddings and larger events continued to be held here. Also Summer Bible School was taught.
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About Middle Island
Mission Hall was built on the west side of a high piece of land originally referred to as Middle Island. North and South of this are two other distinct areas of high land. Pelee Island, at one time actually consisted of these three separate islands divided by large masses of marshland sometimes under up to 4ft. of water depending on the mood of Lake Erie. These high areas would have obviously each dictated location for community development. Therefore, leading to the desire to build a church here in 1911. One of no distinct denomination, open to everyone.
If you look at a map and find Mission Halls' location you will see it literally lies in the 'heart' location of Pelee. A nice little point!
Before the Mission was built the three individual islands had become one, which naturally helped increase the population. Two men from Ohio, Mr. Scudder and Mr. Brown met on Put-In-Bay, joined forces and after 10 years of planning began to cut canals through the 'Big Marsh' in 1888. This was the beginning of a whole elaborate process which eventually led to the 'Round Marsh' and 'Curry Marsh' also being drained. Smaller ditches were dug and pumpimg stations built, all to keep Lake Erie out of the marshes, therefore doubling the amount of workable fertile land. This led to many improvements for Pelee Island.
So as much as Middle Island is no longer a separate island, this area in which The Mission was built is still often referred to as such. Just like the north end is referred to as Scudder and directions for the east side are often given in relationship to Browns' Point. Historical names can hold fast over changes in time, just as the energy of a place can be felt long after its' original form has deteriorated.
About Middle Island
Mission Hall was built on the west side of a high piece of land originally referred to as Middle Island. North and South of this are two other distinct areas of high land. Pelee Island, at one time actually consisted of these three separate islands divided by large masses of marshland sometimes under up to 4ft. of water depending on the mood of Lake Erie. These high areas would have obviously each dictated location for community development. Therefore, leading to the desire to build a church here in 1911. One of no distinct denomination, open to everyone.
If you look at a map and find Mission Halls' location you will see it literally lies in the 'heart' location of Pelee. A nice little point!
Before the Mission was built the three individual islands had become one, which naturally helped increase the population. Two men from Ohio, Mr. Scudder and Mr. Brown met on Put-In-Bay, joined forces and after 10 years of planning began to cut canals through the 'Big Marsh' in 1888. This was the beginning of a whole elaborate process which eventually led to the 'Round Marsh' and 'Curry Marsh' also being drained. Smaller ditches were dug and pumpimg stations built, all to keep Lake Erie out of the marshes, therefore doubling the amount of workable fertile land. This led to many improvements for Pelee Island.
So as much as Middle Island is no longer a separate island, this area in which The Mission was built is still often referred to as such. Just like the north end is referred to as Scudder and directions for the east side are often given in relationship to Browns' Point. Historical names can hold fast over changes in time, just as the energy of a place can be felt long after its' original form has deteriorated.
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There are remains of a very old Saw Mill at the end of Ruggles Run, right across from the old Mission building. To me it looks ancient. Pelees' first Saw Mill was built on the south end of the island by the McCormick family in 1836, in the area known as Mill Point. It is written that by 1854 the finest oak and red cedar had been cut and shipped away. Since the family owned the whole Island at that time, I'm thinking it is quite possible that they had built another smaller mill on Middle Island. This would make these remains at least 165 years old.
From writings of 1899, it seems there was probably one of four Post Offices, in someones' home and the largest of three General Stores also in the center of the Island. At this time the area would no longer have been a separated Middle Island.
In the 1870's the children of Middle Island had to travel a distance of at least several miles to one of three other schools or be taught at home. Then in 1883 a house that belonged to Mr. Brown of Browns' Point, was renovated by residents of Middle Island to be used as a school. Soon after, the house was moved, also by residents, to higher ground, a less shady area, therefore less mosquitoes. Again in 1888-89, a new site was chosen, directly north of where The Mission would later be built. This time a new 26'x34' frame structure was built by the new school board along with the three other schools receiving new buildings. All four schools were each given one teacher to cover grades one through eight.
One of the first teachers on the Island was a Mr. Srigley from Wingham, Ontario. Mr. George Pegg first worked for him at the North End School in 1909, at the age of 42. History books say he quickly became attached to the Island, married soon and began teaching at Middle Island that same year. The next year his passion for the construction of the Mission took his full undivided attention until 1912 when he returned to the school and remained teaching there until 1915. He was then off for one year, returning again uninterrupted until 1932, at the age of 65.
By 1944 the North End School had expanded to accommadate the decision to consolidate the Islands' four schools. In 1945 buses became available for transporting students. What a celebration that must have been! Although the decisions were not supported by all. 'It seemed to take something away from the sort of homey, village-like atmosphere of the different localities where the old schools had served so well.'
There is record of Mr. Pegg also doing some High School teaching in 1914 and 1916 on Middle Island. The first official High School began in a cottage in 1927, later moving to the Masonic Hall, then to the North end in 1930. Eventually, all formal High School teaching was moved to the mainland.
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Apparently the Bauhaus family home north of The Mission is not Grandma Bauhaus' original home on that spot. It is the third! The first home was the school house which shut down in 1944. A few years later it was lost in a fire. Then a new home was built all by donation through the Island people. A few years later this home was also lost in another fire. Thankfully the third home built is still standing today occupied by her grandson.
A Reunion
Mr. Pegg is surrounded by a group of visiting Mennonites in July of 1961, 4 years before his passing. Photo is taken in front of his home,
The Mission Hall.
The Mission Hall.
Old black and white photos courtesy of EKMHA
What is all the buzz about the bees?
I became interested in the bees after finding a room full of hive supplies stored in our old building. Remember that it was being used as a barn for many years. I really never gave bees much thought prior to this other then the fact that I like honey and it is good for us in many ways.
I have learned from Dave Chambers, that his Uncle Robert, in the seventies had bee hives set up in the long grass between the old Mission building and the deserted Wiebe Farm directly south. This was for their personal use and maybe to share a little with neighbors.
I learned a few tidbits through my curiosity though. That way back when in 1865 when the famous Thaddeus Smith first came to Pelee, he found only a few hives on the Island. He responds to queries regarding bees and speaks of raising quality Queen Bees and distributing them to various parts of the Island. Evidence of this can be found in The American Bee Journal 1871 and the Iowa State Horticultural Society Journal 1881. He increased the numbers to well over one hundred hives on the Island.
Then, in an article from the Montreal Gazette in 1962, it speaks of the breeding station on Pelee set up by the Ontario Dept. of Agriculture in 1945. Apparently, they came in, cleared out any existing bees and a by-law was passed making Pelee a restricted area to be used only by them in regards to bees. The article mentions a Mr. Erik Seidler who was responsible for 350 hives, producing a 'good natured' bee that was a busy gatherer and able to survive extreme cold. The Queens were shipped to apiaries in many countries all over the world. This operation was discontinued in 1966.
Interesting, Pelees' history with the bees. The calling for individuals to dabble in the possibilities of Pelees' isolation being an asset to raising bees remains intriguing...
Or at the very least an opportunity to enjoy some superb local honey produced from a wonderful natural environment!
In my opinion, it would most naturally add to Pelees' sweetness.
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Mr. Bob Botham of Leamington, born on Pelee Island, shared these photos taken in 2001. They are the only photos I have seen that show the south wall of the back dwelling still standing, sort of...
He explained to me that he remembers his Grandparents, who lived on the East Beach, talking about back in those days when everyone walked to Church, that they would go to Mr. Pegg's Mission because it was the closest one to them.
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Mrs. Naomi Botham, who is one of the youngest Bauhaus siblings shared a cute memory with me. She recalls around the time of about 1955, when she was 10ish, it was her job to go next door and make Mr. Pegg his breakfast which consisted of a bowl of Red River cereal. Then when her mother cooked supper she would have to bring a plate over. It was also her responsibility to keep The Mission clean. She remembers that dusting the big piano always seemed like a special thing to do. Mr. Pegg would have been in his 80's at this time.
I mentioned earlier on this page my curiosity about the Pegg family and the possibility of there being great grandchildren out in the world somewhere. Well, wasn't I pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from a gentleman who is a nephew to Mr. and Mrs. Pegg's daughter, Ethel. He saw one of our Mission Hall Project cards in Home Hardware and decided to correct me on some misinformation. I have had quite nice conversation with him and will share some proper facts.
Ethel was born in 1919, the youngest of five siblings, to her biological family. She was born on Pelee Island. When her father took a job on the mainland in 1927, out of necessity Ethel was left in the caring hands of the Pegg Family. As an adult she lived in Chatham, Ontario in a common law relationship which ended before her time of death in 1974. She did not have any children.
Ethel was born in 1919, the youngest of five siblings, to her biological family. She was born on Pelee Island. When her father took a job on the mainland in 1927, out of necessity Ethel was left in the caring hands of the Pegg Family. As an adult she lived in Chatham, Ontario in a common law relationship which ended before her time of death in 1974. She did not have any children.
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Pelee's former Mayor, Mr. Bill Krestel shared some entertaining stories, not all of which I think I should share here. But this one is pretty funny...
When he was about 10 years old, he would go over with his Uncle Leonard to help Mr. Pegg with whatever needed to be done. 'OMG, ' Bill said 'it was so funny, Mr. Pegg was hard of hearing so he'd hold up a big old ear horn to his ear and that is what you had to talk into.' Bill was still laughing telling me about it. He remembers Ethel Pegg giving things to Uncle Robert when she came to tidy up after Mr. Pegg passing. Later he recalls when the floor was removed from the Sanctuary, converting it to a machine shed. Back then, they probably just burned it, he shared. |
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Mr. Rob Konrad of Leamington shared these photos. I find the first interesting because it is so primitive looking. It is partially boarded up as we see it in many photos, but still has much of its white paint in tact. This photo is from Rob's mothers collection, Mrs. Hilda Konrad (Thiessen). Go to 'SHARING PELEE'S MAGIC' page to read her story.
The second photo was taken in 2003.
The second photo was taken in 2003.
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Kevin Ryersee of Pelee Island sent some great old photos that were given to him by a lady who lived on the Island as a young girl.
The first is dated 1945. First photo of The Mission I have seen with the fencing. I'm guessing it maybe protected a nice little vegetable garden.
Mr. Pegg sitting is dated 1946 and standing, 1948. He looks very proud indeed! We can see the old schoolhouse bell in the distance.
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These nice bright photos were left in our thought box! Thank you Harry Bissonnette, that was thoughtful :) Taken in 2002
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And another from Mr. Ryersee. Thanks Kevin!
George and Lulu in their younger years
Late Winter 2019
Finally my focus has returned to piecing together a pile of information that has been given to me to be shared.
Just as I was getting started I noticed it was International Women's Day so I thought it would be nice to do a FB post honouring Mrs. Lulu Pegg. So little was known about her other than her commitment to The Mission and the people of Pelee Island. Seeing this post, Wendy Samis Smith shared the following that she found. Lulu May was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1881 to parents Joseph Slagle and Mary Hutson. She died on Pelee in 1930. She was only 49 years. Her husband, George would have been 63. I wonder if Lulu and George met each other on Pelee or knew each other before coming to Pelee?
I can only imagine the struggles woman endured, often raising large families, on a small island. I'm sure the support given each other was tremendous. The following story speaks volumes of how giving Mrs. Pegg was to others. Kind of a sad but cute story. I've heard it told in different ways but the heart of it always the same.
It was known that George and Lulu were not having babies of their own so in 1916 when a mother delivered her fourth child, she gave the newborn to Lulu. She figured she already had three of her own and this was the 'ultimate gift of love'. As it turned out, the baby went back to its' birth family within a short time. But what incredible respect people must have had for the Peggs! Eleven years later an eight year old girl was left in their care. Ethel, they called her.
Mrs. Dorothy Nageleisen, 89 years this November, and as sharp as a whip, has provided a plethora of material to be deciphered. Through her we have found George Pegg's connetion to Pelee Island. Dorothy's Great Grandfather, James Srigley, the teacher, was George's Uncle. George's mother was Carolyn Srigley, Jame's sister.
For those who are curious:
Dorothy Nageleisen was a Crawford
Dorothy's mother was Stuart, married Crawford
Dorothy's grandparents were William Stuart and Lydia Srigley
Lydia's father was James Srigley (He brought the Srigley's to Pelee. Srigley's were settled in the same King Township, Ont. area as the Peggs)
The Nageleisens were a Middle Island family. Dorothy's husband was taught by Mr. Pegg. He was a pallbearer at Mr. Pegg's funeral.
William and Lydia Stuart, around 1881 / George Pegg's cousin Lydia
Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point
Mrs. Nageleisen was given a book on the Pegg family history from Mr. Joseph Pegg, now 84 years, of Oshawa, Ont. His is George Pegg's great nephew, grand-son of Andrew Pegg who was George's older brother. I have had the pleasure of, just this week, speaking with him on the phone and through e-mail, introducing him to our project.
We learn that the Peggs originally came from England, then Philadelphia, then Ontario, moving along at different points in history. The Pegg family were originally of Quaker stock, holding to the religion of their fathers for many generations. Over time there was less reference to Peggs as Quakers. But possibly the strong Quaker influence set George on his path in life. I'm thinking it most certainly sustained him.
What follows is all about George:
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His Father Samuel Pegg 1837 - 1888 His Mother Carolyn Srigley 1842 - 1872 Brother Andrew 1864 - 1949 Sister Lydia 1864 - 1928 Sister Minnie 1865 - 1895 Sister Ethel 1869 - 1896 His Stepmother MaryAnn Bradshaw 1846 - 1930 Half Sister Augusta Caroline 1878 - 1960 Half Brother Herbert 1882 - 1952 Half Sister Olive 1885 - 1960 |
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I think it's safe to say that George Pegg's younger years were probably filled with much emotional anquish. He was 6 years old when his mother died of Scarlet Fever. Mr. Joseph Pegg said that his grandfather, Andrew, and their three sisters were farmed out to another family when Andrew was 9. This would most definitely coincide with the time of their mother dying as George was 3 years younger than Andrew. Andrew being the oldest could have been sent to help take care of his sisters while George possibly stayed with his father. Also explanation as to why George isn't in the photo with his siblings. Five years later in 1877 his father re-married and had three more children. Then in 1888 when George was 21 his father died after being kicked in the stomach by a horse.
All combined, good reason for a young man to follow his soul wanderlust to Pelee Island. Mrs. Nageleisen remembers hearing that he worked for her Grandfather Stuart. Could the Island have began to weave its embrace around him then? This was around 1891. Could he have been in Pennsylvania before he went to Pelee or sometime after? How long did he stay on Pelee? How long was he teaching back home before he returned to Pelee in 1909? I wonder did he already have in mind to build a Mission before he returned? Was it a calling that he chose to follow? Where did he meet Lulu? We do know she was born in Pennsylvania.
I noticed George has a sister 2 years younger named Ethel who died when she was only 27. The same name George and Lulu called the daughter they cared for on Pelee. George must have had fond memories of his little sister.
This is my story put together from what was gathered. But all history and unanswered questions aside, in the end we still have George Ernest Pegg and Lulu May Pegg who out of love and devotion built a Mission on Pelee Island. The place where he lived out his very long life.
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Joseph Pegg was also responsible for having George Pegg's date of death inscribed on his and Lulu's headstone. This was 19 years ago, the same time as when history and photos were left with Mrs. Nageleisen.
Once I at last completed organizing all this history, I was thrilled to receive another email from Joseph including a treasure of additional photos. These were from his Grandmother Essie, wife of George's brother Andrew. Joseph has re-written any information from the back of the photos. He also commented on George's beautiful handwriting.
Joseph has expressed amazement and appreciation of The Mission Hall Project. What a feather in our cap to receive such praise from him!
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Stumbled across this:
