This past Monday I went to the launch party of "Florrie", a book written by John E. Speers about his mother.The event was held at St. Giles' Anglican Church in Barrie. St. Giles' provided a space that allowed all in attendance of the event to feel close and connected as the excerpts were read and songs were sung. The small admittance fee went toward The Leprosy Mission Canada.
I feel blessed to have been able to attend in person because it was a wonderful evening filled with music, poetry and heart warming stories. Much of it was written and preformed by Canon John himself, with help from his friends.
The story of "Florrie" is told both by John and through letters written by Florrie herself. The end result is a warm, rich and honest story of life in Canada in the early 1900's. As I read the book I was quickly drawn in by Florrie and through reading her letters begin feel as if I was truly getting to know a woman who was a true wonder and lived in Canada at a time when it still being tamed. I was able to see Saskatchewan in all of it's wild splendor, and get a feel for life in a period of time when life was hard but families came together to make it through.
"Florrie" is only available currently from John Speers himself, But if you are able to get a copy, it is a story that you will not soon forget. I count myself lucky to have a copy. If you desire your own please feel free to contact me through this site and I will see about getting you in touch with him.
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| Text from above: Canon John E. Speers is a retired Anglican clergyman, having served over 50 years with his late wife Gwyn at parishes in the Toronto Diocese. An accomplished pianist, poet, writer, and gardener, Canon John resides in Barrie, Ontario, where he enjoys a full and active life of preaching, concert-going, literary projects, and wide-ranging conversation with friends and loved ones. At 95 years old, he remains an inspiration to three generations of the extended Speers and McLauchlin families as patriarch and bard. |
I am Canon John"s daughter Maureen. What a lovely post! As you know, our father passed away March 29th, 2012. 'Florrie' was his final piece of writing and was a true labour of love. His funeral was held April 4th at Trinity Anglican Church where he had been rector from 1972 until 1986. It was a very fitting celebration of his 95.5 year life. He was a truly remarkable man. Thank-you for allowing me to share this post. I wasn't able to attend the book launch so appreciate your reflections on it. My brother-in-law was able to film the event so perhaps that will be available in future as well as his book. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I had clippped an article in October from the Barrie Examiner written by Donna Douglas. It is my mothers 80th birthday on May 02 and I was hoping to buy a copy of the book as she grew up on a farm on the prairies and I thought she would really enjoy the story. Do you know how I could get a hold of a copy.
DeleteMany thanks,
Joanne Gallacher