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The Rev. Dr. Charles William Gordon, 1860 -1937 was born in Glengarry County, Ontario but chose to make Winnipeg his home for more than half of his life.
Most Popular and Best-selling Author in Canadian History
Ralph Connor books sold in the millions worldwide at a time when success was measured in thousands, and were the source of his unexpected wealth.
Connor’s novels describe life in the mines and lumber camps of the Rockies, the lumber camps of eastern Ontario, immigrant life in north Winnipeg, and many other aspects of the Canadian experience in the early years of the 20th Century. Today these novels are a valuable source of historical and sociological information about the lives of Canadians of that time.
Part of the royalties from the books were used to build the House at 54 West Gate, which served as the Gordon family home and the parish office of St. Stephen’s Church. Rev. Gordon also helped build the church with contributions from royalties.
He was a clergyman first, but this remarkable Winnipegger also served the local, national and international community. At the time, he helped put Winnipeg on the map and, as a novelist introduced the world to the Canada he knew.
A pioneer on three frontiers (Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba), he was a minister, WW I chaplain, diplomat, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, a voice for Church Union that created the United Church of Canada, an initiator of the Labour-Management Industrial Council after the 1919 Winnipeg general strike, labour conciliator, philanthropist, negotiator, public speaker, social activist as well as the much loved father of seven lively children.
A Life as Colourful and Romantic as Any He Wrote About
He made writing and public service a lifetime career, including his experiences with pioneers, presidents and prime ministers, and his tireless involvement in the then developing Canadian West, World War I, the League of Nations, and the post-war years.
He and the Gordon family exemplified intellectual pursuits and service to church, community and country.
Bibliography of Ralph Connor books and other literary work of Rev. Charles Gordon. |
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• Heritage Treasure
• Awards and Recognition
• Meeting Place and Event Centre
• Architecture
• Charles Gordon/Ralph Connor
• Helen Gordon and Family
• University Women's Club
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