Robert Dyer - Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island

A letter from the Rev. R. W. Dyer, dated Greenspond, Newfoundland, 2 Nov. 1852, reported on the progress of his work at Greenspond but also expressed his desire to be removed to another colony in which the Bishop is friendly and where he may have more full exercise of his ministry. Therefore, in the spring of 1859 Robert Dyer and his family left Greenspond and on July 7, 1859, they sailed for Prince Edward Island where he was to serve until 1884. Rev. Dyer was responsible for establishing the second Church of England parish west of St. Eleanors. For nearly 26 years he ministered to the communities of Cascumpec (later Alberton), Tignish, Kildare Capes and the surrounding areas. In the beginning his ministry took place in the homes of communicants, school houses and temperance halls but eventually churches were built in these locations culminating in the consecration of the original St. Peter's in Cascumpec in September 1869. Rev. Dyer resigned in 1886 and died shortly after, on February 4, 1887.