Robert Dyer - Ordination

Ordination

Robert Dyer's duties extended far beyond the classroom in Greenspond. He often visited surrounding communities either alone, or with the resident clergyman, who, during Dyer's stay, was Rev. James Gilchrist and later, Rev. Julian Moreton. During this period, there was a severe shortage of clergymen in Newfoundland; therefore, "missions" were established, so that the clergyman in a community visited surrounding settlements regularly to hold services, baptisms, funerals, etc. The Greenspond Mission, which underwent several changes, generally included such settlements as Swain's Island, Pinchard's Island, Lumsden, Flowers Island, among others. Dyer would visit these communities and inspect their schools, visit the sick, and read scriptures. Reading was extremely important during this time, as most people could not read, and if they did not have a resident clergyman, they depended on others to read and teach them the Bible. Therefore, Dyer had much experience with ministrial duties before being ordained. Finally, in 1849, the Church of England Bishop of Newfoundland, Edward Feild, agreed to ordain Dyer. Dyer went to St. John's in May, he began studying for his deacon's examinations upon his arrival, and passed all of the tests. Robert Dyer was admitted to the diaconate on May 3, 1849; and was ordained to the Diaconate by Bishop Edward Field.