STELLARTON, N.S. — Google Rev. George Monro Grant.
Better yet, read the 531-paged book named for him that his son William Lawson Grant wrote.
He’s a man worth learning about, says Pictou County historian and graphic designer John Ashton.
Grant, who was born in what is today Stellarton was honoured Thursday, July 25 with a panel at the corner of Kirk Avenue and Foord Street in Stellarton documenting some of his accomplishments. Ashton did the historical research and designed the panel.
“The more I researched George Monro Grant, the more I was in awe of this man and what he’s accomplished over his lifetime,” Ashton told those gathered for the unveiling.
Grant was born in the community of Albion Mines, which would later be incorporated as the Town of Stellarton in 1835. As an nine-year-old child, Grant lost his right hand in an agricultural accident. This unfortunate personal loss would be the nation’s gain, said Ashton as it directed Grant away from manual labour and into a life of ministry and influence.
He studied at Pictou Academy and then West River Seminary before heading to University of Glasgow where he was described as a brilliant academic and athlete.
When he returned to Nova Scotia he worked as a missionary establishing churches in River John and then later in Prince Edward Island. He then was called to serve as minister for St. Matthew’s Church in Halifax where he served from 1863-1877. While in Halifax he was involved in various causes including everything from schools for children with disabilities to the YMCA and organizations that helped the homeless.
He was also a vocal supporter of Confederation and is credited with helping to sway Nova Scotians to join in the formation of Canada. In 1872, he travelled with a survey crew for the trans Canada railway and wrote about it in a book Ocean to Ocean, which is credited with helping to create a vision for the country as a whole. He also introduced Canada’s motto “From Sea to Sea.” He is also credited with helping to merge the branches of Presbyterianism into what is today the Presbyterian Church of Canada.
In 1877, he became principal of Queens University in Kingston, Ont. The university still proudly boasts on its website that he is the most important principal in the history of the school – “more famous in his day than any Queens Principal before or since.”
Mayor Danny MacGillivray thanked Ashton for bringing back to light Grant’s accomplishments and connection to Stellarton and for helping to create the panels to those who visit the area. He said Stellarton is proud to be able to honour Grant.
“As a community we are fortunate to be home to so many scholarly people who not only give back to the community, but bring their spirit and pride to other parts of the world. The Rev. George Monro Grant was known all over the English speaking world for his tireless work.”
When Grant died, The Times of London wrote: “In him the Dominion has lost one of the ablest men that it has yet produced."
“It’s important for all of us to understand who Rev. George Monro Grant was,” MacGillivray said. “And how important he was to the Town of Stellarton.”
Stop by the corner of Kirk Avenue and Foord Street and you can learn more.
