Sketch of the Rev. Featherstone Lake Osler (1805-1895), who was the first resident clergyman in West Gwillimbury. Rev. Osler was born in Falmouth, England, and left for Bond Head with his wife, Ellen, in 1837. He was an Anglican minister who looked after parishioners spread out over 240 square miles (of Simcoe County). He set up the Anglican Church in Bond Head, which still has a pew from his era in the church.

"Best known landmark in Bond Head is the Anglican church at the top of the hill where the driving sheds used to shelter the horses and buggies of church members until a few decades ago still may be seen. In the lower photograph, a simple cairn marking the birthplace of the famed Canadian physician and medical author, Sir William Osler, is shown. It is located on the hill across from Penville Creek on the 7th Line."

"Deputy Reeve Fred Cook has decided to run for council in this year's election. 'I've served for 10 or 12 years as deputy reeve. I think it's time to let someone else have a shot at it, but I'd still like to serve on council,' said Mr. Cook. Born and raised in Bradford, the town has been the centre of the candidate's whole life. 'I have a natural interest in the developments affecting the future of the town. It's pretty certain we are going to grow unless growth is restricted by the government. I'm not against growth, but I think it's essential we don't grow too fast or too soon. As we grow, we must set up and maintain the essentials for growth, from our schools to our sewers,' said Cook. Cook said his greatest interest, outside his work and politics, has been Christian education. In 1962, he received a national citation for Christian education by a Canadian from the department of Christian Education from the Canadian Council of Churches. He has also served as a lay reader in the Anglican Church since 1934."

The barn located on the east side of Essa St. (south of Frederick St.) belonged to the former Anglican Manse. The Manse was located at 81 Frederick St. (1, 2)

The Old Presbyterian Manse is located at 129 James St. (on the northeast corner of James and Essa Streets). It was built around 1875 in the Neoclassical style. It was being used as a manse at the turn of the century and has since been converted into duplex units.
The two-storey, rectangular building has a symmetrical façade, a centre hall plan and a medium-pitched, gable roof. It has large window openings, high floor to ceiling heights, and large, 6/6, double-hung windows. The original entrance probably had sidelights and a transom. There appears to have been a broad verandah at the front entrance and identical chimneys at both ends of the gable roof at one time. The building has sculptured, curvilinear, soffit brackets, solid brick construction (Flemish bond), and an exposed, stone foundation. According to the 2000 inventory, the existing entrance and many windows and doors do not reflect the original design intent. It also notes that the existing duplex unit arrangement suggests major interior modifications. (1, 3)

Article on a temperance-based sermon delivered by Rev. Joseph Young, pastor of the Bradford Methodist Church. On December 4, 1902, the Ontario Liquor Act referendum would be voted on by the public to decide whether the government should usher in an era of prohibition. Bradford, a town heavy with taverns and inns, had churches and the newspaper promoting the vote for prohibition. After the vote on December 4, West Gwillimbury had a majority for prohibition, though it did not pass. There was a low voter turnout, and despite the majority everywhere, it could not pass. See the Related Description articles for more information on Bradford's perspective.

The Bond Head Anglican Church Rectory.

It was used as the Methodist Manse until 1970. Located on the corner of Barrie and Frederick Streets. Built around 1885.