John Saunders Pt. 4: Called to Service

In 1870, after a decade-long career with the Hudson’s Bay Company, John Saunders was ready for a change. Inspired by his former teacher, Reverend Horden, John left the HBC and joined the Church Mission Society to begin a life of community service.

John’s combination of formal and traditional land-based education and multilingual abilities—speaking English, Cree, and Ojibway—positioned him as a natural bridge between cultures, through which he could excel in missionary work. 

John was sent to Flying Post, where his family still lived, to serve as a missionary. Reunited with his family for a short time, John not only spread his faith, but also shared his education with his siblings, teaching them to read and write. 

John later returned to Moose Factory, where he soon married Frances Swanson, a member of another prominent fur trading Métis family. 

In Moose Factory, John’s capabilities and dedication to his faith and community service quickly earned the trust and admiration of church leaders. In 1872, John’s mentor, Reverend Horden, departed for London to be consecrated the first bishop of Moosonee, leaving John in charge of serving the community by conducting Moose Factory’s religious services. Humbled by the request, John later reflected:

“At the first call to this important duty, I declined to accept it. But a word of encouragement was given me, and this led me to undertake it. I felt the duty almost too great for me, for I could do but very little, and nothing at all unless God’s blessing rested upon me.”

Like so many previous events in his life, John’s newfound responsibilities and community service at Moose Factory marked a new chapter in his journey—one grounded in faith, family, and service.

See Our Sources

• Saunders Family Vignette

• John Saunders, “My Autobiography, July 18, 1876” General Synod Archives

• Saunders-Leblanc VMFL Document

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