The context for this letter:
This is the only letter (a very personal one) we have to Harry from his father, and one Harry likely never read. It was written in 1933. Harry's father had filed for, and been granted a divorce from Harry's mother, Alice. She had returned to New York, and died giving birth to another man's child. The church he served as minister, was unable to accept a divorced man as their leader, particularly one whose intention it was to remarry, and he had resigned. The depression was in full swing and jobs were hard to find. Yet, his faith in God was strong, and within 18 months he was not only established in another congregation, but had won election as a Member of Parliament - leading to many public honours.

Calgary,
October 14^th, 1933

Dearest Little Harry:

My heart is heavy tonight. I hardly know how to express myself. My life has been filled with burdens until sometimes I have to wonder what will happen next. If anything should happen to me, which I pray God that it would not, you would have no one in the world. I know Sonny Boy, that I am all you have in the world. I want to prove to you I am a good father. I have made many mistakes in life, and sometimes I think I have not been entirely fair to you and Ruth, particularly in letting your own mother go from us. Perhaps you will never know dear boy, the mysteries that I have had to go through and perhaps it will be a good thing if you never know. One thing is sure, God knows, and God understands, and someday we too shall understand.

You have accepted Jesus as your Saviour. Don’t forget Sonny Boy, to always live for Him. I hope and pray that God will spare me at least until you’re a man. But, should he see fit to take me from this world, and you are left in the care of an uncle or an aunt, remember dear Boy that daddy has prayed that God would indeed keep you and Ruth in his great protecting arms, and would send you both to a life of service for Him. Perhaps this will help a little to make up for your own mother’s service which was so soon cut off, and help also to make up for what I have failed to accomplish.

Remember Harry, keep close to Jesus and look after your sister Ruth. If Hebrews 12:12 means that those who have passed on before can see us, then your own mother can see. I am only writing this because sometimes I feel for you Harry dear, and also little Ruth. Perhaps you will never read this – I hope things will turn out the best for us all. Once I was getting $2,400 a year salary. Yesterday, I applied for relief. May God be pleased to bless us all. I love you Sonny Boy, and Ruth too – do care for her.

Much love and God’s blessing is my prayer,

Daddy
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