Harold Newton

Harold W. Newton immigrated to Selkirk from Lincolnshire where he took up work as the Farm Superintendent at the Manitoba Asylum (now Selkirk Mental Health Centre).

He was one of six men who lived in a home called “Bachelor Hall” until he married Edith Hayward. The two met at Clandeboye but shared their British heritage. Together they had five children.

The Newton family was very involved in Christ Church, with Harold listed on the vestry as early as 1900. He was the Church and Rectors Warden and rarely missed attending both services on Sunday. He was particularly invested in the choir having been brought up with a love of music.

In 1910, the vestry decided to adopt The Book of Common Praise for the choir because the Rector referred to the choir as “not being in a satisfactory state.” It was difficult to find choir members who would attend practices and services regularly. Harold was appointed choirmaster over 8 to 10 boys and developed a great choir for the church.

Harold was a member of the Hospital Board, which was formed in 1906 with the goal of building Selkirk General Hospital. He was the Secretary Treasurer of the School Board. He was also a part of the Sons of England Benevolent Association.

Extracurriculars

Newton was very involved in sport and leisure activities in Selkirk. He was the first man from Selkirk elected as a life member of the Manitoba Curling Association. He played cricket with L.S. Vaughan Jr. and others, and he was part of the Selkirk Hunt Club.

The Hunt Club was organized early in 1893 and included many well-known men from Selkirk, such as G. L Pearson, R. Comber, Dr. O. I. Grain, M. O’Donohue, E. Comber, and H. Newton. Harold’s position was 1st whip, which involved maintaining the hounds, and preventing them from running off. Unfortunately, the club only lasted a few years as George Pearson died in a riding accident, and many people were hesitant to participate after that.