“I have called you here to this place,” Lord Selkirk said to the colonists gathered, “to dedicate and consecrate this land to the Lord.”
They were standing at a place north of Colony Gardens where Lord Selkirk had made a new division, this one for the additional colonists he expected the following year.
Eleanor could almost see William, Governor Semple, Angus, and all the others standing there with them. Even if they weren’t there physically, they were there in spirit. Their contributions to the colony were just as important as those of everyone else who had lived and worked in Assiniboia.
“We shall name this parish Kildonan, in honor of your homeland,” Lord Selkirk said to those who had come the previous year. “And here, you shall build your church.” He pointed to a lot across a rivulet of water called Parsonage Creek. “And there, you shall build a school.” He caught Eleanor’s eye and smiled. “There shall be a church and a school in each parish.”
The crowd cheered. Many of the colonists had become prejudiced against the earl over the past year when their expectations had not been met, but upon meeting them, he had quickly won them over. He was a good and honest man who truly cared about the people he had sent to Assiniboia.
“And I will provide provisions for you to build roads and bridges,” Selkirk continued. “There shall be a road to Jack River House, and one to Pembina, so you no longer need to rely upon the lakes and rivers for travel.”
Clapping and happy chatter filled the air.
“And there will be another gristmill, as well as a sawmill,” Selkirk continued. “So you can be self-sufficient, at last.”
He bowed his head to say a prayer.
Arran stood beside Eleanor, with Miriam in one arm. His musket had been left at home for the first time in her remembrance. With his free arm, he held Eleanor close to his side as Selkirk prayed.
“Dear Heavenly Father,” Selkirk said, “today, we dedicate and consecrate this land we call Assiniboia to Your loving hands. It is through Your blessing and guidance we build our colony, and it is through Your love and grace we use it to honor You. May this land always proclaim the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
When the prayer was complete, the group moved as a whole back to the fort for a feast and dance. Hope and optimism filled the air as Eleanor helped the ladies spread out the food.
Fiona was there, her face shining. She caught Eleanor’s eye and smiled.
Near the main hall, Arran stood with James and Archie, laughing and visiting as only old friends could. Miriam played close by and Arran kept an eye on her every move. Never had Eleanor seen a more attentive father.
Isla sat on a bench with a beau at her side. She looked ten years younger and full of purpose once again. As soon as another clergyman visited Assiniboia, there would be several weddings to celebrate.
Almost four hundred individuals were packed into the fort. People from several nations, tongues, and tribes. Eleanor just stood for a moment to marvel at the scene and hold it close to her heart. It was a good day. A promising day. One she would think of with fondness for the rest of her life.
Soon there would be schools, churches, businesses, and streets. One day, the streets of Assiniboia would rival those of other cities across the world, she was certain. But like all those other places, it would take the dedication, courage, and perseverance of its citizens to grow. It would take people like Arran and Lord Selkirk, people with vision and sacrifice, to see that it was done.
Arran lifted Miriam into his arms and came to stand beside Eleanor.
“You look lonely standing over here on your own,” he said.
She shook her head. “No. Quite the opposite. I’m just standing here envisioning what this colony will look like ten, twenty, or fifty years from now.”
“Can you even imagine?” His voice and eyes held a bit of awe. “There were times when I thought it would be erased from the face of the earth.”
“But you persevered.” She took his hand. “And look what the Lord has done with your faithfulness.”
“With our faithfulness,leannan.” He smiled. “It does my heart good to see it.”
Miriam laid her head against Arran’s shoulder, her eyelids drooping. It was past her naptime.
“Shall we go inside and lay her down to sleep?” Arran asked.
“And miss the party?”
He laughed. “They’ll be celebrating for the rest of the day.”
“You won’t be sad to miss out on the fun?”
“There’s nothing I enjoy more than a quiet afternoon with my wife and daughter.” He drew her with him toward the governor’s house. “Besides, we both need to get some rest if we want to dance later this evening.”
She followed, a smile on her lips.
