A Cyclopædia of Canadian Biography: Brief biographies of persons distinguished in the professional, military and political life, and the commerce and industry of Canada, in the twentieth century
History
A Cyclopædia of Canadian Biography: Brief biographies of persons distinguished in the professional, military and political life, and the commerce and industry of Canada, in the twentieth century
Canada -- Biography
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=Cody, Hon. Henry John, B.A., M.A., D.D., LL.D.=, Rector of St. Paul’s
Anglican Church, Toronto, and Minister of Education of the Province of
Ontario, was born at Embro, Ontario, on December 6, 1868, his parents
being E. J. Cody and Margaret L. (Torrance). Educated at Galt Collegiate
Institute and Toronto University, where he had a most distinguished
career, winning the gold medal in classics, first-class honors in Mental
and Moral Philosophy and Civil Polity, and Wyld Prizeman in English
Essay. After graduation, was Classical Master of Ridley College, at St.
Catharines, then Professor of Church History and Systematic Theology,
and also lecturer in Latin and examiner in classics, Toronto University.
Is Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Toronto, and Archdeacon of York, and
Canon of St. Alban’s Cathedral. Was elected Bishop of Nova Scotia, but
declined the preferment in 1904. Was a member of the Royal Commission on
the reorganization of The University of Toronto, 1905-6, and a member of
The Ontario Commission on Unemployment, 1914-15. One of the founders of
Havergal Ladies’ College, Toronto. In May, 1918, on the resignation of
the Hon. Dr. R. A. Pyne as Minister of Education of Ontario, Dr. Cody
was invited by Premier Hearst to assume the duties of that most
important portfolio and, on May 23, he was sworn in as Minister of
Education of the Province and at once took up his duties, and was
subsequently nominated for the riding of North East Toronto. His
election was opposed by Sergt. William Varley, a popular soldier, who
had distinguished himself overseas on active service. Dr. Cody was
returned by a very large majority. The Minister of Education has special
gifts for the office he has been called upon to fill. His wide learning
and eminence as a scholar, his tireless energy and organizing ability,
caused his selection to be acceptable by all classes and few Canadians
occupy a more secure place in the confidence, respect and esteem of
their fellows. Splendidly informed in all great National questions and a
brilliant orator, his services have been in constant demand. Shortly
after assuming the duties of his present position, the Minister, at the
request of the Premier, made a trip overseas and visited the soldiers in
the firing line for the express purpose of familiarizing himself with
the conditions existing at the front, with a view to make his Department
more efficient in the reconstruction period after the war. The Minister
also conferred with leading educationalists in England and acquired a
vast amount of useful and necessary information. Hon. Dr. Cody holds the
rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Canadian Militia, is Senior Chaplain
of the Queen’s Own Rifles, and is recognized as one of the outstanding
figures in the Canadian public life. In 1894 he married Florence L.,
daughter of the late H. E. Clarke, M.P.P., and has one son, Henry
Maurice Cody, Captain in C.A.M.C.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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