“In the Place of Justice, even there was Wickedness": Schism, Lawsuits, Violence, and the fight for the Bloomfield Quaker Meetinghouse

Event Details

Event type: Ages 10+

Towards the end of the 19th Century, the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, in North America found themselves embroiled in the second of two major theological schisms. The Quakers of Prince Edward County were not exempt from these continent-wide debates, which centered around whether Friends should adopt the language and customs of evangelical Christianity or uphold traditional Quaker faith and practice.

Despite their skepticism about the use of civil courts and their deeply held belief in pacifism, the schism led to divided families, the acceptance of physical violence, and protracted litigation over the ownership of the Bloomfield meetinghouse and ripped apart the Society in Prince Edward County and across Ontario. The case, known as Dorland v. Jones, ultimately reached the Supreme Court of Canada, which delivered its decision in 1887, but, of course, this did nothing to heal the wounds this struggle created. 

The final irony? After all the heartache, struggle, and money spent on litigation, the Bloomfield meetinghouse was closed in 1942, sold in 1948, and demolished in 1962.

Speaker Bio:

Daniel Nelson serves as the Managing Partner at Massey LLP in Toronto, where his professional focus lies in estate planning, estate administration, trusts, and substitute decision-making. His expertise in digital legacy issues has been recognized by the Ontario Bar Association, which awarded him the prestigious Widdifield Award.

In addition to his primary role at Massey LLP, Dan also contributes his expertise as a part-time adjudicator with the Ontario Land Tribunal. Here, he specializes in matters related to the Ontario Heritage Act, a legislative measure designed to preserve the province’s rich architectural heritage.

Dan is a frequent lecturer  and  writer on legal and heritage matters. His insights have been featured on major platforms such as CBC, Global News, and CTV, and he has been quoted as an expert in publications like the Washington Post, Canadian Business, and the Toronto Star.

Daniel’s passion for Canadian history led him to Trent University, where he obtained both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Canadian Studies.  His master’s thesis, entitled “Faith Enough to Move Mountains: the Dorlands and the Quakers of Upper Canada, 1784 – 1955”, reflects his specialization in the religious history of pre-confederation Ontario.  Following his historical studies, Daniel pursued a law degree from the University of Windsor and was subsequently called to the bar in Ontario.

He is lifelong member of the Wooler Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).