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Background Early Religious Experience Missionary Work Legacy Writings and Excerpts

Born of Danish-Cree heritage, Peter Erasmus was exposed to religion early in life and primarily through the influence of his uncle, Henry Budd, the first Aboriginal to be ordained in the Anglican Church in North America. Working with Budd at Christ Mission Church, Erasmus taught numerous pupils and translated into Cree portions of the Bible and the prayer book. 

Erasmus's prowess for translation and efforts to convert his pupils earned him the admiration of not only his uncle, but also Bishop Anderson, who, present for the ordination service for Henry Budd, had the opportunity to hear Erasmus interpret a sermon. Subsequently, and despite Erasmus' protestations of unworthiness and a lack of inspiration, he was persuaded to enroll in St. John's School in Red River to become an Anglican minister.

At Red River Erasmus remained reluctant to become a minister. When, in 1856, he was offered the opportunity to be an interpreter for Thomas Woolsey he jumped at the chance. His uncle may have been disappointed, as Erasmus was now helping the Methodists. Erasmus, however, considered the position to be a way to continue his church work and also satisfy his desire for travel and adventure.

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