It began in England
The Gateway Centre Ltd. in London, England is the parent organization for the Spiritualist Society and Gateway Centre in Calgary, Alberta. The Gateway's London branch was first organized in 1936 and then re-organized in 1946 by Lilian Brownfoot. After Lilian passed to spirit on February 3, 1950 the Gateway was incorporated as a charitable organization. Lilian was brought to Spiritualism through the death of her seven year old son Lawrence. For more then a year after Lawrence's death Lilian wandered aimlessly around the streets of London. Her husband, George, never knew where she was.
One night as she was standing on a bridge when an elderly lady, fearing Lilian might be contemplating suicide, came up to her and more or less 'dragged' Lilian by the arm to a spiritualist circle. After that first circle Lilian continued sitting in that weekly development circle.
She sat for two years and never saw or heard anything. Then one night she was entranced by her guide whose name was Strongheart. Lilian, who suffered from a debilitating stutter since her earliest memories, found as Strongheart's influence grew stronger her stutter began to disappear until finally it no longer existed. (An interesting note: when Strongheart first began to come through he had a very broad Scottish accent that later disappeared.)
When Lilian began working as a trance medium she was not affiliated with any church or centre. Instead she worked independently, where she was asked. For a time she worked at Edinburgh College in Scotland where Strongheart gave evidence of survival as well as reincarnation (past-life) readings. Even though sittings with Lilian and Strongheart were always very popular and overbooked, the directors of the college didn't embrace the philosophy of reincarnation and asked Lilian to tell her guide not to give past-life readings. Needless to say this made for a very interesting exchange.
In 1960 Kenneth Saunders, the Gateway Centre's president, walked approximately 1,000 miles across Britain outlining the form of a cross. It was Ken's way of honouring Lilian and Strongheart's teachings and increasing awareness of the Spiritualist beliefs. He repeated his mission in 1964 by walking approximately 4,000 miles across the United States. He took little more then the clothes on his back and relied on his belief in God and Spirit to shelter him.
In 1968 Ken brought together a group of seven members of the Gateway Centre and formed a troupe that performed dramas illustrating the gospels. They began by touring throughout Britain focusing on the path outlined in Ken's walk. Later, in March 1969, they performed throughout the United States. Again following the path outlined on the walk. The group moved from the United States to Canada changing in size but not in purpose.
In 1986 the Gateway Centre was incorporated in Calgary, Alberta. In the ensuing years we have tried our best to stay true to the unwavering truths taught by the world of Spirit and all those that would give service. We pray that in some small way we have and will continue to make a difference.
Rev. Karen Vogelie and Rev. Don Allen
Karen and Don took on the task of running the Gateway after the resignation of Reverend Ken Saunders in 1990. Don was a member of the Gateway Center in England, and they were both founding members of this Gateway, founded in 1986. They focused their lives in dedication to Spirit and The Gateway. Karen administrated the running of the centre and was a practising medium. Don was an accomplished speaker and a gifted singer. Their goal as a team was to continue in the teachings of Spirit and Spiritualism that was established here by Reverend Ken Saunders.
Karen passed to Spirit in November 2008 and Don joined her in July 2009.
After Karens' passing Rev. Claudia Orr accepted the invitation to be minister of the Centre.
Reverend Karen Vogelie
Reverend Karen Vogelie, with her partner Don Allen took on the task of running the Gateway after the resignation of Reverend Ken Saunders in 1990. Karen was one of the founding members of the Gateway Spiritualist Church in Calgary in the early 1980’s. She lived her life in dedication to Spirit and the running of the church. Karen was a practising medium, a teacher of mediumship, a circle leader and an administrator of the daily affairs of the Gateway.
Karen passed to Spirit in November 2008.
Reverend Donald Allen
Reverend Don Allen, with his partner Reverend Karen Vogelie took on the task of running the Gateway after the resignation of Reverend Kenneth Saunders in 1990. Don was a member of our mother church, The Gateway Centre in England and a founding member of Calgary’s Gateway Centre in the early 1980’s. Don was an accomplished speaker, a renowned healer, and fabulous singer.
Don followed Karen to Spirit in July 2009.
This document was channeled by Victor Del Nero, who was a member of the Calgary Gateway Centre, from Lilian Brownfoot. Lilian was a founding member of our mother church, The Gateway Centre in London, England. She passed to spirit in February 1950.
Pictures of Lilian and her spirit guide, STRONGHEART, hang at the back of the Gateway. Her presence is often felt during development circles and services.
Hello my fellow members of the Gateway Centre.
It is with great pleasure, sincerity, and humility that I come here to say in the most positive way, the following:
First of all, my dearest, I would like very much to thank you all for spreading the word, the happiness, the love, peace and humility that you do every day, including all those times at the church and keeping it alive. You are not only preserving yourselves but also encouraging others to help as well. Do not ever give up. We will always be by your side.
Having said that, here I come to help and inspire you all to keep up with the good work that you will feel if you haven't already. Your lives change as a result of your minds change, and remember, since these changes come from all the help and studies that you all do, they will always encompass a change for the better, towards your path of evolution.
Do not in, any manner or time, let anger take over yourself, remember that this will only be demeaning to yourself; and so far as we know, no one of you would like to impose such negativity on yourselves, am I right?
Please do not find that it is strange that I am here writing. Just let your heart open and you will feel my presence as you read this, as the writer is feeling at this moment.
Again, do not ever give up, but remember one thing: things do not last forever. So if something that is in your control ends, it does not mean you've given up, but rather it has achieved its destiny and it is time to move on. The only thing that you might be able to keep is the idea, the thought, and if you have to _s? __ you might be able to apply it somewhere else. But remember, do not try to reconstruct exactly as you were, because if it reached its end it is, in most cases, it was meant to be.
I'm sure some of you already know why I've started talking about such intense and yet confusing subject. Yes, it is related to our beloved Gateway in London. And I'm here to give you a few lessons on that matter:
First, help them the way you think you will be of best use of, such as praying, send healing, sending good thoughts, physically going there to help. Whatever you think should be of best help, please do so, and we will, as we already are, very thankful.
Second, remember we all started there, and it was as fate came to reality, expanded to this Gateway, our love, compassion and gratitude. We have always protected both places, as we do with others as well. Do not think we are in any way exclusive to the Gateway. We also help a lot of other places as we see no difference in them, because they all have the same goal of peace and learning.
Third, we would like to address the regulations in each country. As much as they have everyone's best interest in mind, people think differently and that is why every thought should be taken into account. Their job is excellent, and we do think that regulations in some way bring protection and security. But also remember, you have just as loud voices, just different understanding of some points.
Fourth, I am here to release you from any, any, any, any guilt that might come even a little close to you, in case our Gateway in London finds its path to be closing doors. Remember please, I am not in any way saying this will happen. I just want to make sure none of you feel responsible. Remember, sometimes things come to an end. But the idea of helping others that is present in the members of the Gateway London doesn't have to necessarily go away as well, as I am sure it won't. They might just use it someplace else. A lot of times institutions go through bad situations, then suddenly they reverse and keep themselves alive for a very long time. So this could just as easily happen with the Gateway London. Its fate to God it pertains, and with God it will remain. But if there is anything we can do to help, let's do so. Remember though we have various other places we help and would not want to be in any way hurt if they come to an end; because we are sure the idea will still remain in those people and they will find different ways to help others and keep their work going forward. Our legacy is not the Gateway. The Gateway is simply an institution, a name. Our legacy will always be present within everyone, everyone who entered the Gateway. And we have the most positive thoughts towards these people, because we know they will keep on spreading the legacy no matter where they are.
My dears, I am not saying what is going to happen to the Gateway London. I am saying that you should help and at the same time release yourself with your companions, from any guilt that you would feel in case something happens. You will all understand at different times why I am saying this.
Well my beloved warriors, I hereby would like to thank you all for all the good you have been doing and passing our love along. It is with great happiness that I take pride in being a part of all these wonders you have been doing. Of all these changes to the better you have been causing to peoples' lives. Please keep with the good work there, because we will for sure keep with our work here. And remember us as much as you can as you will start feeling our pressure more and more. And when in need of inspiration, we will come with great help.
Thank you, thank you all for everything. I will for now close this message letting you all know you are much loved by all of us and by our Great Spirit. May the Great Spirit be always in your hearts.
Love, Lilian
Story of a Holy Man
Reverend Ken Saunders Walks Through My Town
By Jeff Forsyth in Illinois:
It was sometime in the mid 60's when he came through our small Illinois town. Word had it, far in advance, there was a Holy Man bearing a cross and wearing white robes, pulling a wagon up Route 67. It was a warm sunny Sunday afternoon and scores of adults and children were gathered at the edge of town waiting to greet this holy man.
We were probably 15 minutes early for his arrival, but since the country side was really flat we could see him coming when he was just a dot on the horizon. As he drew nearer to our welcoming committee we could hear the rocks crunching under his wagon and the distinctive sound of the little bell ringing from high on top of his heavily loaded wagon. As he walked the last few steps into our welcoming group we got a close up of a man well-worn from the summer sun, with red hair and a beard giving us all a big smile.
The towns people had come with offerings of food and drink. The banker's wife, the car dealer, the service station owner; all brought cold sodas and fresh fruit and vegetables from their gardens. The hotel owner put him up for the night. They all offered help in some way to the holy man. It was an event for our small town to have a holy man visit. Soon we had all asked enough questions to know his name was Kenneth Saunders, and he was from the United Kingdom. He was just an awsome figure to our whole group. We kids were fascinated with the huge white cross and all his possessions in the little red wagon. My cousin and I remember the big cross having many cubby holes and secret compartments with secret sliding doors where food, water, and a journal were hidden away.
(Note: The white cross was made by Frank Jones from England, who visits the Gateway often.)
We kids had lots of questions for him: Where do you sleep? What about bathroom stuff? Do dogs bother you? Where is your rain coat? Do you ever accept a ride? What about not having any money?
Ken told us a story about a dog attacking him. In his travels a big black farm dog came running and barking at him in a threatening manner. He told us he began thinking of the dog as a friend and started talking to the dog as if they were friends. The dog became a greeter, wagging his tail seemingly happy to see an old friend. He answered our other questions speaking about sleeping and other everyday needs. He told us his faith, area parks, and public services with facilities were always there for him. The kindness and good will of people in general were his greatest blessings.
He was amused with our questions and enjoyed his dialog with us kids. He mentioned that he was going to write a book about his journeys and would mention our questions in his memoir. One little girl in our group had made a dearly humorous comment and I remember him writing it in his journal.
We all proceeded, kids and adults, to escort Reverend Saunders to mid-town where he went on to have supper at Pinkies Dan Dee and later to the Biola Hotel. Since my grandfather was a tenant at the hotel I was able to have priority to go to the hotel to see what was going on and what they were talking about. I was very interested to hear the conversations he had with my grandfather. I went in the back door and up the hallway to the lobby where they regularly gathered to discuss local news and the like. I could hear the conversation was already underway with Ken, my grandfather, and the other gentlemen. I didn't want to interrupt their friendly exchange so decided to just hang out in the hallway and listen. Of course the conversation was about the disciples of Jesus, their duties to the Lord, what each of the disciples was learning, and how they each represented the Lord to the world. As a young 11 year old it was an amazing experience. Until that day I had not heard my grandfather speak about bible things. Grandfather was known as a great story-teller and a fine teller of jokes. They all did a fine job that evening, sharing, respecting, teaching, and learning from each other. There was a common theme to their conversation that they all seemed to agree on. There is forgiveness for everyone and the Love of God is universal.
This is the end of Jeff's memory. His comments are as follows:
Reverend Ken Saunders was traveling, unfunded, with absolutely no monies, and was relying on his spiritual faith and the universal good will and generosity of the people to survive his walk. He walked 4000 miles across the United States and a thousand more across the United Kingdom to spread the word. In both countries he walked forming the sign of the cross of the crucifixion. For many years I searched for his writings or his books and never had success until I placed the noun Reverend in front of his name. That search took me to the Gateway Centre in Calgary, Canada.
In my search locally I came to know that Ken had stayed at a Spiritualist church in Iowa in 1964. That same church I became a member of later in life. There is no doubt Reverend Saunders made a huge impression on me. Early on, as a young adult I was searching for answers and Spiritualism became my system of belief, along with other metaphysical ideas and spiritual sciences. (It seems to me that I had/have an affinity or some kind of connection with Reverend Saunders in this life and perhaps another life.) I can imagine he had positive influences on many that he met, in his walks, and the rest of his life's journeys. Learning trust, faith in God, universal love and wisdom, and the positive in our brothers and sisters. These are some of the things he taught. Perhaps the forgiveness of all is the hardest and most important for us to understand.
This was written in honor and memory of Reverend Ken Saunders, and in recognition of his lessons, teachings, and the spiritual awareness he brought to the United States.
Jeff Forsyth
Mr. Frank Jones (1920-2022)
Trance medium and teacher
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Mr. Frank Jones, on March 20 (aged 101 yrs) in Germany. Frank served with the RAF (as ground crewman) during WW2 at Trincomalee, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He was a teacher at Gateway (London, UK) and was a contemporary of Mrs. Lilian Brownfoot (trance medium and founder of Gateway, UK). Frank later relocated to Germany. He taught in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. For many summers, Frank would spend time with the Piikani Nation in Brocket, AB. While in Canada, he (and his Guide, Golden Eagle) gave trance lectures at Gateway.
With Frank's passing, we (at the Gateway) lost one of our last connections to dear Lilian. We thank and honour Frank for his friendship and for his years of service to Spiritualism. Frank will be missed by his extended family and friends and those whose lives he touched.
Marrieta Cruz, Board President