David Anderson became the first bishop of Rupert’s Land in 1849 at which time the new diocese had only 5 clergymen. The day he arrived at the Red River Settlement, the priest who ran the Red River Academy died and as a result the first work Bishop Anderson performed was at the school.
Bishop Anderson travelled the vast diocese, in summer by canoe and in winter by dog-sled. In 1852 he made a 26 day trip to James’ Bay. Here he ordained John Horden, later Bishop of Moosonee.
In 1856 Bishop Anderson visited England to secure funds for a cathedral and missionary work. The Hudson’s Bay Company and the S.P.C.K. each contributed £500 for the cathedral. St John’s Cathedral was then built but poor workmanship made the tower unsafe and it had to be taken down.
In 1864 Bishop Anderson returned to England and resigned the see. The number of clergy had increased to 23. In England he became Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral then Vicar of Clifton. He became senile in 1878 and eventually died in 1885.