46 Years and Counting at the Church of St. John the Evangelist

In September 1973, I came to St. John’s for the first time, and now forty-six years later, I am still a parishioner. I wrote an article that could have been developed into a series, but felt it was too long and so decided to write this shorter piece.

What has been the reason for my staying this long? Over these years I have come to feel a special deep relationship with this temple of faith where people have worshipped for well over one hundred years. In September 1973, I came to St. John’s for the first time, and now forty-six years later, I am still a parishioner. I wrote an article that could have been developed into a series, but felt it was too long and so decided to write this shorter piece.

What has been the reason for my staying this long? Over these years I have come to feel a special deep relationship with this temple of faith where people have worshipped for well over one hundred years. I have been active for most of these years, and served at the funerals of so many wonderful and faithful parishioners who dedicated their lives to keeping this house of God open and accepting of anyone who came through the red doors. The thick walls have made it a simple place where one could come to pray or meditate, and to feel safe. The music of the choir and organ have lifted the spirits of people who needed something to help them feel good again after a loss or an upcoming challenge to be faced. So many of the parishioners have left their own mark by their presence and contribution to this holy place of prayer and peace. As someone who came as a young adult and aged to become a senior citizen at St. John’s, I have seen the love and devotion of so many who made it their place of faith and service to their fellow parishioners. From the days of the Sisters of St. Margaret and Fr. Wood who believed that St. John’s should be a house of prayer, love, and caring, we have seen so many wonderful events that made it the centre of the Anglo-Catholic faith to this day.

I remember with great joy the devoted clergy who were such an important part of the life of St. John’s, and made their individual contributions over the years. Our late colleague, Peter Harper put together several historical accounts of these serving Fathers of St. John’s for the edification of the parish for which we are grateful. These have kept alive what St. John’s has stood for and where we came from to guide us into the future. I have been a Server, Synod delegate, and a member of the Parish Council, as well as working for many years with Ivan Smith to set up for bazaars and rummage sales. I have made soup for many of our Lenten suppers to feed the body while our discussions fed their souls. It has been a natural act for me to serve and assist wherever I could as part of my faith and devotion.

Garrfield