St. John’s - Port Elgin
history
In 1886, the wardens of St. John's purchased one fifth of an acre of land on the corner of Mill and Stafford streets for $125.00 where the present church now stands.
By 1911, a $500.00 mortgage was paid off and St. John's was consecrated and dedicated by the Right Rev. Daniel Williams, Bishop of Huron. The first parish hall was built onto the church in 1928. Bricks were sold for $.10 each to raise the funds. An improvised kitchen in the corner of that hall served us until 1957 when a real kitchen, storage room and washroom were added. The Ladies Guild sold peppermint patties to raise money to purchase a piano for the hall and to start a fund for acquiring a church organ. Until then, a pump organ had been used!
The congregation began to increase in the 60's when the Douglas Point Nuclear Project got underway. Sunday School membership was up to 58 and our hall became overcrowded. The Anglican Church Women, (A.C.W.) was formed in 1966 and worked hard to provide a new organ, tables and chairs. A decision was made to start a new building fund to extend the parish hall. In the fall of 1976 the old hall was replaced. Some large bequests over the years have been used for updating and renovating the church and hall. Stain glass windows have been moved and added.
We are very fortunate to have Reverend Carrie lrwin as our spiritual leader and Rector of the Parish. Along with her Assistant Reverend Ann, she heads the leadership team for the Regional Ministry of Saugeen Shores, Tara and Chatsworth. The wardens and church council spend many hours making sure the church operates smoothly. 'We also have many women and men who work hard to keep up the church grounds. This year we have added a shed, a sand point and a watering system. The Alter Guild works tirelessly to ensure that the linens are pristine, the flowers are arranged and the wine and wafers are ready for the Eucharist every Sunday. Our talented organist Ron Fisk and our choir fill the church with wonderful music every week. Music is an important part of our weekly liturgical services.
The many dedicated Christians in our little church participate in outreach projects that include sponsoring a child from a third world country, delivering Meals on Wheels, sending a child to Huron Church Camp, sending bales of clothing & goods to the far north, donating dolls'& blankets from our Knitting Club for distribution by medics overseas, and funding the local Jumpstart program. Our hall is used to support many local groups like the Red Hat Society, Marathon Bridge and Yoga. Social events brighten up our year. The Port Elgin Santa Claus Parade, our congregational Christmas Dinner, summer BBQ, games nights & our weekly lunches at Allen's are all part of the fun at St. John's! Every Sunday service is followed by a coffee hour, excellent nibbles & warm fellowship.
Sunday Worship Services - 11AM
Sunday School: Children are an important part of our life here at St John’s, and we are committed to ensuring they find our worship space as much theirs as their parents or grandparents. To facilitate this, we offer Sunday School in the Pew. Come on out and discover for yourself the life giving joy our young people bring to our worshiping lives.
office hours
9:00 to 12:00 on Thursdays
Newsletter Inserts
contact us
Secretary
Ann Komel
519-832-5757
Wardens
Cassie Wallace : cassie.wallace46@outlook.com
Catherine O’Hagan: catherineohagan@live.ca
Facility Rentals: Please contact Ann at 519-832-5757
516 Mill Street, Port Elgin