Submitted by Karen Weatherington
From its beginning in 1892 as a small wooden church built by volunteers–on land donated by an early Gibsons resident–St. Bartholomew's has persevered through good and tough times to serve our community. That spirit has driven St. Bart's to be more than just a beautiful sanctuary for worship, wedding, celebrations of life and musical events. That spirit is behind the ever-expanding St. Bart’s Food Bank, free community lunches, and free seniors’ lunches. The pioneer spirit still prevails in our passion to serve our community.
On Sunday, August 24, the parish community came together to celebrate the past, present and future of our parish. Together we reflected on the past as we remembered Bartholomew, our patron saint and those parishioners who have gone before us, citing each by name and releasing the past.
From the Garden, we proceeded to mass in the church to welcome the present. We celebrated a new beginning by inviting our greater community to a "Parking Lot Party" following worship ,with free food and activities.
Highlighting the parish's links to the wider community, the Lions Club gave us their gift of service with delicious BBQ hot dogs & fries. There was ice cream and cake, music, draws and prizes for kids and adults alike. Fun and laughter, a good time was had by all.
Yet the true New Beginning at St. Bart’s was heralded with the announcement that the Very Rev. Peter Wall, retired Dean of the Diocese of Niagara, has been chosen to lead our congregation. He is expected to arrive by the end of October to serve as interim priest-in-charge.
We eagerly wait to welcome the Very Rev. Peter Wall … with joyful hearts and arms open wide.
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Photos:
Maestro Jon tuning up
2 Lions Club hot on the grill
3 Rev. Leslie eating cake
4 Michelle & Gord fiddling fun
All photos Submitted by St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Gibsons