posted on January 1, 2012 in Benediction
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posted on July 15, 2011 in Benediction
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And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
—Mark 6:55-56
posted on April 1, 2010 in Benediction
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Amid the clatter of a busy downtown city sits a haven of peace and sanctity — St. Paul’s, an English Gothic stone structure designed by the renowned architect William Thomas and built in 1857. Its tower and octagonal spire is believed to be the tallest stone spire in Canada.
“God’s Acre” refers to the burial ground surrounding the church building where many early worshippers are buried. When additions were made to the current church, it was necessary to remove some of the remains and re-inter them beneath the chancel. The commemorative tablets were incorporated in the walls of the church extension.
The church bell was used in the original white frame church built in 1833 on the same spot. It was replaced by the current chimes in 1906, but still hangs in a belfry over the chapel door.
The woodcarvings in the sanctuary create a sense of warmth and awe. Small doors are located on the ends of the pews. The carved pulpit sits in the centre of the chancel. Looking down on this is a stained glass window, one of many in the sanctuary, depicting Christ at the Last Supper.
A large Celtic cross, counted one of the most beautiful war memorials in Canada, was erected to commemorate fallen church members from the great wars. Carved in Scotland, it is similar to the ancient Iona crosses. The column tapers from its base to the apex, with the truncated arms of the cross encircled with a symbolic crown or wreath.
Our Beautiful Church
Sedgwick Memorial Presbyterian Church
posted on March 1, 2010 in Benediction
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Our beautiful church, Sedgwick Memorial, is nestled between the French and Waugh Rivers of Tatamagouche, N.S. But how do we define such beauty?
If beauty has a history, then our past shines brightly. Founded in 1926, Sedgwick Memorial has grown and flourished. We were, we are and we will be a place of “living faith.” Together, we worship and proclaim Jesus Christ in each of our lives and to all of our community.
If beauty is in the present, then as a church we provide some place where all can belong and be known: the elderly, the not-so-elderly, families, singles, students, teenagers and children. Our beauty is in the fellowship of our members and their interaction throughout the community.
If beauty is a reflection of our faith, then as members we are committed to growing and living as disciples and followers of Jesus. The congregation of Sedgwick Memorial seeks to live his gospel.
If beauty is judged by one’s actions, then as a church we welcome people, regardless of their backgrounds and social situations, who are interested in joining our journey of growth and discovery through our faith in the Lord.
posted on January 1, 2010 in Benediction
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I believe St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe, Ont., is the most beautiful church you would ever want to attend. Its exterior is a picturesque, beautiful sight. The interior also excels in beauty each and every Sunday from the faces of the people who grace the sanctuary.
You are always greeted with a smile and handshake by our weekly greeters. The ushers are there as well to assist with your needs. We, at St. Paul’s are a family.
St. Paul’s has a membership of close to 300. A new addition was added a few years ago with a price tag of just over $821,000. It was paid off a year earlier than predicted. That shows dedication.
The congregation consists of various ages. We have dedicated Sunday school teachers, and loving people tend to the babies and toddlers in our nursery. There are also a number of church groups and committees.
New leaders joined us last year – Rev. Ian Shaw and his wife, Linda. We are blessed to have them lead us in the work of the Lord.
If you get an opportunity to visit Simcoe, please take a moment and visit with us. You’ll be warmly welcomed and I’m sure you will agree that St. Paul’s is a beautiful church.
posted on November 1, 2009 in Benediction
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photos courtesy of B. E. Franklin
Great-grandma admires a Christmas present
Homegrown Thanksgiving vegetables
Our new sign
There’s a lot happening in our small country church, too much to mention, but the long and the short of a beautiful church is the people within its walls. We mustn’t think of our church as an object. A church is beautiful because of the people and friendships that develop there over the years. Our church is filled with people varied in age and attitude — people who care about each other, who in a time of need are there to help. We celebrate, pray and play together.
At our beautiful church the Spirit of Christ begins in our Sunday school. Our wonderful teachers keep us all busy with fun and exciting events. Once they even taped off what would have been half of the ark in our backyard. We have all emptied our piggy banks for Pennies for Pencils. The Sunday school sends the proceeds to Mozambique.
No church is complete without a leader. We have had many. Currently we are awaiting the arrival of a new minister. We have been waiting two years, but our congregation has never diminished. We have stayed strong. We have kept the
Spirit of God active in our hearts and in our community. — B. E. Franklin
posted on October 1, 2009 in Benediction
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The terms of this contest ask churches to define the word “Beautiful” in any way they decide. The folks at St. Paul’s, Bramalea, Ont., have chosen to highlight their work with the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, which “provides a supportive environment for Aboriginal people residing in the Greater Toronto Area through the delivery of client-centred services enabling them to live independently in their homes.” 
Next month, another definition of beautiful.
posted on September 1, 2009 in Benediction
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“And it’s here we stand with memories made,
Feelings of warmth I never want to fade.
The laughs we shared,
The pranks we played.
With you by my side, summer never goes away.”
—Here We Stand by Colin Gillard, 14, of Mount Brydges, Ont.
Colin Gillard, with guitar, and friends atop a sculpture of a tree and roots attached to a rock on the Brock University campus in St. Catharines, Ont.
posted on August 1, 2009 in Benediction
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To mark its 50th anniversary, St. Andrew’s Hall, Vancouver, asked local potter Bob Kingsmill to create four new panels based on four Hebrew prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Elijah. While these panels are artistic interpretations of their words, they are also more than that. The images illustrate human interpretation of God’s reality as revealed to us in the prophecies. The central image of each piece is a menorah (seven-branched candlestick of Judaism) while the cross of the gospels is sketched in the background. The panels are replete with visual imagery drawn from the prophets work and surmounted by key texts that convey their message. At the dedication service of the Kingsmill Prophets in March, Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls spoke about the biblical context of the panels. Read her talk at standrews.edu.
posted on June 1, 2009 in Benediction
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Evangel Hall’s new medical and dental clinic is “divine intervention,” according to Greg, one of the first people to use the new free service. The new and unique mission was officially launched in late April though doors had been open for a few months.
posted on March 1, 2009 in Benediction
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“Diaconal Ministers are called to be servants of Jesus Christ.”
posted on January 1, 2009 in Benediction
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St. James Town, Toronto is a racially diverse but economically impoverished neighbourhood a ravine and a city block away from Rosedale, Toronto, one of Canada's wealthier enclaves. An ecumenical coalition, including Rosedale Presbyterian (celebrating its centenary this year) has joined hands to provide an after school homework program for St. James Town students in grades 2 to 7. Nurturing self esteem is a key goal; achieved through doing homework, playing games, laughing and getting to know each other in a safe environment. Volunteers come from within St. James, along with the partner churches. The program is currently seeking funding to provide basic salaries for the program leader and assistant.
posted on September 1, 2008 in Benediction
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Every Thursday morning, residents of Portland Place go grocery shopping. Portland Place Non-Profit Housing is a Presbyterian mission in downtown Toronto operating since 1991. It provides 46 units to men, women and families suffering from various challenges that makes finding and keeping housing elsewhere extremely difficult. Life skills are taught, community is developed, and tenants receive the care they need to stabilize their lives. To learn more, call 416-703-0652.
posted on July 1, 2008 in Benediction
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The Grand Hall of the Museum of Civilization, in Ottawa, is in the shape of a canoe passing by native villages along the coast line. The location was not only stunningly beautiful but also proved prophetic for the commissioners' dinner on Monday, June 2.
posted on June 1, 2008 in Benediction
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The Moderator of the 133rd General Assembly preaching at Rosedale, Toronto in December.
