Dignitaries, an authentic Ukrainian lunch and special music were highlights as St. John’s Anglican Church, Tillsonburg, celebrated its 125th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 14.
Presiding over the anniversary service, the Bishop of Huron, The Right Reverend R. Todd Townsend, noted it was also Holy Cross Day. He said that to many people, the idea of Christ dying on the cross may seem like a sign of weakness or helplessness.
“And yet the cross is the central thing that reveals to us, and gives to us, the power of God,” said Bishop Townshend. “There is no kind of deadness that God can’t speak into, heal and raise up to life. That has been celebrated here at St. John’s for a lot longer than 125 years, and it will be for a lot longer than 125 more.”
Another special guest, former St. John’s rector The Reverend Canon Robyn Lyons, was warmly greeted as congregation members shared fond memories.
Celebrants at the service also included St. John’s interim priest, The Reverend Patrick Martin, and deacon The Reverend Vermell Stevens.
“We would like to thank everyone who came out to help us celebrate our anniversary,” said Rev. Martin. “We are very grateful to Bishop Todd and also happy to welcome Deputy Mayor Dave Beres.”
Beres presented the church with a framed certificate recognizing 125 years of service to the community and expressing the Town of Tillsonburg’s appreciation.
Music was led by organist Joanne Smith and the choir. Special vocal, guitar and piano music was performed by guests Stephanie Tulloch and James Turner from Paris, ON.
The service was followed by a Ukrainian-themed lunch in the parish hall, prepared by chef and congregation member Rudy Bangaru.
The lunch was a fundraiser for Alongside Hope. A freewill offering raised $843 to support a project in Ukraine that helps young adults with disabilities learn to live independently, a task made much more difficult in times of war.
To accentuate the theme, there were Ukrainian flags and displays, as well as a menu including perogies and cabbage rolls.