Twin parishes celebrate 50 years of Christian ministry
The Parishes of St. James' and St. Philip's, Moncton celebrated 50 years of Christian ministry and the 50th anniversary of their establishment on Sunday, May 7, in conjunction with the Feast of St. Philip and St. James the Apostles.
The day began with a combined service of choral
Eucharist and confirmation at St. Philip's at
10:30 with the clergy and people from both
parishes led by Bishop Claude Miller as celebrant
and preacher. The organist of St. James', Dr.
Robert Chaddick, and choir members from that
parish joined with the choir of St. Philip's to
lead the music.
The Bishop presented the newly confirmed with certificates during a reception and pot-luck meal in the hall following the service. Parishioners shared memories elicited by a beautiful pictorial display of St. Philip's history arranged by Warrenne Agnew.
Later in the afternoon, the people of both parishes gathered at St. James' for a dramatic presentation of The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, presented by Moncton Anglican Youth (MAY).
This was followed at 4 o'clock by a service of choral Evensong of Thanksgiving with organist, choir members, and clergy from several Deanery of Shediac churches. Bishop Miller delivered a spiritually uplifting sermon, the children of St. James' demonstrated their musical talents and the deanery choir offered a vibrant musical anthem.
This service too was followed by fellowship,
reminiscences and a buffet meal hosted by the
people of St. James'. A traditional photo display
of St. James' activities included photos of all
the priests who served the parsh over 50 years. A
DVD, produced by Milton Pratt and narrated by
William Murray, also showed many dedicated
parishioners and depicted many activities through
the years.
Former parishioners, many of whom were instremental in the development of the churches, were on hand for the celebration and the parishes were blessed with the presence of Bishop Miller and his wife Sharon for the entire day of celebration. Special thanks are also expressed to the clergy, organists, and choir members from the Shediac Deanery who helped make the day memorable.
Following the celebration, the Parish of St. James Parish offered copies of its history DVD for sale and proceeds will be donated to the Bishop's Walk for AIDS. Thank you to Milton Pratt for reproducing and donating the DVD, which can be obtained by calling St. James church office at 382-7725 or Milton at 389-7230.
Celebration of the first 50 years of Christian ministry at St. Philip's will continue into the fall with the dedication and blessing of a new elevator and memorial window. A new set of green altar hangings and vestments will also be placed in memory of those who have worshipped and served God at St. Philip's.
