St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church (Peterborough, Ontario) explained

Church of St. John the Evangelist
Coordinates:44.3068°N -78.3179°W
Location:99 Brock Street
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Dedication:St. John the Evangelist
Denomination:Anglican Church of Canada
Architect:William Coverdale
Years Built:1835–1837
Deanery:Peterborough
Archdeaconry:East
Diocese:Toronto
Province:Ontario
Rector:Major The Rev. Canon Bradley D. Smith
Asstcurate:The Rev. Dr. Max Dionisio
Deacon:The Rev. Deborah Wilson

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church is an Anglican church in downtown Peterborough, Ontario.

Designed by William Coverdale and constructed in 1835–1837, it is considered one of the earliest stone Gothic Revival Anglican churches in Canada.[1] It is designated as being of cultural heritage value under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act by the City of Peterborough by-law 1977–78.[2]

History

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church was founded in 1826 as a mission of the Diocese of Quebec by the newly ordained deacon Samuel Armour in what was then Scott's Plains, today Peterborough. Armour began services in the local schoolhouse organized by the Hon. Thomas A. Stewart and his wife, Frances.[3]

The congregation was granted its current lot in 1834 and the cornerstone for the present building was laid in 1835 by Captain Charles Rubidge (1787–1872). £700 had been raised by the Stewarts for the construction of the church. The church, built from locally quarried stone, was designed by William Coverdale in the Gothic Revival style. Coverdale's design was adapted from John W. Howard's design for a small church. The first service was held in the new church in February 1837.[3]

In 1878, a parish hall was added to the west of the building. A major renovation in 1882 added the sacristy and chancel wing. Other architects who have overseen later alterations and additions include Kivas Tully, John E. Belcher, William Blackwell and Craig, Zeidler and Strong.[4]

The church's carillon, known as the "People's Chime", was purchased by subscription by 1,600 people. It was dedicated on June 22, 1911, the day of the coronation of King George V. It has played to mark the coronation of every Canadian monarch since.[5]

In January 2018, the parish amalgamated with St. Barnabas Anglican Church upon the latter's closure.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church . Canada's Historic Places . 29 September 2021.
  2. Web site: To designate certain properties in the City of Peterborough under the Ontario Heritage Act, 1974 . City of Peterborough . August 9, 2023.
  3. Web site: History . St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church . August 9, 2023.
  4. Web site: St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church . Canada's Historic Places . September 29, 2021.
  5. News: Kovach . Joelle . People’s Chime bells in Peterborough to ring in coronation of King Charles III . August 8, 2023 . The Peterborough Examiner . May 3, 2023.
  6. News: Anastasakis . Niki . St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Peterborough holds its final farewell service . August 9, 2023 . Global News . 2 January 2018.