Anglican Church

                                                                                            September 29, 2013

579 5th Street

Saint John the Divine Anglican Church
Courtenay, B.C. Canada

"St. John The Divine which was built in 1915. This occurred under the direction of the then, Vicar, the Rev. E.P. Laycock, who was a trained architect.

This Church was one of the first churches in British Columbia built on the ancient basilican or apsidal plan, rather than in the shape of a cross, which characterizes the traditional gothic plan. The Church was dedicated by Bishop John Charles Roper. As the community of Courtenay expanded the parish also grew in size. In 1967 the building was enlarged under the inspiration of the Rector at the time, the Rev. W. J. Lunny, who reordered the sanctuary, enlarged the nave, and added a choir gallery. It was during this time of expansion that the stained glass windows were installed.

St. John Stained Glass Window

(Link 1.)

"The windows commemorate the Twelve Apostles in symbolic terms. They remind the congregation that as we worship we are supported and surrounded by the glorious company of God’s Saints in whose victory we are called to share.

Sanctuary and Altar (Google Images)

"On the exterior wall of the Church is a beautiful mosaic of St. John the Divine. The Mosaic itself was inspired by the great mosaics found in Ravenna, Italy and is made up of thousands of tiny pieces of tile which depict our heavenly patron in priestly garments. Over the Apostles’ head is a halo indicating his saintly status and his hand holds the Book of the Revelation which he wrote during his exile on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea. Local artists conceived the design and installed the many individual pieces. In the years that followed a number of changes were made also to the interior of the Church.

St. John the Divine Mosaic

St. John the Divine Mosaic

"One of the most significant changes occurred between 1968 and 1981 when Canon Eric Scott was the Rector. During this time a stainless steel cross was added to the east wall of the sanctuary. The facets of the cross, which are grouped in threes, represent the Holy Trinity; catch the reflection of each person who enters the church, drawing them, their concerns, and their surroundings into the symbol of our Saviour’s redeeming sacrifice.

Stainless Steel Cross (Google Images)

"Under the Rev. John Lancaster, who was Rector from 1981 to 2003, the interior was painted with its unique colours reminiscent of Italian frescoes. It was also during this time that a two-manual Rodgers organ was added to support the choir and congregation. During Fr. Lancaster’s ministry an ambry was placed in the sanctuary in order to reserve the sacrament for the sick. The light above the ambry honours our Lord’s sacramental presence among us and invites us to kneel in reverence and prayer." (Link.)

Sanctuary Balcony (Google Images)

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Photos: Taken in June 2013 by SW.

Link: http://stjohnthedivinecourtenay.bc.anglican.ca/
Reference: The Comox Valley Echo, "50th anniversay of city's only mosaic",
                       Friday, November 16, 2012.

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen
(SW)