St. James Church opens its doors to share its 184 year history

By Carolina Saenz

Last Saturday, April 22nd, an Open House event was held at the St. James Paris Anglican Church

Located at 8 Burwell St, St. James Paris opened its doors to everyone in the community interested in learning more about their church programs and ministries, as well as the community groups who use their facilities

Inspired by the growing population in the area, St. James Paris decided to create an event to facilitate inviting new people and answering their questions.

“It can be intimidating to walk into a new church for the first time, and having an Open House weekend would give the opportunity to step inside, see the beauty, hear some history, meet some of us and feel the love we feel for St. James....and share a meal, which is another big part of our church family,” shares Judy Cardy, Paris Administrator at St. James, Paris Church.

With a rich history as the oldest church building in Paris, the architecture of the church itself is captivating It is made of cobblestone, a unique trait to buildings in Paris, and it is an astonishing 184 years old! This means that St. James, Paris has been worshipping in and serving the Paris community for nearly two centuries attended the St.

Church Open House last Saturday, which celebrated the church’s 184 year history and gave the public an opportunity to see what the church has to offer. Photo Credit Will Bouma Office

Currently, the church offers two services on Sundays: a traditional service at 8:30 am and a modern service at 10:30 am, followed by a Community Lunch at 12:30 pm. No registration is required and everyone is welcome to drop-in “Traditional services follow the Book of Common Prayer (oldstyle Elizabethan English) and there is no music at the service; modern services are full of music and use contemporary language; a children's program is also offered during the modern service,” explains Cardy. A Sunday School Program runs each Sunday at 10:30 am, lead by two dedicated ladies who enjoy teaching the children and have fun.

“St. James, Paris has a very dedicated group of talented musicians providing wonderful music from choir, praise team and a chime choir. They provide a mix of styles alternating each week so there really is something that would appeal to everyone,” shares Cardy

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The Open House also it included live music, refreshments, and provided an opportunity to tour the church and browse the showcase of local community groups who use the facilities on a regular basis Some examples of these groups include the 1st Paris Scouting (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers) who meet at the church three evenings each week, and the 6th Paris Guides (Embers, Guides) who meet once a week. Other groups present were the Meals-on-Wheels program, whose meals are occasionally prepared from St. James when their 'home kitchen' at the fairgrounds is not available. St. James also prepares the meals once every six weeks. The EarlyON program was also featured as it is held once a week as a drop-in location at the church and it is geared for children up to six years old and their caregiver. Each group provided a display table offering information and contacts.

At the event, St. James, Paris also shared information about their ministries. The Seniors' Ministries Program offers a friendly face or voice to senior parishioners who may or may not be able to get out to church as easily as they once did. A visit or simple phone call ensures they still feel connected to their beloved church.

“The Yellow Rose Team calls or visits, leaving a card with a yellow rose on it to let family members know their loved one has received a visit from St. James. We also offer a monthly Communion service where anyone can come to worship in their church in a smaller, quieter setting and then have lunch together while catching up with friends. Dawn McClelland, our Lay Pastoral Assistant, assists Fr. Jason with Communion, then looks after the lunch which can range from sandwiches to lasagna, ham, quiche, soups and a BBQ in June,” Cardy wrote in an email to The Paris Independent

The Altar Guild also set up a display that included an explanation of the various colours used in the liturgical hangings for various days throughout the year They prepare the Altar for services and arrange for seasonal decorating. Another display included many photo albums that portray the history of the church and their events throughout the year. Some of the most notable attendees were MP Larry Brock and MPP Will Bouma, who not only attended but also extended their gratitude to the parish community and offered congratulations on behalf of the provincial and federal governments. The event was so successful, the congregation has plans to host another one this fall, to once again open its doors to the community.

As for other events held by the church, one of their popular and longstanding traditions is the St. James Festival held on the fourth Saturday of September at the Paris Fairgrounds. This year it will be celebrated on September 23rd, and it will be the 48th Annual Festival It is the church’s biggest fundraiser and includes many booths such as Jams & Jellies, Pie Hut, Home Baking, Tea Room, Jewelry, Book Nook, Crafty Ladies, Junktique, Home Decor, Pet Portraits and a soup Restaurant featuring The Raw Carrot soups, as well as many other familiar vendors.

“St. James, Paris is an active and engaged parishwe like to share meals and fellowship together and continue to be involved in a number of community projects and programs (such as P.O.R.C.H.),” concludes Cardy