Milestones

[Lydia]

If you or anyone you know celebrate any milestone of any type, Please help us celebrate with you. Our lives are full of milestones which we never really think about.

When you see a celebration happening, give the person the five minutes of fame that people rarely get.

This YOUR place for YOUR MILESTONES

[Lydia]

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MILESTONE CELEBRATION:

Christ Church Parish Centre , 990 Sydenham Road, Kingston, Ontario Celebrated a Service of Consecration. On May 24, 2009.

Well over 200 members of the parish came out to honour and celebration in this holy gathering as well as members from other parishes.

In attendance were members of the parish who had contributed financial support of their parish in paying all the debt associated with a Church Building. This is not an easy task and takes many dedicated people to accomplish this.

The following participated in the Consecration and Mass Service:

Consecrator and Celebrant, The Right Reverend George Bruce Bishop of the Diocese of Ontario
Archdeacon of Kingston The Venerable Bill Clarke
Regional Dean, Frontenac The Reverend Canon Chris Doering
Rector and Preacher The Reverend Blair Peever
Master of Ceremonies The Reverend Eric Reynolds
Gospeller The Reverend Gerry Moore
Bishop’s Chaplain, The Reverend Valerie Kelly

An Canadian Orthodox Priest and members from other parishes were also in attendance to show the parishioners that what they accomplished in this city of Kingston should be celebrated and praised by the entire community.

What impressed me is that this Church has many users .besides their members.. The Ontario Provincial Police and the St. John Ambulance share this Church. for their services

Reverend Blair Peever’s homily was captivating and humorous. The choir was outstanding and the parish membership joined in the singing and were very welcoming. The woman’s league did what they do best by providing a beautiful and delicious luncheon along with beverages.

If you don’t know about this Church here is a brief history that was shared with the people who were there.

Congregation began around 1835 with the Parish becoming independent in 1889. In 1870 the stone Christ Church was consecrated. What began as an outreach of St. George’s Cathedral later helped to establish St. Thomas’ Reddendale and St. Peters. Collin’s Bay in the late 1950’s.

On 30th April 2000 Vestry voted to proceed with what was to become Christ Church Parish Centre. Planning that began in 1997 culminated with the Sod Turning in December of 2000. Construction started in late 2001. In December 2001 on completion of the roof and with the concrete on the floor a blessing of construction was done. The dedication service took place on 14th June 2002 with Bishop Peter Mason, Venerable Ed Dallow, Decon Reverend Tom Dukes.

On May 24, 2009 the members celebrated the consecration of this facility called Christ Church Parish Centre. Debts have been FULLY RETIRED through efforts of the congregation and sale of land. This past year the final payments were made using money from Parish and the balance from a bequest received late in 2008.

God had indeed blessed this Parish.

[Lydia]

Milestone At St. Paul's the Apostle's Church.

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I am delighted to present this milestone to our residents of Kingston.

This is, and always has been one of my favourite verses: Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. It is one of those “simple” verses that to me, contains great truth, and comfort..One of the most important things to note is that this verse has no limit as far as place or time

Twenty Five years ago families gathered together and worked to start a Church now see the fruit of their works. Father Clemens celebrated the first Mass.at St Paul the Apostle Church on July 9, 1984. I wonder if those original families would have thought that 500 people would attended a wonderful celebrating of their achievement on June 28th, 2009,

A beautiful Liturgical Celebration was held with Archbishop of Kingston, Most Reverend Brendan Michael O'Brien who was our Presider. The Archbishop also was going to celebrate 22 years of his ordination as a bishop. Father Leo Patrick Byrne. welcomed the congregration and was also acknolwedged for celebrating his own milestone.

Deacon Phil Carney read the Gospel passage Matthew 28: 16-20. The homily was given by Reverend Brendan O’Brien. First and second readings were presented by Bea Costello and Michael Dillon. Nine (9) Prayers of Intercession were presented in the following languages, English, Lebanese, Filipino, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French,Chinese, and English. It is remarkable to know that these families who started St. Paul the Apostle’s church would have given us a Parish that would reflect our Canadian society so beautifully. A society and a Faith that includes people from all across various nationalities. It is indeed remarkable to know that the original families gathered in “His Name” have given us a parish to worship and celebrate.

The Music Ministers, lead by Mr. Chris Forster, Music Director sang joyfully. The retiring Music Director who gave 25 years of music ministry was also acknowledge. The Choir sang Hymns such as One Spirit, One Church, Strength for the Journey, One Bread, One Body, With One Voice, and Go Ye Out.

If you were not able to attend the celebration but wish to obtain the special edition photographic book St. Paul the Apostle Parish 25th, Anniversary Memory Book, you can reach Maria Phillips, Creative Memories, at 613-384-2108 or e-mail her at Maria@kos.net to arrange a drop off.. She will be able to let you know how to obtain your own copy. Parishioners provided wonderful photographic memories to make this is remarkable special edition.

Now that I have witnessed what a few of our earlier familes were able to accomplish. I look forward to the next 25 years where many more families from diverse societies have joined our parish.