The Anglican Parish of Upper Island Cove is comprised of St. Andrew’s Church in Bryant’s Cove and St. Peter’s Church in Upper Island Cove. And as you will soon read, we are blessed to now have re-instated a third official sacred space within the parish.
But first, let us rewind to April of this year. The Church Lad’s Brigade (C.L.B.) Upper Island Cove Company #4547 was delighted to host the Annual C.L.B. Spring Parade. What a time it was to take in the lively energy of the Brigade with fellow comrades from both Avalon and Trinity Conception Battalions, as well as the beloved C.L.B. Regimental Band, who treated the congregation to their beautiful music during the church service. There were looks of surprise from the youth when Bishop Sam Rose opened his Sermon by pointing out The C.L.B. logo on his staff. The scripture of the day highlighted by Bishop Rose has been the motto of the C.L.B. for over 130 years and counting: Fight the Good Fight. A vibrant discussion with the youth then took place about the meaning of this timeless invitation, which included many insightful answers. Afterwards, a reception was hosted by The Royal Canadian Legion in Upper Island Cove. It was a heart-warming moment to see such strong community support for The C.L.B.. A group of people representing The Royal Canadian Legion, Loyal Orange Lodge, St. Peter’s Church Vestry team, members of the Parish of Upper Island Cove, parents of the C.L.B. youth members, and many community members in attendance worked together to help facilitate this large-scale event. The C.L.B. Regimental Band provided additional music at the reception for all to enjoy before travelling back to St. John’s with members from the Avalon Battalion.
Moving forward to early June, a group of 26 youth were confirmed at St. Peter’s Church. Pew by pew, confirmation candles and their brilliant flames carried by the newly confirmed, symbolized the renewal of baptismal vows and the vital energy of The Holy Spirit. A time of fellowship followed the service with Bishop Rose, the parish of Upper Island Cove ministry team, the confirmands, and their families.
Lastly, June 16th was a full and very special day for the Anglican Parish of Upper Island Cove. In the afternoon, the Annual Father’s Day Memorial Service took place at St. Peter’s Anglican Cemetery, hosted by the A.C.A.A. Branch #7. This service is a special tribute to past and current members of the A.C.A.A. over many generations. In fact, the service itself, is an intergenerational custom, held every year on Father’s Day. It is an opportunity to gather together to honour the gift of their lives by singing those beautiful hymns played and passed down over the 200 years of our parish.
Later that evening, we were blessed with a visit from Bishop Rose, who, as we learned, led his first consecration service. The consecration of St. John the Evangelist Chapel was held that evening in the beautiful, newly re-constructed, lower part of St. Peter’s Church, and references the third official sacred space in our parish as mentioned above. Equipped with familiar essentials that travelled from St. John the Evangelist Church in neighbouring Bishop’s Cove after its deconsecration only two years ago—also facilitated by Bishop Sam—these sacred items now have new life. They are once more the transitional objects which parishioners from Bishop’s Cove use again in their journeys of faith. Much as early June saw a church full of vitality in the flames and faces of candles and confirmands, it was another blessed evening indeed, as those in attendance witnessed the beloved St. John the Evangelist church “resurrect” in a stunning new form and bring with its transformation, the strength and hope of new life.
While it is true that the Church is not a building, and that God’s love certainly exists outside the four walls of the church, many people who attended the packed chapel of this deeply memorable and moving consecration service can attest that Church and God’s love exist within the four walls of a church, too. The appreciation and emotion felt and shared regarding this physical sacred space—once lost and now found—was palpable throughout the service. Many hands and much generosity went into the rebirth and transformation of St. John the Evangelist. Some might say the transformation of this new chapel is quite divine.
