St. John's Anglican Church, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, extends ministry with the launch of internet web site.

Welcome to St. John's Anglican Church located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. We invite you to visit our site, meet our Ministry Staff and Council / Committee members and become acquainted with our Services and Events, Parish News, Church History; Group and Community Involvements and Spiritual Development Activities.

In a progressive move geared towards informing the general public of the qualities and attributes of St. John's Anglican Church, we are proud to announce the launch of our new web site. The site, located at www.st-johns-anglican-church.com, provides an unlimited opportunity to educate both individuals and groups about our parish's services and events. The potential coverage for the site includes people from other countries and regions, visitors and those who have recently relocated to our area.

The site will be online, in a state of being "under construction," by June 12th, 2001, which is the 162nd
anniversary of the 1st service of what was to eventually become St. John's Anglican Church. An official launch date is set for the church's "Gathering Sunday," in September. The site will be fully designed and optimized by it's official launch date.

The development of the web site is in recognition of the evolving role of churches in the new millennium. The intent of the site is to extend the ministry of St. John's Anglican Church, creating a sense of community and fellowship well beyond the parish's physical and geographical boundaries. Developing and updating the site on an ongoing basis, will provide an engaging experience for repeat visitors. The addition of web tools, such as a Guest Book and Prayer Request Form, will ensure that the site is interactive. One of the primary objectives of the site is to function as a highly effective means of communication. The site is designed to encourage an active level of participation among both long term parishioners and newcomers.

The enthusiasm for this new initiative is shared by the parish's Rector, Reverend Marian Burns, "This year marks an important milestone in the life of our parish community. We continue our ministry as a historic parish community for over 162 years while we seek new and vibrant ways of communicating our presence in the broader community."

The initial design of the web site will include the following components:

Mission Statement; Church History (including formation and important milestones); Service Times; Events (ongoing and seasonal); Group and Community Involvements; Location Details (with map); Rector and Staff contact information; Parish Council and Committee contact information; Musical activities and events; Current Newsletter; Weekly News and Announcements; Committee News; Recommended Reading Material (from the Rector); Spiritual Development Activities; Sunday School / Discovery Program; Parish Members Web Site Links, Photos, Guest Book and Prayer Request Form.

About St. John's Anglican Church

St. John's Anglican Church is located at the corner of Dutch Village Road and Bayers Road. Joseph Howe Drive is also an intersecting reference point for the church, in what used to be designated as the suburb of Fairview. St John's Anglican Church is located in a quiet residential area, close to all services and amenities and minutes away from historic downtown Halifax.

History and Background

The opening of the first chapel of St. John, sometimes described as the "Dutch Village Church," took place during the Christmas of 1841. It was located in what is now St. John's Cemetery. Many founders of Halifax rest near this site, including Sir Charles Tupper. The consecration for the chapel was held on July 11, 1844, by John Inglis, third Bishop of Nova Scotia.

The decision to change the site occupied by the first St. John's to it's present location was linked with the area's population growth and a generous provision of property by Henry Deal. The cornerstone of the present St. John's Anglican Church was laid in December of 1959.

The "Opening and Service of Dedication" for St. John's Anglican Church was held on Friday, February 26, 1960. St. John's Anglican Church was consecrated in April of 1973.