St. James' Profile Overview

• St. James is a self-supporting parish in the Deanery of Muskoka in the Diocese of Algoma.

Our bishop is the Right Reverend Dr. Stephen Andrews. The Synod office is in Sault Ste.

Marie ON about a seven hour drive north and west from Gravenhurst, which is at the

southern tip of the diocese.

We care most deeply about the qualities of our next incumbent, our spiritual development in

faith and the ongoing strength of our parish as a community. We are also expressing

concerns about the lack of participation of young people.

The People

The parish of St. James is a Christ-centered community of long standing members. We are a

parish of approximately 129 year round individuals and 13 summer attendees/occasional

individuals ranging in age from mid-thirties to eighty plus. Average Sunday attendance is 65

at our 9:30 service.

Holy Manger, Barkway is a self-sufficient mission of St. James Parish with approximately 5-6

individuals in attendance at a Eucharist celebration held on the 1 st Sunday of each month at

1:00pm. This service is celebrated by the incumbent of St. James and usually assisted by a Lay

Reader. A Service of the Word is held on the 3 rd Sunday at 1:00pm of each month led by St.

James Lay Readers. There is a well attended Christmas Eve Eucharist celebration held at Holy

Manger during the late afternoon of Christmas Eve.

The church office has secretarial services for three to four mornings per week. Our

Honourary Associate the Reverend Canon Tom James is a retired priest parishioner.

Worship

Services

We have a Sunday morning service at 9:30am which is a Choral Eucharist celebration. We are

a Eucharistically centered parish with a strong musical and liturgical tradition that is very

evident. We have been using the BAS exclusively. A mid-week service on Wednesday at

11:00am in the Chapel is a said Eucharist celebration from the BAS.

1 •

Other annual highlights in our worship services are when we celebrate the Ministries of All

Anglican Church Women, Back to Church Sunday and Blessing of the Animals which is

• traditionally held on a Sunday afternoon. Our parishioners take a leading role in the Annual

World Day of Prayer. We also have celebrated with the Royal Canadian Legion at our

Remembrance Day Services and their commemoration of D Day in June.

Choir

We have an enthusiastic choir of about sixteen voices who perform contemporary and

traditional music styles and have been known to put on the occasional musical production.

Our paid organist/choir director is very dedicated to St. James.

Sunday School

At this point in time we have no Sunday School age children. if children are present, a Lay

Reader provides a "children's time" prior to the sermon. Activity sheets are then given to the

children to use throughout the remainder of the service.

Sidespersons/Greeters

These are volunteer couples or individuals who rotate duties on a schedule at the 9: 30

service.

• Lectionary Readers/Prayers of the People

A group of dedicated individuals have a rotating schedule. Readings and Prayers are given to

them during the week prior to the Sunday that they are assigned.

Servers

At the present time we do not have any Youth Servers at St. James.

Eucharistic Assistants and Lay Readers

Lay Reader participation is an integral part of our worship. There are four Parochial Lay

Readers under a covenant with the parish priest at St. James and two Diocesan Lay Readers

under a license with the Bishop. Our Diocesan Lay Readers have each completed a B Th. from

Thorneloe University in Sudbury. Lay Readers are accustomed to preaching and leading the

Liturgy of the Word up to the Confession during the 9:30 service one Sunday per month. This

is usually done in teams of two. Our Lay Readers also serve as Eucharistic Assistants along

with other individuals from the congregation on a rotating schedule. Eucharistic Assistants

act as Servers since we have no Youth Servers at the present time.

• Altar Guild

The Altar Guild has a long tradition of service at St. James. There are four groups of two with

several in-training at this time. They work on a rotating schedule taking on the

responsibilities on the Altar duties of preparation and clean up each week plus keeping

supplies in stock.

Parish Structure

Parish Council

Our Parish Council meets once a month with the exception of July and August unless it is

necessary. It is comprised of the incumbent who chairs each meeting, four Wardens, the

Contact Person of the ACW, and representatives of the following committees: finance,

property, pastoral care, communication, worship, PWRDF, social/outreach and a volunteer

coordinator.

Anglican Church Women

All of the women in the parish are members of the Anglican Church Women. They have a

variety of gifts and talents and willingly contribute these to the work of the Church. They call

upon the Holy Spirit forgrace and guidance with St. James and in our community while

participating extensively in the life of our parish. At present the ACW has had to dissolve but

a group still carries on all its activities with the assistance of the men of the parish, therefore

coining the name "Anglican Church Workers".

Pastoral Visiting Team

Because of the age of many of our parishioners, it is important that this group of volunteers

visit those parishioners no longer able to attend services. Our local nursing home, retirement

centres and the hospital are being administered to by either the Rector and/or members of

the team. Each Sunday's flowers are taken to individuals or families in particular need of

parish support by one of the pastoral visiting team.

Community and Evangelical Outreach

Our church building is eagerly used by the community: Great Beginnings, a part of Family

Focus in Muskoka, meets weekly to teach expectant and new mothers skills in nutrition,

nurturing and basics in mother and child care. They also have a second group meeting in our

parish hall for mothers and infants over nine months old. We also provide space for our local

One Kid's Place (individual child therapy); Friends Inviting Friends Community Dinners

(sponsored by St. James). Each year our parish contributes to the Samaritan's Purse program;

the Christmas Angel Tree sponsored by the Salvation Army; filling Back to School Back Packs

for local children and youth which is also sponsored by the Salvation Army. The local food

bank is another important part of our outreach to the community with donations of food and

money once a month. Girl Guides and Pathfinders each meet once a week during the school

year in the parish hall. We also have a Community Youth Group meeting once a month on a

Sunday afternoon led by two of St. James Parishioners. Each year our parish donates funds to

Sleeping Children Around the World. Many of our parishioners also donate to PWRDF on a

monthly basis.

The Gravenhurst Ministerial Association is an active organization comprised of the leadership

from the ten local churches and the Chaplain from Fenbrook Medium Security Institution

which is situated in Gravenhurst. We have a thrift shop called "The Hope Chest" which is

open twice a week to the community to purchase gently used clothing, bedding, and other

• items. This important and vital part of St. James' mission is looked after by a very dedicated

team of parishioners who willingly volunteer their time on a rotating schedule.

St. James has had a long standing service to our local nursing home and two retirement

centres providing a Eucharist celebration once a month for the residents. The residents and

staff look forward to this with enthusiasm. The Rector Is assisted by one of our Lay Readers

and volunteers provide music accompaniment.

Prison Ministry is a vital part of St. James outreach to the community with both Clergy and

Lay People involved. We have a long history of this at both of the Federal Institutions since

they were established in Gravenhurst. Our incumbent, assisted by one or two Lay Readers,

provides a Eucharist celebration at Fenbrook Medium Security Institution once a month

which is scheduled by the Chaplin. The Chaplin looks forward to welcoming our new

incumbent to this ministry.

In these ways St. James is being faithful to Christ's commission to "lift Him up, so he can draw

all people to Himself".

4 •

• Social Activities

Our parish is one that loves to meet for food and fun. We like to have a picnic after our

worship on St. James Day in July and a brunch after Back to Church Sunday in September.

Concerts, auctions, bazaars, fashion shows, pot luck luncheons, Coffee and Fellowship

following the Sunday Service, rummage/yard sales and the making of Easter Eggs are all

activities we have had in order to have fun while we work together for the good of the parish

and community.

St. James' Properties

The Church

Our church is a beautifully well maintained century old building situated in the centre of

town. Its' stained glass windows, pipe organ, electric piano and the bell tower and Chapel of

the Transfiguration all add to that beauty. Recent improvements include a new steel roof, air

conditioning, insulation of walls, protective coverings for the stained glass windows, parish

hall refurbishing, low flush toilets. • The parish hall is located under the church along with a choir room, a large well equipped

kitchen and washrooms. The Hope Chest is also located there. There is a picture board

display of congregation members which Is kept up-to-date by an amazing parish volunteer.

The Chapel of the Transfiguration is used for mid-week Eucharist celebration. It features a

fieldstone altar against the wall and an Aumbry for reserved sacrament and holy oils. A

"Quiet Room" is located next to the chapel.

The vestry/sacristy serves the needs of the Altar Guild, the Clergy, Lay Readers and

Eucharistic Assistants.

We are in the process of addressing our accessibility issues at St. James. Although there is a

ramp coming in to the Bell Tower, there is no accessibility to the parish hall and washrooms

for those who are not able to climb stairs or are in a wheelchair. At the present time a

committee is looking into a variety of ways to correct this situation.

St. James House

5 •

The former rectory is attached to the church by a tunnel. It now houses the incumbent's

office that Is large and comfortably furnished and the secretary's office which is equipped

with a computer and photocopier. Craft Group work rooms and storage space for keeping

Church records are upstairs.

Our Rectory

The rectory is a well maintained two storey brick home within walking distance of the church

and to downtown and only three blocks from both the elementary and secondary schools. It

has one 3 piece and one 2 piece bathroom, a study and three bedrooms. French doors

separate the dining and living rooms. The living room has a brick fireplace but is not useable

and beautiful hardwood floors that lead to a comfortable sunroom. The original gumwood

trim is still on the doorways and banisters. The kitchen includes three appliances, cabinets

and tile flooring. New wiring, windows and roof have been recent up-dates. Laundry

facilities are in the basement. The lot is large and features two driveways. This is a place you

would be proud to call "home".

Pleased see enclosed pictures for more details.

Our Town of Gravenhurst

The Town of Gravenhurst is located only 90 minutes hours north of Toronto. It is known as

the "Gateway to Muskoka, one of Ontario's most scenic and popular tourist and cottage

areas.

Gravenhurst's population is approximately 11 500 permanent residents and 10 000 seasonal

residents. It has a lower percentage of children, teens and young adults than the Ontario

average with those over 55 making up a higher percentage of the population than the

provincial average. Gravenhurst is a popular retirement community and these seniors

contribute generously to the community and parish life.

Many summer and winter recreational facilities and programs are available (hiking, sailing,

boating, skiing, golfing, snowmobiling, curling, hockey etc.). The most recent new facility is

the YMCA with a leisure pool, lap pool, gym, day care, fitness room, meeting rooms and areas

for receptions complete with kitchen facilities. The newly renovated hockey arena is

attached to the building where the Y is located. Other permanent attractions include cultural

and musical events at the Opera House and in the summer there is Music on the Barge at Gull

Lake Park each Sunday evening. The refurbished steamships the RMS Segwun and the

6 •

Wenonah II provides water excursions in the summer. Bethune Memorial House is a museum

located at the birthplace of Dr. Norman Bethune, famous physician and humanitarian. We •

have an active Royal Canadian Legion Branch as well as Rotary and Lions Clubs. Our Seniors

Club of 500+ members operates their own attractive two storey facility with many activities.

Scouting and Guiding Movements are active for the children of the town. Minor hockey,

baseball, soccer and basketball organizations and a dance school are available for children

and youth. Active day camps are provided during school holidays. Specialized sports camps

in both co-ed hockey and girls hockey are held during the summer months. Swimming

lessons are taught at the water front on Gull Lake each summer with indoor lessons at the Y

year round.

Gravenhurst has family doctors, dentists, chiropractors and optometrists. We are 15 minutes

from a hospital in Bracebridge. Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in Orillia and the Royal Victoria

Health Care Centre in Barrie are within a short driving distance as well.

There are public elementary and secondary schools within walking distance of the rectory.

Elementary and Secondary Separate Schools are located in Bracebridge with bus service

available from Gravenhurst. Nipissing University and Georgian College both have campuses

in Bracebridge. Georgian College and Lakehead University both have campuses in Orillia, a

short drive from Gravenhurst.

40 Please see enclosed maps and brochures for further details.

Overall Expectations of St. James for our New Incumbent

During a recent parish survey the congregation indicated the following as our long range

needs and expectations.

• Strong effective, long term leadership

• Someone who would continue to develop shared leadership within the parish

• Emphatic speaker who can leave the congregation with "food for thought" relevant to

today

• Ministry by the incumbent to our seniors and those unable to attend church

7 •

• Maintain our friendly and inclusive welcoming atmosphere

• Good listener and counselor who is personable and kind

• Focus on welcoming young families but at the same time maintain the connections

with our core senior group

• Progressive, enthusiastic and full of energy

We look forward to speaking to anyone who feels called to serve St. James particularly in the

areas we have mentioned.

Yours in faith,

The Parish of St. James, Gravenhurst ON.

•

8 •

The Church of the Holy Manger, Barkway had its beginnings in a home built about the

year 1830 by Muskoka Pioneer John Abernathy on Lot 20 Con 7 near Housey's Rapids.

To build their homestead they cut down some of the largest pine trees and built a

home of hewn logs. John Abernathy was killed in the bush while felling a tree and his

widow Ann Brooks married

Henry Smith, who built a frame

home on the property to

accommodate their growing

family. They had two children

Bradley and Cora (Cook).

The original log homestead was

then used as a hay barn, then as

a sheepfold. Many years later,

that sheepfold was sold and

moved to another farm and

there it finally fell into disuse.

The Society of Saint John the

back- Charles Rakestrow. Georxe Taverner, Jack Kakestrow. Ambrose Cook middle - Hilda Rakestrow. Dora (Olive Theodora) Cook. Cora Cook (mother), Thelma Taverner, Kate Ruttan

front - Fern Cook. Betty Cook. Bishop Roxborough Smith

•

Holy Manger Church, Barkway

In 1934 the Cowley Fathers of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist in Canada began

their work in the remote community of Lewisham. Lewisham was a hub at that time,

not Barkway.

Evangelist, the S.S.J.E. were holding services in the Allan's Corners school house on Doe

Lake Road at Uffington Road. (Picture - Confirmation.)

One of the members of the Society was looking for discarded logs which could be used

for a church building. What was then a discarded sheepfold but what had been the

Abernathy homestead, was purchased. They obtained the derelict sheepfold and

reassembled it on a new foundation on Barkway Road across from Seehaver Road

around December of 1947.

•

•

This was accomplished with the help of Father

Loosemore, Frank Partridge, and Ernie

Merkley. With this background as both a

home and a sheepfold, it was appropriate that

the church should be called the Holy Manger.

The name of the small church at Barkway is

unique, as is the altar, which is in the shape of

a manger. (Picture — Holy Manger Church,

Seehaver Road — date unknown)

Along with the unusual altar an old oxen-yoke

on one of the inside walls bore the inscription,

"TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU"

This church was used until 1963.

The following year the former Methodist church

which was built in 1890 at 1006 Ben Lake Road

•East, Lot 16, Concession 11 in Barkway, was

bought by the Anglican Church. On May 4, 1964

the title was registered as being purchased for

$600 by the S.S.J.E. from Harold Cooper,

William Goheen and Ray Brunson as trustees of

and for the Barkway Methodist Church.

On January 26, 1965 title was transferred from

the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (S.S.J.E.)

to the Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of

Algoma (Anglican) for $1.00.

It has continued to be the home of the Church of the Holy Manger, now under the

mission church of St. James Anglican Church, Gravenhurst.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information received from many sources, including newspaper articles. The information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. We welcome any corrections, additions or information including photographs that anyone is able to provide to us. •

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Here We Are in 2013

Interior of St. James

Baptistry

Sanctuary and Chancel of St. James

Organ

Chapel of the Transfiguration

St. James Tower Fire

2004

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St. James Parish Hall

•

St. James Parish Hall Kitchen

A Special Day with Bishop Stephen

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513 637 253

The Choir at Work and Play

Food Bank Sunday

D-Day -June 6, 1944

The Normandy landirip, also known as Or=ation Neptune were the landing operations of the Allied invasion ofNormantly. in 0.- --mion Overlord. dithng World War 11. The landings commenced on Tuesday. 6 Jinx 1944 (D-Day). beginning as 630 AM British Double Summer Time (GMT-2). In plannina D-Day -was the innn used for the day of actual landing. which seas depend= on final approval.

rk assault was conducted in two phases: an 2i-borne assault landing of 24,000 British. .Arn="ican, Canadian and Fr= French airborne troops shortly after midnight. and an amphibious Landine. of Allied infmury and minotred divisions on the coast of France commencing as 630 AM. There went also decoy operations mounted under the codenaines Operation Glimmer and Operation Taxable to distract the German forees from the real landing arms.

The operation was the laramaraphibio. invasion in world history. with over 160.000[5] roans landing on 6 June 1944. 195,700 AIIi nasal and meardimit navy personnel in over 5,000 ships were involved. The invasion required the =sport of soldiers and material from fr. Unit. Kingdom b troop-ladec aircraft and ships. the attach landinzs, an" suppori„ naval int.-diction of the English Channel and naval fire-suppon. T. ae iandiar-Ls took place along a 50-mile (S0 ha) sinatch of the Normandy coast divided into five seaors: Utah. Omaha. Gold, Imo and Sword.

Remembrance Day at

St. James Jeer Banc

Canadian otterations on 0-Do'

. that landed on Juno Beach faced 2 heave 01 mrs :nuts and 9 medium batteries of 75 trim mu&

as well as machine-gun nests, pillboxes. other connote .thrtifications, and a seawa tai= the height of the or. a: 0/33113 Beach. Tile fim wave suffered 50°, ,i casualties, the second hichesi of the five 0-Do' beachheads. The use of mmour was successful or Juno. hi acute instances actually landing ahead of the infannv as int.aded and helping clear a path inland.

Despite the obstacles. the Canadians were off the beach within hours and beginning their advan= inland. A smelt troop of four

tanks managed to reach the final objective phase line. but handle retreated. basing our= its infanny support. in particular. two fortified positions at the Dour Radar Station remained in German hands and would forseveral days until captunxi be British commandos',. and no link had been established svith Sword Beach.

By the end of D-Day. 30.000 Canadiars had tier...ass:idl landed. and the 3rd Canadian Infantrn Division had p.m-3i.! firth= into France than any other Allied force. mite having diced strong resistance at the waste s edge and 1.31er aNIT41.1CL3Cks on the beachhead IT elements of-the Cr-axnar and

. divisions or June and June.

D Day at St. James 2011

ACW Sunday at St. James

ASTE SUNbAY

Palm Sunday Continental Breakfast

The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Back to Church Sunday 2010

Back to Church Sunday 2011

Christmas Bake Table

Christmas Crèche

St. James Rectory

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