Centenary Celebration Back

On Friday 2nd February 2007 around 100 members of the St. John's congregation gathered to celebrate the centenary of the church building, and to admire the renovation works carried out over the last 2 years. During the service, members of the congregation contributed poems, and reminisced on the history of the church, on the worship and the friendships that have developed.

Alan told us of the trials and tribulations of the renovations, and the time he had spent practically living in the church! During the prayers, many members of the congregation offered thanks for the influence of St. John's on their lives in the Var.

The choir performed set pieces by Schubert, Mozart and Dobrogosz. The whole congregation joined in a hymn written by Shirley R. especially for the occasion.

After the service the celebration continued with sparkling wine and a meal of coronation chicken and rice. Then the birthday cake was brought in and ceremonially carved for everyone to enjoy.

The guest of honour was looking resplendent in its new coat of paint, new furnishings and layout, and shiny polished floor. It was decorated with 100 candles, as well as seasonal flowers.

It was without doubt a most wonderful evening, enjoyed by all.

View to the East
View towards the altar		 View to the west
View towards the entrance porch
The Altar
The Altar, with candles lit		 The Altar
The Altar, with candles lit
Kitchen
Jasmine, Anne and Jette attend to the food		 Choir
The choir processes in
The congregation
The congregation		 Shirley R
Shirley R offers a prayer for the church
In
Ian introduces the early history		 Margery
Margery reminisces of the 1970's
Roger
Roger reads a poem he has written		 Mary-Jo
Mary-Jo shares memories from the 1960's
Choir
Joan, Diane J, Shirley S. and Dawn sing Schubert's
setting of "The Lord is my Shepherd"		 Choir
The full choir sing "Alleluia" to Mozart's setting.
Choir
The choir process out by candlelight, singing
"Benedicimus Domino" by Steve Dobrogosz		 The meal
The congregation enjoy their meal after the service
sings in French
Cadfael sings in French		 Bill
Bill reads a poem he has written
Cake
Ben, Anne and Carole cut the Centenary cake which
Carole had made		 Cross
The new illuminated cross, shining in the darkness

My Church, St. Johns. By Bill M

Oh, how I love my St Johns,
I've been going there for so long.
It's always been cheerful and light,
perhaps that's it strength and might,
but best of all are all the friends
I've made there, which has set a trend
I'll continue for my remaining years,
when we all become 'ole ancient dears'.

With all the new works completed now,
Another hundred years can take a bow.

I wonder what it will be like then?
Maybe there be another Ben!
With perhaps an Anne, to keep him on track!
A team hard to beat, a first class act.

Lets us not forget the last hundred years,
the many who've shaped it with their laughter and tears.
So, lets hope the future of St Johns,
continues to be upbeat and very strong,
a place for our God and congregations,
for the forthcoming and future generations.

© The English Language Church of St. John the Evangelist, Var, South of France.
Part of the Anglican Diocese in Europe
Page created February 2007