“Twenty five years ago on July 2nd, 1989 I stood here in the Parish Church of St. Peter’s for the last time as Rector/Priest of the Parish.”, said The Rev. Randolph Bruce, to begin his sermon at Holy Cross Japanese-Canadian Anglican Church, Vancouver, on Sunday June 29, 2014.
In 1988, the Parishes of St. Peter’s and Holy Cross approached Archbishop Hambidge to say that St. Peter’s wanted to give their building to Holy Cross and Holy Cross wanted to accept the offer. They also agreed to pay off the small loans St. Peter’s had with the Diocese and the Bank. The process then moved quickly and smoothly and St. Peter’s held their last service on July 2nd 1989. Parishioners had been given the choice of joining Holy Cross or moving to another Anglican parish. Most chose Holy Cross.This year with the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul falling on a Sunday, it seemed the most appropriate time to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of St. Peter’s Closure.
The Rev. Bruce continued to remind us what happened 25 years ago in his sermon, “Like Peter our former name sake we became an Easter people. We became the living resurrected church. We celebrated and gave new life not only to ourselves but to the good people of Holy Cross. We recognized our truth, celebrated who we were, accepted the moment of opportunity, chose life in Jesus Christ and moved forward.
We lived out the gospel by dying to ourselves so that others might live.”
He also said, “I also want to acknowledge the leadership and support of The Most Reveremd Douglas Hambidge for his guidance, wisdom and foresight.”
This year, Holy Cross Day (Sept. 14) also happens to be on Sunday. When we celebrate Holy Cross Day, The Most Rev. Hambidge will be our celebrant/preacher. The Service will start at 5pm. to be followed by pot-luck dinner. Please join us to celebrate Holy Cross Day/The 25th Anniversary of our Consecration.
Images: Top and homepage, The Holy Cross Community of June 29th, 2014. Middle right, The Reverend Randolph Bruce preaching at Holy Cross of June 29th, 2014: PHOTOS by Daebin Im