St. John's Anglican Church Our Church History
Previous to 1837, the first Anglican settlers in the Milton area were included in the Parish of Charlotte, St. Paul's. As the population grew, the establishment of a Parish and the building of a church became necessary.
The first rector of the Parish of Milton/Rustico was Rev. Charles Loyd, who was appointed in 1837. He was rector for nineteen years. During Rev. Lloyd's incumbency the first church we erected on the site of the present St. John's in the year 1841. St. Mark's, S. Rustico was also built.
In 1850, a rectory was built in N. Milton on land given by George and Henry Hooper. The remains of the rectory site to the left of Robert and Miriam Hooper's home on Route # 7.
During the mid 1800's the parish grew along with the community, most notable are the numbers of baptisms recorded under the incumbency of the Rev. John Herbert Read. During his seventeen years as rector he carried out an incredible six hundred and sixty four baptisms in parishes around the island.
The present church at St. John's was built in 1898 during the incumbency of Rev. T.C. Reagh. Notable P.E.I Architect William Critchlow Harris designed the church. Mr. Harris' abilities in the area of sound quality are clearly evident in the wonderful acoustics many worshippers experience at St. John's.
The first Women's Auxiliary was formed in 1912 and has remained active to the present. In the 1960's the WA became known as the Anglican Church Women. ACW activities then and now involve fellowship, prayer, Bible study, outreach to the infrim and fundraising. They are ever fauthful group of women.
In 1923 the old rectory was torn down and a new one was built through the united efforts of the entire parish and until 2001 when it was sold, was the home of the incumbent. The church has also seen some changes over the years. In 1944, electric lights were installed. In 1950 and again in 1969 a complete redecoration of the church interior was carried out. In 1988 the church was lifted and a hall built to accommodate the Sunday school, ACW and other groups. This work was accomplished through the commitment of many parishioners. Piercey Memorial Hall was named in recognition of the ministry of Canon A. E. Piercey who was the incumbent at St. John's from 1948 to 1979. More recently land was purchased and the parking lot expanded to twice its original size.
The summer of 2007 saw the beginning of many renovations including re-shingle the church, repair the stained glass windows. On Oct. 7th, 2007 during our Thanksgiving Service we blessed the beautiful new doors, which had recently been installed.
In St. John's are many memorials that serve as lassting reminders of the founding families. Many decendents of the founding families are still active in the life of St. John's However the community, ministry and worship continues to evolve. The band "Just for Fun" has evolved from three founding members to an ecumencial group of many that plays regulary each month.
As in every church community there is a need for change and spiritual growth. The community continues to be evolving and St. John's is an integral part of the surrounding community. St. John's has successfully remained a "rural church" even though it sits on the outskirts of Charlottetown. The members of St. John's take pride in where they have come from, how they minister now and look forward to their continued ministry in the building up of the Kingdom of God. Christ is as at the heart of their ministries
- Leitha Vessey (Horne)
Previous to 1837, the first Anglican settlers in the Milton area were included in the Parish of Charlotte, St. Paul's. As the population grew, the establishment of a Parish and the building of a church became necessary.
The first rector of the Parish of Milton/Rustico was Rev. Charles Loyd, who was appointed in 1837. He was rector for nineteen years. During Rev. Lloyd's incumbency the first church we erected on the site of the present St. John's in the year 1841. St. Mark's, S. Rustico was also built.
In 1850, a rectory was built in N. Milton on land given by George and Henry Hooper. The remains of the rectory site to the left of Robert and Miriam Hooper's home on Route # 7.
During the mid 1800's the parish grew along with the community, most notable are the numbers of baptisms recorded under the incumbency of the Rev. John Herbert Read. During his seventeen years as rector he carried out an incredible six hundred and sixty four baptisms in parishes around the island.
The present church at St. John's was built in 1898 during the incumbency of Rev. T.C. Reagh. Notable P.E.I Architect William Critchlow Harris designed the church. Mr. Harris' abilities in the area of sound quality are clearly evident in the wonderful acoustics many worshippers experience at St. John's.
The first Women's Auxiliary was formed in 1912 and has remained active to the present. In the 1960's the WA became known as the Anglican Church Women. ACW activities then and now involve fellowship, prayer, Bible study, outreach to the infrim and fundraising. They are ever fauthful group of women.
In 1923 the old rectory was torn down and a new one was built through the united efforts of the entire parish and until 2001 when it was sold, was the home of the incumbent. The church has also seen some changes over the years. In 1944, electric lights were installed. In 1950 and again in 1969 a complete redecoration of the church interior was carried out. In 1988 the church was lifted and a hall built to accommodate the Sunday school, ACW and other groups. This work was accomplished through the commitment of many parishioners. Piercey Memorial Hall was named in recognition of the ministry of Canon A. E. Piercey who was the incumbent at St. John's from 1948 to 1979. More recently land was purchased and the parking lot expanded to twice its original size.
The summer of 2007 saw the beginning of many renovations including re-shingle the church, repair the stained glass windows. On Oct. 7th, 2007 during our Thanksgiving Service we blessed the beautiful new doors, which had recently been installed.
In St. John's are many memorials that serve as lassting reminders of the founding families. Many decendents of the founding families are still active in the life of St. John's However the community, ministry and worship continues to evolve. The band "Just for Fun" has evolved from three founding members to an ecumencial group of many that plays regulary each month.
As in every church community there is a need for change and spiritual growth. The community continues to be evolving and St. John's is an integral part of the surrounding community. St. John's has successfully remained a "rural church" even though it sits on the outskirts of Charlottetown. The members of St. John's take pride in where they have come from, how they minister now and look forward to their continued ministry in the building up of the Kingdom of God. Christ is as at the heart of their ministries
- Leitha Vessey (Horne)