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Twenty years ago, parishioners realized that the existing facility was inadequate for their needs. The sanctuary, built less than 20 years prior, was large enough, but the supporting infrastructure – the hall, the kitchen, the meeting rooms, etc. – did not provide the necessary space to accommodate current and future activities. Accordingly, the parish began a multi-year program of consultation, fundraising and planning to prepare the way for a building expansion on vacant church-owned land. The expansion included a large auditorium complete with stage, commercial kitchen, meeting rooms, atrium and a connecting corridor to the existing building. In addition, the upper floor of the old building (the original sanctuary then functioning as the parish hall) was completely renovated to provide much-needed administrative offices. The expansion offers space for both church and community groups to meet. The building also hosts a childcare facility that provides a much-needed service to the local Stouffville community, as well as generating revenue for the parish.

At the celebratory luncheon on Jan. 11, I gave a brief history of the building project and loan, the rector’s warden, Cynthia Paulikot, and the people’s warden, Wayne Kerr, shredded the mortgage (a true burning wasn’t possible since the event was held indoors), the Rev. Canon Lisa Newland, incumbent, offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God, and the doxology, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” was sung. Thanks were also given to Linda Hadaway for organizing the luncheon. For the first time in decades, Christ Church, Stouffville is now debt free! We look forward to the new ministry possibilities God is calling us to as we begin this next chapter.

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Hosted by St. Peter’s and supported by local partners, the fair featured over 25 vendors and organizations offering information, resources and encouragement for caregivers of all kinds, from those supporting aging parents to individuals caring for loved ones with chronic illness or disability.

The event provided an opportunity for visitors to learn about local health and wellness services, home care supports, respite options and programs designed to strengthen the well-being of caregivers. Tables were filled with helpful materials and friendly representatives eager to share their expertise and compassion.

Beyond the information booths, the atmosphere was one of warmth, gratitude and community spirit. Volunteers from St. Peter’s welcomed attendees, offered refreshments and created a safe, inclusive space for conversation and rest. Many guests commented on how uplifting it was simply to connect with others who understand the unique joys and challenges of caregiving.

Organizers called the fair “a wonderful success” and expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make it possible – vendors, volunteers and attendees alike. “Caregivers are the quiet heroes in our community,” said one organizer. “Today was about giving them a moment to feel seen, supported and appreciated.”

This was certainly a response to the diocese’s call of “inspiring faith in action” and a demonstration to the broader community that the church does indeed care for all.

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In 1984, it was decided that St. James, Humber Bay (before its amalgamation with Christ Church, Mimico) should have its own library, with the idea that it could help the spiritual growth and knowledge of the congregation. With fewer than 50 books and a space shared with the coat closet, this little library was born.

Over the years it continued to grow, with many congregants joining the library committee to help select, purchase and process new books for the collection. With new technology came new items for the library, such as cassettes and VHS tapes, which gradually transitioned to CDs and DVDs.

In 2010, the amalgamation of St. James, Humber Bay and Christ Church, Mimico was finalized, becoming Christ Church St. James – or CCSJ, as it’s nicknamed. With this new parish came the need for new space, and a renovation project to update the building started. This meant the library (now at 2,000 items) had to be packed away and stored in the basement of the rectory next door. This proved challenging, as the team discovered one spring that the basement was at risk of flooding. The boxes of books had to be stacked on top of crates, and dehumidifiers were placed inside to prevent damage to the books.

The building renovation was completed three years later, and the library was moved into its new home. The new library came with taller shelves, new lighting and a beautiful decorative ceiling made using pipe organs salvaged from Christ Church, Mimico after a devasting fire. The library also got an upgrade in technology, as the committee got its first library computer system, which allowed its members to digitize records and say goodbye to the old card catalogue system that had served them well for so many years.

Now, after 41 years, the Christ Church St. James library continues its mission of providing access to all who want to learn more about the Christian faith. The library committee’s hard work and love of Christian literature shines as an example of how vital church libraries are to the Christian community as a place to learn, socialize and understand the love of God.

Submitted by Christ Church St. James.

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