Turing Platinum: The Little Church in the woods celebrates 70!

The little church in the woods is 70 years old. 

Pomp and pageantry on display on Sunday April 17th, at St. Anselm’s Anglican Church, Vancouver, as members of the community came together to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the parish. A special anthem from our choir and festive brass music added to this amazing event.

Yes, it has been 70 years since that “little church in the wood” first opened its doors at the current location on the University Endowment Land.  

The vision and mission of the founding members was to create a space where all are welcomed irrespective of our physical differences and orientation. That is exactly what St. Anselm’s offers its immediate community even 70 years later. 

The platinum jubilee celebration began with parishioners, both old and new, from far and near all arriving on time for the event. The Vicar presented the parish with a canterbury cross, which was blessed on the tomb of St. Anselm Canterbury, during his pilgrimage in June 2022. During his pilgrimage, Vicar Alex took the prayers of the parish with him to leave on the tomb of our patron.

The cross is a reminder of our identity as Anglicans and the bonds of affection we share as the worldwide anglican family which reaches across every part of this planet. It is arms we encounter the beautiful tension of family, redeemed by the saving sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

The theme for the 70th celebration was "Coming home to look forward" with every aspect of the event telling a story. 

At the entrance of the church were tables arranged orderly and displaying archival pictures from various times in the parish’s history.  

Some of the pictures included weddings, birthdays, baptisms, and dedications. They also had pictures of some of the past priests who once served the parish, and some couples who were married here also brought photos of their happy day. We also enjoyed an audio-visual presentation providing an immersive experience looking back through the decades.   

The special guest was our Bishop John Stephens, as preacher and presider, and Deacon Revd. Martin Seedhouse.  

The service began with the bishop inviting the kids to the altar for a talk before celebrating the eucharist. The choir presented a special number to the congregation.  

After the service, everyone was treated to a buffet of assorted finger foods, with coffee or tea. 

Bishop John's Sermon

Interview With Bishop John