On the evening of June 1 a Service of Deconsecration took place for the Parish of St. John’s Anglican Church, Hedley. The small historic church has recently been sold to Angelique Wood, a Hedley resident since 2005.
The service was conducted by the Most Reverend John E. Privett, Bishop of Kootenay and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of B.C. and Yukon, and the Bishop of Kootenay and Canon Dr. Randall Fairey, Executive Officer of the Diocese of Kootenay, having travelled from Kelowna. Approximately 12 people were in attendance, some sharing memories of the old church and the new owner sharing thoughts and hopes for what it may become in the future.
St. John’s Church is a Hedley heritage building. It was dedicated and consecrated in May of 1918 and its last service was held in 1968. The old church has not been used as a place of worship for many years. It was opened for a time in the 1990’s as a thrift shop but otherwise has remained unused.
Secularizing the consecrated building was a bittersweet moment for the Bishop and Canon, in that they would rather open ministries than close them. However, they are pleased and have faith that the old church will be cared for in a respectful and loving manner. It is Angelique’s intension that the building and garden will function as a meaningful and creative gathering space, a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Hedley.
Contributed by Rebecca Murbach