St Stephen’s Heritage Church Website

St Stephen’s Anglican ChurchThis old St Stephen’s website is the new home for the history of St Stephen’s Church since its first service on June 3rd, 1862 and up to its recent merger with St Mary’s Church to form The Parish of Central Saanich.

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. ~  Kierkegaard

For the link to the new Parish of Central Saanich website which has all the current information about St Stephen’s and St Mary’s please click here.

On February 11, 1862 William Thomson deeded five acres of his land to the Right Reverend George Hills, Bishop of British Columbia, for the purpose of building a church and a school. On June 3rd of the same year, the church held its dedication and first service.

In 1984 the church was designated a Heritage Building by the District of Central Saanich.

Caleb Pike / Duncan Lidgate / William Thomson circa 1856

Following is a photo and a paragraph excerpt from The History of the Pike Family which is located at http://www.surreyhistory.ca/pikefamily.html

St Stephens Historic Church

(click photo to enlarge)

 

This is the historic St. Stephens Church in Saanichton.

The Lidgate and Thompson families were well known in the Saanichton area as they also played a part in the creation of the St. Stephen Church which is said to be the oldest church in B.C. and where most of Duncan Lidgate’s family is buried with the exception of his daughter Elizabeth.

Churches take grapes from vine to chalice ~ April 2007

“St. Stephen’s church in Victoria, diocese of British Columbia, overlooks Mount Newton Valley and has had a working vineyard on the church property since 1996″, said sexton David Scarth, one of the three founders of the vineyard.

Burl Deatherage, one of three founders of the vineyard at St. Stephen’s church, Victoria, tends to some cabernet sauvignon grapes ready for harvest. At right is a label from the church’s special 2006 vintage.

Burl Deatherage, one of the three founders of the vineyard at St. Stephen’s church, Victoria, tends to some cabernet sauvignon grapes ready for harvest. At right is a label from the church’s special 2006 vintage.

When you buy a bottle of wine for the table, you probably care about its origin. You might want California chardonnay, Australian shiraz or riesling from Ontario or British Columbia. But when you kneel at the altar rail and sip communion wine, do you know where it comes from?

Read more →

Volunteer of the Month ~ April 2008

Sandy Ormiston locking up for the night.Sandy O. at St. Stephen’s Church in Saanichton, off Mt. Newton X Road has been opening and closing the Church every day for over 25 years.

Apparently there was some trouble with young people going into the church and using it to party.

Vestry wished to close the Church during the week, but Sandy felt very strongly that Churches should be kept open during the week for prayer if needed.

The Rector at the time said that if Sandy felt so strongly that he should open and close it himself.

The Rector thought that Sandy’s view would weaken after a week, but over two and half decades later, Sandy is still going down to the Church each morning and every evening, to unlock and lock the church.

And, when you visit, Sandy is able to give you an amazing historical and colourful account of not only the church but the cemetery as well which is one of the most beautiful and peaceful cemeteries around.

Thank you Sandy!! Your dedication & devotion are greatly appreciated!!!

The Diocesan Post, April, 2008

 

St Stephen’s Special Event ~ Sept 2009

st_stephens_anglican_church_frontThe Bishop’s Gospel Choir of British Columbia at St Stephen’s Anglican Church.

Join us in the Church on

Sunday September 20th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

The Bishop’s Gospel Choir is 40 member, mixed voice, choir (with children) drawn from Anglican congregations across the Greater Victoria area. The Choir sits within the congregation, during the service, to provide singing support.

For more information, please click here

 

Vacation Bible Study for Preschoolers ~ July 2010

vacation-bible-school

St. Stephen’s Church is pleased to have been chosen as the location for a Vacation Bible Study for Preschoolers.

Look forward to learning about God with Veggie Tale themes and characters.

Lessons will include Bible heroes and focus on God’s plan for us through Love and Forgiveness.

Join Katherine and Chantal for this fun filled veggie-adventure featuring bible stories, crafts, Veggie-Tale skits, videos, games, musical activities and fun with musical instruments.

Veggie Tales – This Little Light Of Mine.mp3

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

here-i-am-worship-veggietales

Registration & Information:

call Katherine at 250-744-5056 or

Chantal at 250-652-1038 or

e-mail afcarlso@shaw.ca.

DATES: JULY 13 – 14 – 15

TIME: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

 

** Please bring a sandwich & water bottle. Lots of veggies, fruits and snacks provided.

Queen’s Jubilee Medal at St Stephen’s Church ~ March 2012

Norma Sealey Honoured

On Friday, March 16, 2012, along with other members of the Order of Canada, St Stephen’s Norma Sealey received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, presented by the Lieutenant Governor on behalf of the Governor General.

Lieutenant Governor presents Order of Canada recipients
with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Read more →