Drop a pebble into a calm pond and watch what happens. Ripples drift out from the point of entry to all areas of the pond. When events happen in the life of a congregation they too have a rippling effect - sometimes for generations to come. In this post, as we continue to reflect on the who are we question, we’re going to look at some of the ripples that are the result of historical circumstances at St Paul’s.
For better and for worse events that have happened in our history continue to give shape to who we are today.
Gospel generosity
One of the more beautiful threads we can trace throughout the history of St Paul’s is that of gospel generosity. In the 1850’s Canterbury local Sophia Ives Campbell donated a large portion of land and nearly 2000 pounds to build the Edmund Blacket designed Church building. Not only that she also had the foresight to set up a fund to ensure future rectors would have their stipend paid for years to come.
At other times people left bequests to the congregation which enabled much needed repairs to the property to be done. In the 2000’s a large bequest was received, part of which went into developing the main hall so that in future years it would be able to meet the needs of a growing congregation.
Over the last 3 years we have again benefited from the gospel generosity of other Christians. New partnerships have been established with other parishes and individuals. Financially, this has enabled us to put on a F/T senior minister for the first time in nearly 15 years, and a F/T assistant minister. We also received a 2 year grant to fund a 2 day-a-week children’s minister. From next year we will receive a significant grant which enables us to employ a F/T kids and youth minister.
Relational breakdown
Ponds are not always peaceful and calm. One of the threads that has run through our history is that of relational breakdown. During the time of the second rector, Rev. James Carter there were a series of relational breakdowns between himself and the congregation. At one point he had been given leave for 3 1/2 years from the bishop but still would insist on being involved in services. During Carter’s time at St Paul’s tension arose between the parish and the broader diocese. Carter, and others, felt as though the parish was being squeezed out as other Anglican parishes were formed in nearby areas.
In more recent years further tension was evident during a trialing period with an exceptionally long gap between rectors. As one long-term member of St Paul’s commented ‘it felt like we were forgotten about and that people were resigned to the fact that St Paul’s would die.’
Lack of sustained evangelical ministry
For much of St Paul’s history the church was shaped by a middle-to-high form of Anglican worship. Not always, but at times, this particular expression of Anglicanism, with its high value on the worship experience often neglected an outward concern expressed in mission. What we’ll see in the next post is that one of the classic hallmarks of evangelical Anglican churches is a high value placed on conversion.
When you trace the threads of St Paul’s history it becomes clear that evangelism (one of the hallmarks of evangelicalism) happened, but in fits and bursts. Incredibly rarely in the history of St Paul’s was this a focus from one rector to the next.
In the late 20’s and early 30’s there was a small window where 2 evangelical rectors followed one another. But for most of St Paul’s history this wasn’t the case.
It’s fair to say that its only since 2009 that there has been a sustained focus on evangelism and discipleship. It was during Campbell King’s time (2009-2015) that St Paul’s moved away from its middle-high Anglican form of worship. The fruit of that period is still obvious as a number of our current congregation members were personally led to Christ by Campbell King.
Resilience
In light of the many and recurring challenges St Paul’s has faced you can see that there’s a kind of resilience about this place. As one long-term parishoner described to me once ‘this is the church that cannot die.’ Of course this is more than sheer resilience.
The congregation is a living, breathing reminder that God will keep his promises and grow his church. As Jesus promised Peter: ‘I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it’ (Matthew 16.18).
In the next post we’ll look at how Anglicanism has shaped our identity