By Andrea Nicholl
St. John’s Anglican Church will  celebrate 100 years of faith and friendship in the Border City this weekend.
The church will hold its centennial celebrations in conjunction with Colonial Days to encourage residents to rejoice in the spirit of church and community.
“When the Barr colonists came to our community 100 years ago the church was the central place where people met, prayed, worshipped. It was a lot of things, it all centered around the church many years ago,” said Pat Skinner, parish administrator. “The church has always been here, it’s always open.”
The first Anglican Church was built in Lloydminster in 1904 by the Barr Colonists and its present building, which is being celebrated this year, was built in 1910.
A congregational meeting of the parishioners and plans for the new construction led to the church’s new design with ‘handsome’ Gothic edifice, seating for 300, a 50-foot tower and a fine commodious vesty, roomy chancel and sanctuary with Gothic arches. The design was  that of a comfortable, complete church, not too extravagant nor too modest.
On Aug. 25, 1910 the cement work was completed and the superstructure began. On Dec. 4, 1910 St. John’s Anglican Church officially opened and has remained at 4709 49 Avenue.
“It’s a great achievement,” Skinner said of the church’s longstanding history. “We continue to have a Christian presence in the community and we look forward to another 100 years in Lloydminster that will be carried on to the next generation.”
St. John’s will host an informal “Homecoming Barbecue” on Saturday from noon until 4 p.m., with centennial hats and cookbooks for sale. The church will  hold a service of Thanksgiving on Sunday morning at 10 a.m.  with a pot-luck lunch to follow.
“We just want to extend a welcome to everyone in the community to come by, visit and say hello,” said Skinner.
“Just come commemorate, remember and celebrate with us.”
For more information call 306-825-3116.