ABC (Art, Books, Cookies) Sale, June 11 at the Kirk
May 2022
This spring the Kirk is trying out a new fundraising idea – an ABC (Art, Books & Cookies) Sale. The event will take place in-person in the Kirk Hall at 35 Fitzroy Street on June 11, 2022 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.
Kirk Collaboration with Island Pregnancy Centre
May 2022
The Kirk is working with the Island Pregnancy Centre (IPC) this year on a new mission project to provide support and encouragement to new mothers who are either disadvantaged or lack robust social supports.
Frances McBurnie Receives Honourary Doctorate
May 2022
The Kirk’s organist and Music Director, Frances McBurnie, was awarded an Honourary Doctorate by the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) during convocation ceremonies on May 12, 2022.
Unmarked Graves at Residential Schools
July 2021
During the month of June, 2021, three horrific discoveries of unmarked graves near the sites of former Residential Schools have been announced. While all of the three schools were run by the Roman Catholic Church, Residential Schools were operated by a number of Christian denominations, including the Presbyterian Church in Canada. In this context, the following Joint Statement from the Current and Former Moderator Regarding Residential Schools was issued.
April 2021
On Sunday, April 25, 2021, the Kirk enjoyed its last scheduled choral selection from its Choral Scholars, a magnificent Anthem, “Hear my Prayer” by Mendelssohn. Following the selection, David Robinson, the Clerk of Session, thanked the Choral Scholars for their many contributions to Kirk life.
Our first (and hopefully last) Lobster-less Fundraiser
April 2021
As Mother’s Day approaches, friends of the Kirk usually turn their thoughts to the enjoyment of our traditional Lobster Plate Take-Out. Unfortunately, due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, we do not feel that we can successfully hold the Take-Out this year. Instead, this year we are holding a Lobster-less Fundraiser. UPDATED
Christmas Joy for Ibtisam and Haneen
December 2020
Three years ago the Kirk joined a number of other Island churches in sponsoring the Toma family of refugees from Iraq. Last year we learned that we could also sponsor Basma’s sister, Ibtisam Toma and her 17 year old daughter Haneen Alnas. After months of planning, the pair finally arrived in Prince Edward Island on December 10, 2020.
‘Liberation75’ Tulips Bloom at the Kirk
May 2020
A lovely display of salmon-orange tulips is currently enhancing the façade of the Kirk of St. James. The hundred tulips were planted last fall as part of a Royal Canadian Legion initiative to mark the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian and Allied forces on May 5, 1945.
Jocelyne Lloyd new Managing Editor of The Guardian
May 2020
Kirk Elder, Jocelyne Lloyd has been confirmed as the new Managing Editor of The Guardian, our Island newspaper.
Bell Tolls for Nova Scotia Shooting Victims
April 2020
On Friday, April 24, 2020 at six p.m., the Kirk’s bell will toll in remembrance of the victims of the deadly shooting rampage that took place in Nova Scotia’s Colchester County this past weekend.
‘Liberation75’ Tulips Planted at Kirk
November 2019
the Liberation 75 tulip is being planted across Canada this autumn, to bloom in the spring of 2020, to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by Canadian and Allied troops in 1945.
August 2019
During worship on August 18, David Hooley, Chair of the Kirk’s Renewing HOPE Capital Campaign, was able to announce a significant milestone in the fundraising effort.
Winsloe Soccer Pitch named Tom Wallis Field
August 2019
On July 13, 2019 one of the large soccer pitches at the Winsloe Soccer Complex was formally named the Tom Wallis Field. Tom was a valued member of the Kirk congregation, before he passed away in December 2017.
Daphne Dumont receives the Law Society of PEI Distinguished Community Service Award
June 2019
Kirk Elder Daphne Dumont has been named the 2019 recipient of the Law Society of PEI Distinguished Community Service Award for her many good works over the years.
Problematic music video “O Lord” shot at Kirk
May 2019
On May 25, Island rap singer Greg MacDonald, aka “Problematic,” shot a music video for his new single “O Lord” in the Sanctuary of the Kirk of St. James.
Lobster Plate Take-Out at the Kirk
May 2019
On Sunday, May 12, 2019, Mother’s Day, the Kirk of St. James will again be hosting it’s annual Lobster Plate Take-Out fundraiser.
Invitation from the Rainbow Communion
April 2019
Rainbow Communion is mandated by the 2017 General Assembly to host safe and respectful Listening Spaces across the country. All who wish to share stories of harm done to them within and by the church because of homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism &/or hypocrisy, as well as experiences of God’s grace in ministry amidst those challenges are invited to share.
Nakhleh Family Safe in Charlottetown
March 2019
The Nakhleh family of Syrian refugees are finally safely settled into their new home in Charlottetown, PE. They arrived after a two day journey from Beirut, Lebanon, landing on Friday morning, March 1, 2019.
Kirk Introduces New Interim Minister
February 2019
The Rev. Dr. Kay Diviney will be temporarily leading the congregation of the Kirk of St. James, between February 1 and August 31, 2019. She is providing maternity leave coverage for Rev. Amanda Henderson-Bolton.
Rev. Amanda’s Baby Boy Arrives
January 2019
On January 22, her firstborn son was born! He arrived almost three weeks early, taking Rev. Amanda and the Kirk family by surprise.
Kirk launches “Renewing Hope” Capital Campaign
January 2019
On January 6, 2019, the Kirk of St. James launched its “Renewing Hope” capital campaign. The campaign will raise the funds needed to update and repair the Kirk’s facilities.
Don MacKenzie appointed Queen’s Counsel
December 2018
Don MacKenzie, a Kirk Elder, has received the highly prestigious appointment as a Queen’s Counsel.
December 2018
The Advent season commenced in joyous fashion at the Kirk, with the lighting of the first candle on our Advent wreath, a baptism, the reception of five new members, and our Advent communion service.
Bells of Peace to Ring November 11
November 2018
To mark the hundredth anniversary of the signing of the First World War armistice on November 11, 1918, the Kirk and all Charlottetown places of worship that are fitted with bells, will ring them 100 times at sunset, 4:44 pm.
Kirk to Launch Million Dollar Capital Campaign
September 2018
At a Special Congregational Meeting held on September 23, the congregation of the Kirk of St. James unanimously voted to undertake a $1.0 million major capital campaign to restore and improve the church building.
Rev. Amanda New Moderator of the Presbytery of PEI
September 2018
During its annual meeting Rev. Amanda Henderson-Bolton was inducted as the new Moderator of the Presbytery of Prince Edward Island.
August 2018
The 2018 Dr. Eric Green Lecture, will be presented by the Rev. Dr. Peter Denton on Friday, September 28, 2018 at the University of Prince Edward Island.
August 2018
A group of talented quilters have hand-made a beautiful 80” x 86” quilt for the purpose of raising funds for the Kirk of St. James.
Kirk Youth a Suzanne Brenton Award winner
June 2018
The Kirk would like to congratulate Judy Yun on winning the Suzanne Brenton Award at the 2018 Kiwanis PEI Music Festival.
The Kirk’s Faith in Action Weekend
June 2018
On Saturday, June 9, the Kirk of St. James held its annual Faith-in-Action slate of activities in support of local mission and outreach.
New Accessible Pew at the Kirk
May 2018
As part of our ongoing efforts to make the Kirk more accessible, suitable seating area for those in wheelchairs or using walkers has been provided.
Jim Macnutt wins national award for book
April 2018
Kirk Elder Jim Macnutt has won the Canadian Museums Association’s 2018 Award of Outstanding Achievement for his 2017 book, Historic Furniture of Prince Edward Island.
Kirk Choral Scholars in National Youth Choir
April 2018
The Kirk’s four Choral scholars, Tara Llewellyn, Melissa Lewis, Ian Soloman and Gaige Waugh, have all been selected to join the National Youth Choir for 2018.
Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley becomes Kirk tenant
April 2018
Kirk member Katherine Burnett has moved the back-room part of her successful tea business, Lady Baker’s Tea Trolley, into facilities in the Kirk’s basement.
The Royal Commonwealth Society 2018 Observances
March 2018
On Monday, March 12, 2018 the PEI Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society held its Commonwealth Day observance at the Kirk of St. James, celebrating the theme “Towards a Common Future.”
Pamela Stewart completes term as Action Clerk of Session
March 2018
During the Kirk’s Annual General Meeting on March 4, 2018, Kirk Elder Pamela Stewart completed six years as an active Elder and better than four years as the Action Clerk of Session.
Letter of Repentance to the LGBTQI Community
February 2018
Rev. Peter Bush, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, issued an historic letter of repentance to members of the LGBTQI community.
Raymond Moore inducted into PEI Rugby Union Hall of Fame
January 2018
Long time Kirk choir member and Elder Raymond Moore has been named to the initial class of inductees into the PEI Rugby Union’s Hall of Fame.
January 2018
Kirk Elder Jim Macnutt has published a new book, his first novel, Entitled On Five Dollars a Day: An Innocent Abroad in Europe 1965.
Kirk Members receive Senate of Canada 150th Medals
November 2017
Two members of the Kirk family have been honoured by the Senate of Canada for their volunteer work in the community.