The Parish of St Lawrence
Portugal Cove NL
A1M 2N2
Who we are
St. Bartholomew’s 1833-1854. St. Peter’s 1854-1920. St. Lawrence 1920-2000. St. Lawrence 2000 -present. Our new St. Lawrence Church is the fourth home for our Anglican congregation in Portugal Cove. Although a new building, it is a unique building rich with history.
St. Lawrence School had been a familiar landmark in Portugal Cove for over 50 years. The school was built by the people of the parish in the mid 1940’s and housed the Anglican children until 1969 when it was taken over by the Avalon Consolidated School Board. At that time an auditorium/gymnasium was added to the school. This new complex very quickly became the centre of activities for a number of community groups and church sponsored groups.
St. Lawrence Parish bought back the building in late 1993 after the new Beachy Cove School was open. Since then the auditorium/gymnasium has been used as a Parish Hall/Community Centre. Still attached to building, however, was the main classroom section of the old school. A decision was made by St. Lawrence Congregation to build a new church where the classrooms had been, and upon inspection it was found that the foundation and materials in the old building were very well preserved and most of it could be re-used.
In December 1998, work began on dismantling the old building and storing the good materials so they could be used when work began on the new building. This recycling project was funded by a FRAM grant from HRDC. Led by a very dedicated Building Committee and with financial help from HRDC grants and volunteer expertise and labour from parishioners, in two years our building was complete.
The old St. Lawrence Church was deconsecrated on 2nd October 2000 and for a few weeks services were held in the gymnasium. During this time, the furnishings, the stained glass window and anything from the old building that could be used was transferred and installed in the new building. The first service in our new church was held on 17 December 2000 and the new St. Lawrence church was officially opened on 14th January 2001.
Many of our parishioners were educated in the original building and where once the school bell summoned the children to class, now the church bell summons us to worship.
St. Lawrence School had been a familiar landmark in Portugal Cove for over 50 years. The school was built by the people of the parish in the mid 1940’s and housed the Anglican children until 1969 when it was taken over by the Avalon Consolidated School Board. At that time an auditorium/gymnasium was added to the school. This new complex very quickly became the centre of activities for a number of community groups and church sponsored groups.
St. Lawrence Parish bought back the building in late 1993 after the new Beachy Cove School was open. Since then the auditorium/gymnasium has been used as a Parish Hall/Community Centre. Still attached to building, however, was the main classroom section of the old school. A decision was made by St. Lawrence Congregation to build a new church where the classrooms had been, and upon inspection it was found that the foundation and materials in the old building were very well preserved and most of it could be re-used.
The old St. Lawrence Church was deconsecrated on 2nd October 2000 and for a few weeks services were held in the gymnasium. During this time, the furnishings, the stained glass window and anything from the old building that could be used was transferred and installed in the new building. The first service in our new church was held on 17 December 2000 and the new St. Lawrence church was officially opened on 14th January 2001.
Many of our parishioners were educated in the original building and where once the school bell summoned the children to class, now the church bell summons us to worship.
Church Website
The Parish of St Lawrence on Social Media
The Parish of St Lawrence YouTube Video
Leadership
Leader Name:
The Rev'd Gary Parsons
Leader Position:
Rector
Phone:
Fax:
709 895 6303
Leader Email:
Click here to contact The Rev\'d Gary Parsons
Other Church Leaders:
Deacon :The Rev’d Hammond
Honorary Assistant :The Rev’d William Ranson
Honorary Assistant :The Rev’d William Ranson
Administration
Admin Name:
Anita Critch
Admin Position:
Secretary
Phone:
Fax:
709 895 6303
Admin Email:
Click here to contact Anita Critch
The Parish of St Lawrence Service Times
Schedule of Services
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion - Book of Common Prayer
11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Family Worship - Book of Alternative Services
It's been more than 9 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion - Book of Common Prayer
11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist / Family Worship - Book of Alternative Services
It's been more than 9 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
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Additional Info:
Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (or by appointment)
Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (or by appointment)
The Parish of St Lawrence History
Listen, my friend!
Listen, my friend! Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness.
The Parish of St Lawrence listing was last updated on the 1st of October, 2014
