Heritage service returns to the BCP

St. Saviour's, Nelson invites the local community
to a special service

By Jonn Lavinnder

photo archives

Bishop F. Patrick Clark consecrated the Third Bishop of Kootenay on St. George’s Day 1948.

St. Saviour’s, Nelson, invited the local community to a special heritage service on Sunday, August 28 as a celebration of their summer heritage tours. The church committee asked the Rev. Marcella Mugford if she would officiate at an old time service using the Book of Common Prayer. There had not been a BCP service at the church since 2005. It was also considered to be a good opportunity to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible and be in the spirit of becoming a more inviting church.

The music director, Tobias Jenny, and the choir arranged special music singing many traditional hymns and old favorites, as well as leading a sung Eucharist by Marbecke.

The service was well advertised. A press release was sent out to the local newspapers, print and online, and the idea was very well received by the community, especially history buffs. The result was almost 100 percent more people attending than usual. There were at least 18 new people who came out of curiosity who usually do not go to church. There were also former parishioners who had stopped coming for one reason or another. Participation in the choir also increased the numbers.

It was agreed that this was a successful event and should be repeated. The next few weeks have a number of opportunities, such as an ecumenical service with the Lutherans and United churches at Lakeside park in Nelson. The focus of this service is to pray for peace recalling 9/11 and how that event has changed our world.