History tells only one part of our story.  We are here - still dreaming - still faithful. 

History of one Parish and its four buildings.
(1821- 1823;  1824 - 1875;  1875 - 1912;  1912 - Today)

​St. John’s Woodhouse was originally erected in 1821. It was the first Anglican Church to be built in the area, after plans to build the first church in Vittoria fell through. (In 1844, Christ Church, Vittoria was built. Now a chapel-of-ease, Christ Church is still standing.)
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Joseph Culver donated the land where the current church and cemetery now sit for a humble log cabin church. However, this cabin burnt after two years.

A new, more elaborate church, complete with steeple and belfry, was erected in 1824. This church served Anglicans until 1874, when it, too, burned. A third church, made of brick, was completed in 1875. It, too, burned in 1912. Shortly thereafter, the current church was built, and opened December 14th, 1913.

First Minister 

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The first resident minister, Francis Evans, came to St. Johns with his family in 1828.  The stipend received by Mr. Evans was insufficient to support himself and his family, being only £40 annually ($6200 CAD). The parsonage was converted into a boarding house and a select school. His ministry included establishing 14 Anglican churches in the area.
Mr. Evans served the church for 30 years. One of the Evanses 12 children, Reverend William Evans, became rector of St. John’s, Woodhouse.
The original Church, constructed of wood and completed in 1824. Burned in 1875.
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Fire of 1912

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​In Spring 1912, the church building caught fire. The fire started from embers from a burning barn down the road. Watchers noticed that the church had also caught fire. While the flames blazed,  some of the interior furnishings and items were rescued. Some of these items are on display in the church.

After much fundraising and support from the community, a new church building was erected in the same place as the one that stood before. 

Plans were in place to purchase land from a Mr. Wilson to build a proper rectory in Spring 1912, but the church fire postponed these plans. The Rectory was completed in 1916. It is no longer used as a Rectory, but as a rental. 

​Church after the fire.
Most of the walls were salvaged to erect the present-day church
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Parish Hall

The most significant development in the social history of the church was the opening of the Parish Hall in 1924. After the fire in 1912, construction of the church started immediately, with the rectory to follow. By 1920, there was much growth in the church, the rectory had been paid off, and a hall was needed. The Parish Hall was originally a cheese factory in Renton. In 1924, the congregation bought the building, dismantled it, and moved it to its current location.

Social life centered around people from the neighbourhood. Garden parties, church suppers, picnics, Christmas pageants, youth dances, movie nights, card parties, sewing bees, paper recycling, community outreach, yoga, yard sales etc., have only been some of the activities which have been held at St. John's, Woodhouse for over 200 years.

​St. John’s Church is meant to be a hub for social gatherings. We are dreaming big! 





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​ Church Suppers 

The Women’s Auxiliary, and the Ladies’ Guild (the Anglican Church Women - no longer active here)  were usually involved with planning the social events at the church. Many hours of preparation and hard work was required before any church supper.
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For well over 100 years, the parish of St. John’s, Woodhouse have  prepared large, delicious, and locally sourced meals with precision.