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St. David’s Church is
situated in the centre of St. John's, Newfoundland, on Elizabeth Avenue.
Memorial University and University residences, and the College of the
North Atlantic, are a ten to fifteen minute walk away. Here's a map. The congregation was founded in 1775 and is the second oldest in St. John’s. Sixth and seventh generation members of the families who had served the congregation for almost all of 200 years took part in the bicentennial services. These families continue their strong representation in the congregation. Known originally as the Dissenting Church of Christ, the congregation later became part of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. In 1938 it was received into the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The move to the present church, its fifth building, was made in 1959. Today, the composition of the congregation demonstrates great diversity. It includes many people who have moved to St. John's from other parts of Canada and the world, who come from a variety of denominations, and who find in St. David's an "extended family" for those who are separated by distance from their own families. Many members of the congregation are here on assignments of varying duration, and to that extent are transient. The congregation is also blessed with a solid core of permanent members who provide a firm base of continuity in the life of the congregation. This combination of permanency and constantly regenerating "new blood" makes St. David's very much alive and dynamic. OUR FOCUS The congregation sets great store on several facets of church life. Its primary focus is, of course, on worship life, and accordingly the congregation very much appreciates a focused delivery of the message from the pulpit each Sunday. The congregation looks for a clear interpretation of the word of God, and applicability to the everyday life of the congregation. As well, the congregation likes to see young, and occasionally not so young, people electing to become full communicant members of the congregation through profession of faith. The Bible Study Group provides an opportunity for enhancing a deeper understanding of our faith. The Choir is a regular and very supportive part of our worship. Christian education is a very important part of the life of St. David's. We have always been pleased both with the numbers of our young people attending Church School, and with the quality of the teachers who offer their skills to the School. We are hopeful that this will continue unabated into the future and reflect the success of the past. Occasional special studies are arranged for general participation of the congregation. Pastoral care is of paramount concern to St. David's, and the congregation puts much store in this. The Minister provides care through visits to the sick and shut-ins, in hospital and at home, and through comfort to families in time of trouble, anxiety or bereavement. The congregation welcomes routine home visits by the Minister. The elders and members of the Atlantic Mission Society (AMS) are also active in visiting. The congregation values good administration and stewardship of its financial resources and in the upkeep of church facilities. St. David's has always been blessed with good management in this area, and this continues today with primary responsibility resting with the Board of Managers. The congregation is receptive to the idea of mission and is sensitive to community and world needs. The main thrust in this area is delivered through the AMS. In our 1997 "Vision in Mission" analysis identified strengths such as:
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All content copyright St. David's Web Committee and
Newsletter Committee.
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