About Us | Bay of Islands Anglican Parish

Our Story

A History of Faith

Before the people of Lark Harbour had their own church, they attended services at St. Ambrose Church in John's Beach. In June 1895, work on the new church began when Mr. Michael Rourke, a contractor from the Bay of Islands, started putting up the framing. As soon as fishing season was over that year, the parishioners went after boards and shingles.

Rev. A.C. Waghorne visited the parish in October 1895 and helped the ladies set up a committee for fund raising. The ladies started a sewing class and on New Year's Day held their first church sale—proceeds went toward the purchase of windows for the new church. By hard work and determination, the people of Lark Harbour finished their church and in 1898 it was consecrated by Bishop Jones.

The first baptism in the new church was that of Edith Park on February 1, 1898, and one of the first marriages was Jonathan Sheppard and Lena Seymour on October 22, 1898. The original St. James' Church was located at the lower end of Lark Harbour where the present-day cemetery lies. The current church was built in 1962 at the intersection of Lark Harbour Road and the road to Bottle Cove.

Captain Cook Monument - commemorating Cook's survey of the Bay of Islands 1764-1767

Captain Cook Monument - commemorating the 1764-1767 survey

Timeline

Our Community's Heritage

1764

Cook's Survey

Captain James Cook surveys the Bay of Islands. The harbour is named after HMS Lark, a vessel of the Royal Navy squadron that patrolled these waters.

1895

St. James' Construction Begins

Work begins in June with contractor Michael Rourke. Rev. A.C. Waghorne visits in October and helps the ladies organize fundraising—their New Year's Day sale raised money for the windows.

1898

Church Consecrated

St. James' is consecrated by Bishop Jones. The first baptism was Edith Park on Feb. 1, 1898. One of the first marriages was Jonathan Sheppard and Lena Seymour on Oct. 22, 1898.

1962

Present Church Built

The current St. James' Church is built at the intersection of Lark Harbour Road and the road to Bottle Cove. The original church site at the lower end of Lark Harbour is now the cemetery.

1983

Parish Restructured

Curling becomes a separate parish. The Parish of Bay of Islands now includes the communities from Halfway Point to Lark Harbour.

1998

100th Anniversary

St. James' celebrates its 100th anniversary on February 1, 1998 with special celebrations marking the occasion.

Today

Continuing the Mission

St. James' and St. Ambrose continue to serve the Bay of Islands Parish under the care of Rev. Effie Organ, providing worship, fellowship, and community support.

Our Clergy

Incumbents of the Parish

The clergy who have served the Mission/Parish of the Bay of Islands

Rev. U.Z. Rule

1865–1872

Rev. E. Botwood

1873

Rev. J.J. Curling

1873–1889

Rev. J.G. Norman

1886–1887

Rev. F.W. Colley

1887–1891

Rev. A. Currie

1891–1895

Rev. A.C. Waghorne

1895–1898

Rev. H.G. Pegg

1899–1903

Rev. H. Petley

1903–1933

Rev. G.S. Templeton

1934–1949

Rev. W. Wells

1949–1963

Rev. J. Reid

1963–1970

Rev. A.W. Churchill

1970–1978

Rev. L. Collett

1978–1983

Rev. K. Turnbull

1983–1986

Rev. Richard Thompson

1986–1990

Rev. Canon Joyce Payne

1991–2012

Rev. Dave Taylor

2012–2013

Rev. Effie Organ

2013–Present

Sources: The Diocesan Magazine, The Newfoundland Churchmen, Parish of Bay of Islands History

Our Values

What We Believe

Grounded in the Anglican tradition, we hold these values at the heart of our community.

Scripture

The Holy Bible as the foundation of our faith and practice.

Community

Building relationships and supporting one another in faith.

Welcome

Open doors and open hearts to all who seek Christ.

Service

Reaching out to serve our community with Christ's love.

Bay of Islands Parish

Our Parish Family

St. James' is part of the Bay of Islands Parish, serving multiple communities.

St. James' Church

Location: Lark Harbour / York Harbour

Our primary worship location, nestled in the beautiful town of Lark Harbour overlooking the Bay of Islands.

St. Ambrose Church

Location: John's Beach / Benoit's Cove / Frenchman's Cove

Our sister church serving the communities along the southern shore of the Humber Arm.

Part of the Anglican Diocese of Western Newfoundland

Visit Diocese Website

About Our Church

Rooted in Faith, Growing in Love