Parish Life
Our Churches & Community
St. James' in Lark Harbour and St. Ambrose in John's Beach serve the Bay of Islands Parish
Images of our churches, community life, and beautiful surroundings
St. James' in Lark Harbour and St. Ambrose in John's Beach serve the Bay of Islands Parish
When adversity arrives on our shores, our community responds with compassion
The MSC Baltic III aground at Cedar Cove, February 2025
On the morning of February 15th, 2025, the 207-metre container ship MSC Baltic III lost power in winds exceeding 120 km/h approximately 12 nautical miles off the Bay of Islands entrance. Unable to secure anchor, the vessel drifted ashore and came to rest at Cedar Cove, just moments from our community.
Thanks be to God, all 20 crew members were safely rescued by Cormorant helicopter through the heroic efforts of 103 and 413 Search and Rescue Squadrons. The vessel, however, with significant hull damage and 1.7 million litres of fuel aboard, required an extensive salvage operation.
It was then that our parish answered the call to serve—as Newfoundlanders have always done when neighbours are in need.
As Coast Guard personnel, environmental response teams, divers, and salvage crews arrived in our small community, they found few options for hot meals. Our parish volunteers opened the church kitchen and got to work.
Hot soup, fresh bread, and a proper Newfoundland feed when we could manage it. Nothing elaborate, but prepared with care and offered freely. That's the hospitality of the Bay of Islands—always has been, always will be.
This ministry of presence continues as the salvage operation stretches through the seasons. Volunteers are always welcome—there's room in the kitchen and work to be done.
Canadian Coast Guard crews coordinating the salvage operation
The ongoing salvage effort—a testament to the unpredictable power of the sea
"To reach out to the whole community in love, fellowship and caring"
— Our Parish Mission, lived out in service to our neighbours
For generations, our parish has served the families who make their living from the sea
The communities of Lark Harbour, York Harbour, Bottle Cove, and Little Port trace their origins to the early 19th century, when fishing families first settled along these shores. The harbours themselves bear the names of Royal Navy vessels from Captain Cook's 1764 survey—HMS Lark and HMS York.
For over 125 years, St. James' Church has stood at the heart of this community, witnessing the rhythms of outport life: the departure of boats in spring, the anxious watches during storms, and the thanksgiving when loved ones return safely home.
Bottle Cove harbour—where generations have launched their boats
Captain Cook Monument commemorating the 1764-1767 surveys
Before St. James' was built in 1898, the people of Lark Harbour walked to St. Ambrose Church in John's Beach for services. When they decided to build their own church, they did it together—contractor Michael Rourke raised the frame while the ladies held sales to buy the windows.
That spirit of community persists today. Whether preparing meals for salvage crews, gathering for fellowship suppers, or simply checking in on a neighbour, we continue the traditions of care and hospitality passed down through generations.
Whether joining us for worship or a community gathering, you are always welcome
Regular gatherings where we share a meal and good conversation. Everyone brings a dish and leaves with a full heart.
From the candlelit beauty of Christmas Eve to the joy of Easter morning, we mark the church year together as a parish family.
One of Western Newfoundland's most stunning coastal destinations
Stunning natural beauty just minutes from our church
Where the Blow Me Down Mountains meet the sea
Share your photos of our beautiful community with us!
