Worship Times
In Person: Sundays – BCP 8:00am; BAS Sung Service 10:00am followed by Coffee Hour
Online: Sunday Devotions (9am), Music Mondays, Tuesday Talks, Worship Wednesdays, Funny Fridays
About St John’s
St. John’s Anglican Church is the oldest surviving church building in Port Dalhousie. Founded in 1834, its history is deeply woven into the story of the village and the Welland Canal. Rich in tradition, the church continues to serve the community through worship, outreach, and fellowship.
Designed by renowned architect James Langley and built in 1868, St. John’s remains a place of reverence, peace, and connection — a sanctuary for generations past and present.
OUR SERVICES
Church With History and Heart
St. John’s is the former village of Port Dalhousie’s oldest surviving church building whose history is intricately woven into the story of the former lakeside village.
The founding of the parish dates back to 1834, only a few years after the opening of the First Welland Canal and the establishment of the village of Port Dalhousie. The first church was called St. James, a wooden structure built in 1841 where St. John’s cemetery is today. This wooden structure was later shipped down the Welland Canal to become St. James Merritton.
With the opening of the Second Welland Canal in the 1840s and the resulting growth of the community, a new church was planned in the heart of the village. Designed by foremost Canadian church architect James Langley, the new church was built in 1868 — a grand building for a village of just 1,500 people.
St. John’s has retained its historical appearance and ambience of reverence and peace. Dark stained woodwork, memorial furnishings, and works of craftsmanship offer glimpses into the past, reinforcing the church’s enduring connection to its history. Many descendants of past parishioners continue to worship here today.
Notable features include stained glass windows bearing a large anchor — a fitting symbol for a maritime community — a memorial window for a soldier lost in the First World War, a marble memorial to a lake captain lost in a famous shipwreck, and an alabaster font carried by the parish’s first missionary in the 1830s.
A church hall was added in 1912, hosting performances for generations, and a modern accessible addition was completed in 2003. Rich in tradition yet always looking forward, St. John’s continues to serve the community through worship, outreach, and fellowship.
WORSHIP
One of the defining characteristics of the church is that we worship together. We come as individuals, many of whom are different than ourselves.
OUTREACH
We are committed to making a difference in the world — meeting a need wherever one exists. St. John’s maintains special ministries and holds regular events in support of this.
BIBLICAL
Words from the Bible — a sacred book of theological writings and stories from the history of our faith — are read in all services, by a variety of people.
Congratulations to Linda Youse on Receiving the Order of Niagara
A Life of Service, Faith, and Community
Linda is a powerful force at St. John’s. A life-long member of the parish, Linda brings her energy to every church gathering — and it is contagious. Her arrival each Sunday fills the space with joy, light, and laughter.
It is Linda who coordinates volunteers at special events, using these opportunities to engage and welcome new members as part of “the team.” Her gift for building community is felt throughout the parish.
Beyond the church walls, Linda is an active presence in the lives of several local seniors — taking them to appointments, quietly ensuring their kitchens are stocked, and serving as a strong and compassionate advocate.
Linda Youse lives the Gospel each day through her actions and generosity of spirit, and she is a most worthy recipient of The Order of Niagara.