On Sunday, September 7th, Vancouver had much to celebrate and we did it in style. A number of years ago St John's was in some financial troubled waters with a large debt incurred by the instillation of a new metal roof and the inability to pay it's share of the apportionment. The then leadership of the church came up with a plan to pay off both inspired by a suggestion from parishioner, Pat Kuechler, but the church needed the help of the Diocese. Working together a repayment plan was developed and implemented.
St John's was very proud to announce this Summer that it had paid off all its debts months ahead of schedule and decided to have a "mortgage burning" party to celebrate the event. Business Administrator of the Diocese of New Westminster, Rob Dickson was invited to honour the event with us and say a few words. Rob said that this was a perfect example of a parish and the Diocese working together in a partnership in order to build ministry and help secure a future for the church.
The event was very well attended and a symbolic mortgage was burned. Bob Hardy, St John's Treasurer, suggested that given the church's history (the original building burnt down 23 years ago) that we do the burning outside. St John;s is very proud to say that we are now debt free and we would like to thank the Diocese for their help and guidance over the past few years. We now plan and look forward to a growing and dynamic future.
Image: Diocesan Treasurer and St. John's parishioner, Bob Hardy, Diocesan Business Administrator, Rob Dickson, Rector of St. John's, the Reverend Patrick Blaney and the inspiration for "Pat's Plan", Pat Kuechler.,