When a group of seven missionaries left their Kennington, England church for the wilds of the Cariboo Mission in 1911, they couldn't have known that 100 years later a community would be coming together to celebrate the church established by one of their own.
This weekend the congregation at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church will welcome special guests such as Archbishop John Privett, Bishop Barbara Andrews and a host of other retired clergy, previous parishioners and community well-wishers for a full slate of events.
"St. Mike's has a long history in Prince George," said centennial celebration committee chair Patricia Covington. Ever it was decided the church Rev. Isaac Williams established, initially dedicated to St. George, should be located centrally located in Prince George, it has moved a couple of times - to the Millar Addition in 1918 and to a parish hall on 5th Avenue in 1951 before finally settling in its present location at 1505 5th Ave. in 1963.
Since its inception, Covington said the church has evolved from a traditional suburban church into more of a downtown church.
"Our congregation now is very broad. We're very open to a wide spectrum of folks," she said.
Festivities kicked off last night by celebrating one of the newest aspects of the church - a new organ. The custom-built Rodgers organ was delivered Sept. 7 to replace the previous 1970s model. The church and community raised the majority of the $30,000 needed to purchase the instrument, which Covington said she wants to see the community make use of.
Events continue this morning with a breakfast served by the St. Mike's Men's breakfast group, and afternoon of speakers and dinner at the Coast Inn of the North. The program wraps up on Sunday with a formal Anglican service of thanksgiving at 10 a.m.
