History
Tucked away in a northeast suburban corner of Guelph is the Anglican parish of St. David & St. Patrick (D&P). Built in 1967 to address the changing demographics of the day, D&P has weathered many storms in response to unexpected shifts in residential development and leadership. Nonetheless, today's congregation is vibrant and actively growing.
The original church, St. Patrick's opened its doors in 1911, on the corner of York Road and Harris Street, in St. Patrick's Ward. St. Pat's was a busy and devoted congregation. It survived two World Wars and the Depression, yet was never able to financially support itself. It was sustained for over 50 years by a pioneering spirit, energetic parish fundraisers, donations from the Diocese of Niagara and support as the mission church of St. George's Anglican Church in Guelph.
The Diocesan decision to close St. Patrick's was very hard on its parishioners, but the Diocese had purchased land based upon urban planning information that new homes were to be constructed in the northeastern edge of Guelph in St. David's ward and a new church was built with the combined name of St. David and St. Patrick.
Ultimately, the loyal members of St. Pat's blended in with the younger families at the combined church with enthusiasm. They forged a dynamic congregation under the leadership of Rev'd Allan McEachern.
A strain on the new parish became evident in the 80s and 90s as they endured a series of rectors who only stayed briefly at D&P. From 1975 to 2001, the parish saw an unprecedented nine rectors and interim clergy come and go. In addition, new housing starts did not occur around D&P they took place to the north and southwest of the city. The anticipated new congregants never arrived and this had a major impact on church finances. By 1999, the parish had accumulated such large debts that the Diocese had to intervene. They were given a choice of selling the property to pay the debt, sharing a clergy salary with another church or hiring a part-time rector.
In 2000 Rev'd Canon David Howells was hired on a part-time basis. By establishing a consistent, inclusive style of worship, providing spiritually and intellectually challenging preaching, and by empowering lay ministries, Howells created a sense that the parish was on a renewed sacred journey together.
By 2005, the parish was out of debt and consistently balancing its annual budget. In the fall of 2006, the parish met and surpassed goals for their stewardship fundraising campaign. New families are continually welcomed into the congregation. A number of lay ministers offer their varied gifts in ministry to the parish, the choir has grown to almost 20 members, the children?s ministry is growing in numbers and spiritual depth, and a core group of women continue their dedicated service to the church community by keeping a multitude of activities and functions going.
In February 2008, David Howells accepted a call to a parish on Vancouver Island and left D&P.
On September 1, 2008 the Rev'd Tom Vaughan started his ministry with D&P. Tom is young and enthusiastic and is continuing with the process started by David while adding his own special touches to it.