1. The Centennial of St Nicholas’ Church
Final Report to Parish Council and Vestry, 2013
From the Past, Into the Future: St Nicholas’ Church, Birch Cliff, 1912-2012
When the Centennial planning process began four years ago, 2012 seemed far in the distance.
But now our Centennial is over, and what an eventful year it has been. As we look “into the
future,” we do so with a new rector, a refurbished church, a host of other accomplishments, and a
renewed sense that we can continue to move forward as a community of faith and presence in
Birch Cliff.
As Centennial coordinator, I am deeply pleased that we – the Steering Committee and the
various committee heads – have been able to fulfil the approved Centennial programme, of
events, guest speakers, special music, heritage recognition, anniversary logo and artwork,
memorabilia, a year’s worth of anniversary blurbs in Nick’s News, and more. All of this could not
have been accomplished without the patient and dedicated involvement of a host of parishioners
over the years, as well as the backing of Parish Council.
Thanking all those involved by name would be an impossible task – there were just so many
participants, in time, active engagement, initiative, and commentary. A blanket note of
appreciation in Nick’s News only begins to express our appreciation. We are particularly grateful
to the entire congregation, who embraced the Centennial and supported it heartily throughout the
years, especially in 2012.
A responsible, final report on such an undertaking could not be complete without a financial
reckoning. Brian Jones, our treasurer, has informed me that the expenses with respect to our
Centennial were $7,184. This amount includes all costs for the Gala in June and the various
receptions during the year. In addition, we incurred $1,201 in 2011 and the honoraria of $2,100
paid to eight guest preachers during 2012. Full details are available from Brian or me. We are
gratified that the Centennial came in so close to the approved budget of $10,000, the result of
careful planning and scrutiny by our committee heads, some key donations, and cost recoveries
on such features as our Gala, calendars, heritage plaque, and Christmas ornaments.
What did we accomplish with our Centennial celebrations? Some parishioners observed that they
helped us through a challenging year. Others have noted our renewed sense of place within the
Birch Cliff community. The celebrations themselves gave us a variety of wonderful experiences,
from the special music performed here to the social events to the uplifting messages of our
visiting clergy. Everyone will have an impression on 2012. If nothing else, just as we have
revisited our past, we can move with refreshed confidence into 2013.
David Roberts