About - stjohnsburlington.ca

St. John’s Anglican Church has deep roots in Burlington. Founded in 1835, it’s the second oldest Anglican church in the city, and worship has taken place in our present building since 1839.

In those early days, local settlers gathered in the nearby Ballykill Bay schoolhouse, visited by travelling clergy who came by horseback. As the congregation grew, our modest pioneer style classic Canadian wooden church was built for the princely sum of $300 on land purchased from a local farmer, the very same beautiful jewel of a church building where we continue to worship today.

Over the years, St. John’s has been served by many faithful leaders and supported by neighbouring parishes. Though our beginnings were small, the spirit of this community has always been strong, prayerful, generous, and eager to grow.

When you worship at St. John's you are engaging in a nearly 200 year story. We honour that history, not by looking back with nostalgia, but by continuing to be a church that welcomes, worships, and serves in Christ’s name — here and now, in the heart of Burlington.

For those researching family or local history, early parish records for St. John’s are held in the William Ready Archives at McMaster University, with finding aids available through their website.

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You Can Be a Part of St. John’s

Life at St. John’s is rooted in worship and it grows through learning, serving, praying, and simply being together. There are many ways to get involved, whether you’re exploring faith for the first time, returning after time away, or looking for a church to call home.

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Worship Services

We gather every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. for services of Holy Communion. These are times to reflect on God’s Word, pray together, sing with joy, and share in the sacred rhythm of the Eucharist.

Sunday School - On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, children are invited to grow in faith through story, song, and creative activities. Our Sunday School is a safe and joyful space led by a team of caring leaders. Whether Sunday school is running or not, children are always welcome in church.

Seasons and Celebrations - We mark the seasons of the Church year with special services during Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Advent, and Christmas. These are opportunities to journey deeper into the mystery and beauty of our shared faith.

Groups and Activities

There’s much happening beyond Sunday mornings. Find your place in St John’s:

• Bible study groups and seasonal learning (like our Lent series)
• Retreat days for reflection and renewal
• Pastoral outreach and home visiting
• Our church choir and music ministry
• "In Conversation" club where Rev Stewart addresses a question of faith in an open conversation. Held once every two months.
• Community outreach and charitable giving
• Regular social gatherings fostering community and fun
• The prayer chain, holding others in faithful prayer
• The gardening group (yes — tending God’s creation!)
• Property team (bring a brush and a screwdriver)
• Prayer shawl ministry for needlework enthusiasts
• Creative teams bringing new ideas to deepen our spiritual life, enrich our church community, and reach out into the wider world
— and more.

Taking the Next Step

So what now?

Could St. John’s be a place where you find space to be yourself and maybe encounter something deeper, more beautiful, more holy than what you see on the surface of life?

If your answer is “yes,” or even “maybe,” then we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to the Rector, come along on a Sunday, or simply explore at your own pace.

The rest is up to you — to St. John’s — and to God.

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Our Backstory: A Living History

Who Are We?

St. John’s is a warm and welcoming Anglican community rooted in the worldwide Anglican Communion. We strive to live out our slogan “Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds” by growing in faith together, sharing in worship, and serving our neighbours with compassion and joy.

Our worship centres around the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, a shared act of grace and remembrance that draws us into deeper connection with God and with one another. At the heart of this is Jesus’ invitation: “Do this in remembrance of me.” In our services, we gather to pray, sing, and reflect as a community. We read from the Bible each week and listen for how God’s Word speaks into our lives today. Sermons aim not only to interpret Scripture, but to help us live it, faithfully, thoughtfully, and with relevance to the world around us. Whether you’re new to Anglican worship or familiar with its rhythms, you are welcome to come, learn, grow and be part of the journey.

Why St. John?

Our church bears the name of St. John, the Evangelist, one of the Twelve Apostles, traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of John, the letters of John, and the Book of Revelation (modern biblical scholars accept that this is most likely legendary rather than historical fact).

John’s writings are rich with themes of love, light, and deep spiritual connection. He reminds us that God is love and calls us to live in that love with one another. His Gospel invites us to see Jesus not only as teacher and healer, but as the very Word of God made flesh.

At St. John’s, we try to live in that spirit: to listen deeply, to love generously, and to share the light of Christ in our community. John’s witness reminds us that faith is not just something we hold. It’s something we live.

At St. John’s, we are blessed with a dedicated team of clergy, staff, and lay leaders who help guide our worship, support our community, and keep our parish life vibrant and connected.

Rector: Reverend Stewart Carolan-Evans
Stewart leads our worship, pastoral care, and community outreach, helping us live out our calling to be Christ’s people in Burlington.

Wardens: Don Stewart & Cindy Bennett
Our wardens provide oversight and support for the parish’s day-to-day life and long-term mission.

Deputy Wardens: Diane Green & Scott Tipping
Assisting the wardens, Diane and Scott bring steady hands and hearts to our shared ministry.

Lay Readers: Judi Oates & Deborah Warner
Judi and Deborah offer leadership in worship, preaching, and pastoral care.

Organist: Clement Ng
Choir Director: Deborah Warner
Our music ministry helps us lift our hearts and voices in praise, with both traditional and inspiring choral offerings.

Parish Administrator: Clair Macaulay-Newcombe
Clair keeps the office running smoothly and is often the friendly first point of contact for many parish needs.

Leadership & Staff

Meet Our Rector

Reverend Stewart Carolan-Evans

Stewart has served as Rector of St. John’s Anglican Church since February 1, 2024. Originally from the UK, he brings with him a deep love for Anglican worship, a heart for pastoral care, and a commitment to building community in faith, service, and joy. Stewart and his wife, Karen, Assistant to the Dean at Christ’s Church Cathedral, feel blessed to be part of the Diocese of Niagara and the vibrant life of St. John’s. Stewart and Karen live in Waterdown with their daughters Alice and Lucy. Their eldest daughter Heidi lives in Calgary with her wife Katherine.

Whether through Sunday worship, a cup of tea and conversation, or a shared community project, Stewart is always glad to connect with others on their journey of faith.