Parish Profile

St. John’s unique qualities draw parishioners from many areas: Guelph, 20 minutes away, Kitchener-Waterloo, 30 minutes away, and as far away as Toronto, a one-and-a-half hour’s drive. These assets include St. John’s renowned choral tradition using the Book of Common Prayer at the 11:00 service and other special services during the year. St. John’s is a diverse parish, with a contemporary B.A.S. service at 9:00 a.m., and a healing service at 4:00 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month. Many residents of Portage attend the 9:00 a.m. service or the healing service. Additionally, a monthly Eucharist and Parish luncheon is held throughout the year on the third Thursday of every month. Eucharist is celebrated in the Church at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch in Thompson Hall at noon. A mid-week Eucharist is celebrated every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

St. John’s original church was built in 1842 on the sout-west corner of the intersection of County roads 7 and 21, where a memorial now stands. The present church was opened in 1875. A number of significant changes have been made over the years. Some of the work, including skilled trades, has been done by volunteers.

St. John’s is closely associated with many other groups including the Elora Festival, St. John’s-Kilmarnock School, and Portage Ontario.

St. John’s also boasts wonderful Sunday School and Youth Programs.

St. John’s is located in the beautiful village of Elora, a charming, bustling village set in the limestone farming area northwest of Toronto, containing both traditional homes and a growing population, and featuring the Elora Gorge Conservation area. An important annual event is the summertime Elora Festival, directed by Noel Edison, our Organist and Choirmaster. Elora (together with Salem and the surrounding area) forms the Township of Centre Wellington. St. John’s is the Anglican Church serving Elora. Projected to continue growth, Elora is attracting people both of retirement age and those who work from home and commute. Three universities are located near by: University of Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Waterloo. Conestoga College has three campuses within a half-hour drive.

Sermon, Sunday October 26, 2008 - Click Here

Smyth Lecture, Sunday October 26, 2008 - Click Here