St John Chrysostom Parish, Arnprior, Ontario

THE CHURCH ON THE HILL Welcome to St. John Chrysostom Church. This is one of the largest churches in the Diocese of Pembroke. The parishioners and clergy are happy to welcome visitors and those who want to learn more about this church. A BRIEF HISTORY To begin, the parish was named for an honored saint from the 4th century. He earned the title of "golden mouthed" for his preaching. The pastors here, over the years, have boldly tried to live up to this great tradition. TIMELINE 1857 - the first Catholic chapel was constructed in Arnprior. It was later turned into a rectory when a larger church was built on donated land nearby. 1873 - the larger church was completed 1907 - the cornerstone for this present church was laid , under the direction of Rev. Alphonsus Chaine (who served the parish for 41 years). It was built around and above the existing church. When the roof was completed, the old church was dismantled and brought out through the windows and doors of the new one. 1968 - late in the year renovations, undertaken to address changes brought about during the Second Vatican Council, were completed. CHURCH ARCHITECTURE The material used was undressed (shoddy) stone, known for its naturally rough and irregular shapes. The church style is Romanesque Revival as were many of the churches and public buildings of the era. It is listed on the website of the Ontario Heritage Trust. This architectural style originated in Medieval Europe and is a combination of Roman and Byzantine styles. It is characterized by semi-circular arches, a symmetrical plan and simple appearance in comparison to the Gothic style that would follow. RENOVATIONS The liturgical changes which came about after the Second Vatican Council as a result of the popularity of the innovations of the Liturgical Movement before the Council, led to renovations to the church, which were undertaken by a local contractor and completed in late 1968. The architect was J. S. LeFort and the designer was George Ayotte. FACTS .:. The bell we hear ringing before masses and after funerals, has a name - Maria Joanna Dyonisia. It is a long-standing tradition to give names to church bells and to have a blessing ceremony when they are installed. .:. The lighted cross on top of the highest steeple of the church (211') can be seen at night from many different areas of Arnprior. It was "electrified" in 1960 by the Knights of Columbus. .:. When the lights at the very top of the ceiling need to be changed, they are reached from a ladder leading to a full attic. The light fixtures are under trap doors and need to be pulled upwards to access them. .:. The large "paintings" on the ceiling and on the dome of the sanctuary are actually decals. .:. A unique feature of our church is the balcony circling above the altar. At one time containing pews, it was used for overflow seating during Christmas and Easter liturgies. THE MOSAICS The mosaics adjoining the altar are a remaining part of the post Vatican II renovation. There is a progression in the two scenes, from darkness to light, from death to life. One side shows the hill of Calvary, with two crosses done in mosaic, and a large carved wood crucifix above. At the top we see a darkened sun. The other side is full of light. There is a palm branch, the empty tomb, and the shining sun. The statue here is the Risen Christ, with arms extended in blessing. ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM was born in Antioch (Antakya,Turkey) in 349 A.D. From a middle class family, he was headed for a career in law but after his baptism at age 19, he became a desert monk. Because of his exceptional speaking ability as a deacon, and against his own desires, he was ordained a priest. Eventually, his popularity as a preacher,- which gained him the nickname "golden mouthed"- his commentaries on Scripture, and his leadership, brought him to be elected Patriarch of Constantinople in 397. John was a diplomat who was called upon to make various kinds of political and ecclesial interventions. He was a "rough reformer" who spoke frankly and acted decisively. He defied the political and religious leaders of the day by preaching against extreme wealth and lax morals. He lived what he preached and sold the expensive furnishings in his residence to give money to the poor and to hospitals. He ate like a monk and eschewed the large festal dinners. Some authorities, including the Empress, plotted to depose him, but the people protested in multitudes and John kept his position. He was only five feet tall but his small stature never prevented him from standing tall in defiance of injustice, bowing only to God and never compromising his Christian principles. This eventually proved too much for the authorities and John was exiled. When the Emperor exiled him even further, he died on the journey on September 14, 407. He believed strongly in the power of public worship. He wrote: "You cannot pray at home as at church, where there is a great multitude, where exclamations are cried out to God as from one great heart, and where there is ... the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, the prayers of the priests. " SOURCES AND RECOMMENDED READING Golden Mouth: The Story of John Chrysostom-Ascetic, Preacher, Bishop By J.N.D. Kelly Lift Up Your Hearts A History of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pembroke by Rev. Joseph C. Legree A History of St. John Chrysostom Parish (on the occasion of the 12Sth Anniversary of the Establishment of the Parish) By Leo J. Lavoie, K.5.G. Web Site about Guido Nincheri, the creator of the windows, can be found in Tourisme-Montreal (http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Travel-Trade/Discover-montreal/Montreal-by-theme/Religious-Heritage) under Guido Nincheri, Canadian Master of Sacred Art Web Site of St. John Chrysostom Parish. Newmarket, ON Information on St John Chrysostom Church, Arnprior, compiled by: Fr. John Burchat, S.T.L.,P.P. and Regina Rolph