Friends of St Johns
Some Friends of St John’s enjoying fellowship
There are many members of the Canberra community who have a personal or family association with St John’s, even though they may not worship there. The Friends of St John’s offers those people, as well as members of the parish, opportunity to help preserve the building, fittings and our Anglican liturgy and music, as well as to hear stimulating talks about a wide variety of subjects in a relaxed social environment.
There are normally 5-6 choral services with a distinguished guest speaker each year, followed by light refreshments and a chance to talk further, particularly to the guest speaker. There is a small Friends committee which normally meets a few weeks before each Friends event to check the arrangements.
The committee also develops projects for minor work around the church, eg furniture restoration, altar cushions, etc; decides the future speaker program; and acts as the trustees of the balance of the Dunrossil Lecture funds (named after a bequest from the late Lord Dunrossil, the only Governor-General to have died in office) which St John’s can use to cover the costs of any internationally distinguished speakers who may be able to come to Canberra. The last such was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who spoke at the Great Hall of Parliament House.
The Chair of the Friends is long-time parishioner of St John’s, Mr Geoffrey White. To join Friends of St Johns or inquire about the Friends please contact Membership Secretary, Helen Campbell on 62 813854 or email r-hcampbell@bigpond.com