4. ST. JOHN'S

The present St. John’s Church in Ellerslie was completed in 1899 after ten years of planning and construction. Excerpts from 1889 reports to the Diocesan Church Society by Rev. Henry Harper state that steps were being taken to build a new church to replace the old structure in use at Bideford. The following year, seven hundred dollars was subscribed, but a new church was not started even though the one being used was not fit for services of worship. In 1892 Rev. Henry Harper reported:

No services have been held at Bideford since last report, owing to the dilapidated

state of the Old Cathedral. However the prospect is brightening, and we hope

that before another year rolls around we shall have a suitable church erected in

which to worship God.

By 1893 the land had been promised and a portion of the building material was on the spot. It was hoped to secure the remaining materials during the winter so that construction could begin in the spring. Rev. Harper’s report to the Diocesan Church Society in 1895 was most encouraging:

At Ellerslie a new church is in the course of erection. The building site was

given by Mr. John England. The frame is up, boarded in and roof shingled. The

posts are down for the fence and all is in readiness for putting on the wire fencing

in the spring. Tenders will be called for in a few weeks for the completion of the

outside. The people are enthusiastic over the work and are working together with

hearty good will. They hope to have the church all ready for opening in the

spring of ’96. Services are now held in the Bideford School-house and will be continued there until the new church is ready for use.