Block Name: “Community in Christ”
Host Name: St John’s Anglican Church
Address: St John’s Anglican Church
1758 County Rd. 10,
Cavan ON L0A 1C0
This original block design is basically a sunburst composed of fish in light and dark blue against a pale yellow background. The fish were chosen because the fish is a symbol for Christ and for Christians that dates from very early in the Christian Church, even earlier than the symbol of the Cross. Equally important, the fish are shown in a group in order to represent community and especially the community of Christians. The border of the block shows crosses and red circles; the red recalls Christ’s blood and the wine of communion.
The present red brick church with its wonderful view looking south onto the rolling hills of Cavan was constructed in 1866. But its history dates much farther back. A group of settlers from England, who had obtained land in Canada from the Crown, made the long and dangerous ocean voyage and landed at Quebec in June 1818. Among these families of settlers was Joseph Thompson and his family. Joseph Thompson, even though he had been ordained an Anglican minister in England, had plans only to be a settler. But after arriving, this 53 year old man applied to the Bishop to be a missionary. He was granted permission and the family made its way to Cobourg. By the summer of 1819 they were in Ida with records showing Joseph Thompson had officiated at baptisms, burials and weddings. Services were first held in the family’s log cabin, then in a newly built schoolhouse, and finally in a church building constructed in 1824. The original Thompson log cabin was probably located south of the present church, north of Morton Line.
The Rev. Joseph Thompson in the mid-1800s could never have imagined the changes this church and country have seen. But what hasn’t changed is the way the church supports community both at home and around the world. St John’s is proud of its 200 years of history and of its vibrant community life. St. John’s is also proud of its outreach to those in need locally, across Canada and internationally. See its website to learn more: stjohnsida.com. Today St. John’s sees itself as “a Community Church in the Anglican Tradition.”
Block designed by: Kate DeKlerck and Seanagh Murdoch
Block painted by: Maya DeMaria and Jeanne Moran
Barn Quilt Trail Etiquette:
Please Respect Private Property. Most quilt blocks are installed on private property and should be viewed from the road.
Please do not trespass. In some cases - only where clearly indicated - the barn quilt may be located on a business and the property may be open to the public.
Please drive carefully. Stopping along busy roads can be dangerous and illegal. Use caution when slowing or stopping near a site
