Saint John's Episcopal Church, Saugus, MA
Saint John's Episcopal Church, Saugus, MA
Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often intimate groups in our midst. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.
Building & History
According to St. John's informative website, unusually this church actually started as a Sunday School in 1883, before having the church constructed across the street from the location where the school was held. The current church's chancel area, I was told by Stephen Belyea, the verger who took me on fantastic tour of the facilities, is the oldest portion of the church, would date back to that original 1888 construction. Various modifications such as the addition of a school, and a nearby construction of a rectory were made in the early 1900s. The church was substantially enlarged in 1961, which closely followed the consolidation of another parish (1954), The Church of Our Savior, located in the Cliftondale section of Saugus.
Today you can't really easily discern the new section from the old section of the church. Hardwood floors tie all of the sanctuary together, and the roof in the nave has little change throughout its dark beams, outside of a screened area opposite the altar where the organ pipes are hidden. Of note there are tie rods securing the walls of the building together. Despite having been mostly constructed in the 1960s, the structure settled substantially causing the walls to bow out. I was told that an engineer gave the church two options prior to this relatively recent repair. Rebuild the roof, or add the rods, which some were afraid would detract from the interior aesthetic. The rods add a certain charm, and perhaps enhance a feeling that the building is older than it is.
The overall facility is expansive with a large community room upstairs where coffee hour is held, as well as another sanctuary, or chapel to the rear of the main church, which is rented to another churches (Truevine Church). In addition to this there is a large kitchen in the basement, with another large common space for functions, and a series of smaller rooms used by the Sunday school.
I'm grateful for Stephen's tour as he added a personal touch. From the painting of St. John, the chapel altar (described below, see photo) to details of various features, including a lantern currently displayed in the church which was constantly lit on the exterior of the church during WWII to remind the Saugus community to keep the soldiers in their thoughts and prayers.
The Congregation
I was greeted warmly upon arriving to St. John's Church. It is a well attended, but close community, shown by the intimate passing of the peace where nearly everyone greets each person present. Stephen who gave me the tour after the service introduced me to many congregants. Additionally Reverand Sarah van Gulden gladly conversed with me during the coffee hour. People were seemed very open, and while tradition and structure is certainly an emblem of an Episcopal organization, there are no expectations of how congregants participate. Beyond their webpage, St. John's stays current with a social media profile on Facebook.
The Service
The organ was played throughout the service and a dedicated choir led the parish in selected hymns. Readings included 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, and John 18:33-37. Much of the sermon was derived from the John passage which discusses how Jesus answers Pontius Pilate when asked if he is King of the Jews. Jesus replies that his kingdom is not of this earth. Rev. Sarah points out that it is often difficult for a modern society to endorse the concept of a King, but as Jesus is the son of God, his teachings are an example to be followed and spread. He isn't elected, he always represents what it means to be a good person, and therefore the constancy associated with a King is then appropriate.
Rev. Sarah reminisced that in seminary school, ethics classes could be difficult to follow, however an example of the book Watership Down, by Richard Adams helped her relate. This book is about a group of rabbits that have their own doctrine or teachings that helps them understand what it takes to be successful as a rabbit. She related it to the readings of this service, and how Jesus teaches people what they need to do, in order to have success, and that this message should be spread.
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| Chancel/Altar area, note the tie-rod in the eaves, these are spaced throughout the sanctuary. |
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| Artwork of St. John done in a classic style by a parishioner |
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| These stained glass windows are relatively contemporary, added at the time the church was expanded in the 1960s. The faded spectrum of colors from top to bottom is quite unique. |
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| Table of brochures in the coffee/community room with topics ranging from faith based to various charitable causes. I think there might be a coupon for one of my favorite Massachusetts Ice Cream institutions there.... Soc's! |
Outreach/Activities
St. John's is an active parish both for purposes of benefitting the church, as well as assisting others beyond its walls. Within the bulletin details were provided about a youth group, an event where parishioners will get together to paint religious icons, led by my tour guide, Stephen Belyea, as well as a group planning to gather food to help feed those less fortunate in Saugus. The church participates in a project called Every Child Deserves to Smile, which helps locals in need in many ways. A webpage also lists other ways St. John's provides service such as providing space for 12-step groups, collecting warm clothes for those and need, or supporting global groups such as Food For the Poor.
St John's is clearly a great community center for people of Saugus and surrounding communities, and their caring nature clearly has an impact beyond their walls.
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| Stephen pointed out this altar in the chapel which was from a former parish St. Luke's in Malden Massachusetts. In a rather extraordinary coincidence, the Saints depicted in this altar are none-other than St. Luke and St. John, the namesakes of the former and current church. |
Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links
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