Each Sunday bright and early, the members of St. John’s Episcopal Church gather to worship the Lord, singing praises in the traditional manner of the Anglican Communion. At 9:15 a.m. the congregation meets for a Sunday school service, followed by a church service at 10:30 a.m.
Established in 1868, St. John’s Episcopal Church is one of the oldest serving churches in Bainbridge. As a part of the Anglican Communion, St. John’s Episcopal Church operates as a part of the worldwide communion, along with even the Church of England, instead of operating independently like most other Churches.
Worship services are based from the Book of Common Prayer, which is read from several times during a service, aided by scripture readings and Psalms. Currently, St. John’s Episcopal Church is led by the Reverend Marcia McRae.
Several interesting and unique services are held, according to the Church’s liturgical calendar. One such interesting service is the Blessing of the Animals, a service held outdoors in which the animals who serve people as service or emotional support are blessed. This service is held October 4, the day that is put aside to remember St. Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of animals.
This day is set aside to express the bond people have with animals, all made by the same Creator. During the service, animals are blessed by the Church’s reverend, and songs and prayers are said in their honor.
Each year, St. John’s Episcopal Church has a special Earth Day service outside of their church. This year, an endangered species indigenous to the Bainbridge area was brought to meet the congregation, and the Church’s visiting Girl Scouts.