Foundation
HISTORY
Laying the Foundation Stone of
St John's Presbyterian Church, Essendon
by
His Excellency Lord Somers, K.C.M.G.,
D.S.O., M.C.
Governor of Victoria
May 21st 1927
ON THE WAY
Copies of the book "On The Way", a history of St John's, are available from the Church Office for $10 ea.
a journey around the church
THE DOOR
This is the door through which we enter church on Sundays. It is also the door past which many people walk. Some of them may have been turned away from faith by the unwelcoming or judgemental nature of churches they once went to.
We think of people whom we dearly wish would find their way into the church, and pray for them.
Our Lord Jesus said: “I am the door”.
THE FONT
Though we come into the church building through the door, it is at the baptismal font that we really enter the church. God has come to us in Jesus Christ, and calls us to come to Him. Baptism reminds us of God’s gift of life and new life in Christ.
We think of children baptised here, and their parents, and pray for them.
The Lord says: “I will sprinkle clean water on them and they shall be clean.”
THE STEPS
Here is the place where people take vows, and promise to be faithful to what God asks of them. At the steps people are confirmed as a completion of their baptism; others are commissioned for christian service, and couples take their marriage vows here. We think of the promises made in this church, and pray that all may be faithful to their calling. St John wrote: “God is love, and whoever lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them.”
THE LECTERN
On this lectern the Bible is placed each Sunday. Its pages are open and read from. God’s Word is read to us, and we encounter Jesus Christ who is the Word of God. This Book is “the most valuable thing this world affords.
We think of those who read to us, and pray that we will listen for what God is saying to us.
The Psalmist said: “Your Word is a light to my faith and a lamp to my feet.”
THE PULPIT
From the pulpit successive preachers over many years have proclaimed the Word of God. The words of the Bible have been interpreted in the setting of current day-to-day life. We are reminded here that God still speaks to us today. We think of those who declare God’s Word and pray that they may be faithful and fearless.
The Psalmist prays: “May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord.”
THE TABLE
This is the Communion Table where Jesus Christ invites us to share in a meal where he is host. Around this table generations of people have gathered. Here we are nourished and refreshed by our Lord’s real presence with us.
We think of those who once sat with us at God’s table on earth, and now sit at God’s table in heaven, and we give thanks for them.
Our Lord Jesus said: “Do this in remembrance of me.”
THE CHOIR
From the organ and choir God’s people are led in praise. The offering of music and works of art is a reminder to us that the gifts God gives us are to be used to His glory and the service of His people. Praise is both our duty and our delight. We think of those whose gifts and talents have enriched our worship, and living, and we give thanks.
The Psalmist says: “Sing to the Lord, bless His name, tell of His salvation from day to day.”
