The life of St. John’s is closely bound to the area it serves on the northern boundary of London. The region then known as London Township was largely unsettled in 1818, when a party of Irish immigrants reached this area of grasslands and dense hardwood forests. Running northwards through the district was a rutted, narrow track called ‘The Proof Line’. This track’s present designation, Highway 4 would not come until much later, nor would the four lanes of highway, which now pass the church’s front door.
In the early part of the nineteenth century, thought and effort had to focus on clearing land, building cabins and barns, and making a living. Four years were to pass before the settlers heard the exciting news that a travelling missionary from Quebec was coming to their township to conduct a service of worship. In the absence of a church building, the cleared-out barn of William and Elizabeth Geary would provide a substitute. The date was July 28, 1822.
More than 200 settlers made their way to the Geary barn. They travelled on foot, horseback and by ox cart, as much as 10 miles. The missionary, the Hon. Rev. Charles James Stewart, led the historic service, baptizing 21 persons (adults and children). This was the beginning of the worshipping community to become known as St. John’s. Some of the family names on the first baptismal list are among the present membership.
One of the settlers donated two acres of land, at what is now the southwest corner of Highway 4 and Medway Rd, and the first church opened in 1823. A more permanent building replaced the original in 1875 and a parish hall joined this in 1978. The non-denominational burial ground is being enlarged and developed, and an ambitious program of restoration and renovation of the church building is well underway.
Sunday services emphasize the Eucharist, and music has always had an important place in worship at St. John’s. Lay members have regularly participated in all services as readers, Eucharistic ministers and greeters. A roster of teachers and volunteers continue to staff the Sunday School and nursery.
Cronyn Guild continues a century-old tradition of women serving the parish and providing funding for outside projects. The Friendship Circle brings together women wishing to meet in the evening, and youth group activities are available for teens. An outreach committee focuses on special events for members unable to attend regular services and on coordinating support of social service projects in London.
St. John’s has long drawn strength from the weaving together of a diverse membership, which includes families active in farming, retired people living in the district, and Londoners attracted by the church’s distinctive character. Weekly attendance stands at approximately 70.
Past, present and future are combined in a plaque honouring winners of the Geary Award, presented yearly to a member whose Christian faith, devotion and selflessness reflect qualities possessed by the settlers of the original London Township.
There is awareness that Arva’s quiet unhurried village atmosphere is about to change as London moves northward and residential developments take shape almost within sight of the church. St. John’s is ready to welcome new members, with a recently erected illuminated sign welcoming passing motorists and after-service social hours assures strangers of a friendly welcome. St. John’s, while honouring its past as “a worshipping community since 1822″, now also sees itself as “the country church by the city”.