The New Normal (on Sundays) - St. Johns Church, Casablanca

St. John's Church

Tent for Children's Sunday School

Very cool, braided (I think) trees

 

Outside of the church grounds

Richard and I had the privilege of attending our first church service at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church this morning.  What a wonderful little oasis right in the heart of the city.

History (early years):  The church was founded in 1904 when members of the British community in Casablanca came together to plan what would eventually become St. John's.  The foundation was laid in 1905, the work was completed in 1906, and eventually consecrated in 1911. 

Unfortunately, the church got off to a rocky start; the first pastor died while supervising the building project, next the building was pillaged and almost destroyed in 1907, with the caretaker and his family being abducted and held until the church paid ransom. Lastly, the first two chaplains died shortly upon their arrival in 1909 and 1911. 

Thankfully, luck improved and seasonal chaplains served until eventually a full time chaplain named Rev GFB Morris was appointed in 1934.  He was succeeded by Rev. Cecil Green who served until he retired in 1983.

History (the continuing story):  Services were held during WWII.  There was a strong American military presence in Morocco for a time, and General George S. Paton was among the many military personnel who regularly attended services at St. John's.  General Paton donated the oak pulpit and his widow the communion table.

The sanctuary is beautiful and made of stone with an impressive exposed-beam- constructed ceiling.   The building also boasts gorgeous stained-glass windows. The three windows over the pulpit celebrate John, Paul and Peter, and my photos simply do not do them justice.  There are many other smaller, but equally beautiful windows, on either side of the sanctuary.  The pews are made of wood, with thin cushioning, and a little ledge off the back of each.  It's a little tight and the wood is hard; we are spoiled at ORPC!  Outside is a large tent, where Sunday school for children is offered.  There are also beautiful, old plants and trees, ancient tomb stones and a play set for kids.  In a way the setting is like a park; peaceful and shady.  The church property is surrounded by very old, crumbling buildings.

Two services are held each Sunday, and we attended the 9:30AM this week. The music is more contemporary in nature (although I only knew one of the songs). The "band" consists of a guitarist/song leader and a few folks playing congas and hand drums.  The song words (and the service flow) are projected on a small screen.  This seems out-of-place, given the age of the building and the traditional nature of the place.  However, it does make sense for a contemporary service and the money-saving aspect.   Next week we will be attending the later service, which features African music.  I don't believe there is a more "traditional" Christian music offering at any church in Casa.

The pastor's name is Canon M. Sabry and he is originally from Egypt.  Today he presented some opening remarks about the church, as this is the beginning of a new season and many of us were first-timers.  (FYI - Morocco has a law against any sort of Christian proselytization, and if you do, it is very easy to get yourself deported. But, the King is fine with Christians worshipping here.) Pastor Sabry's sermon dealt with the idea that God is searching for everybody everywhere, and we should be asking Him to "search me",  rather than simply confessing what we (mere mortals) may think our sins are.  He also said "God has made us vessels of honor to represent him everywhere on this planet",  and that we should try to live our Christian lives in this Muslim country keeping this in mind.  His words were meaningful to me, and I will try to keep them in mind as I walk the next two years.

Richard never has trouble making friends!