“Whatever the problem, the answer is community.” —Margaret Wheatley

In times of profound uncertainty and geopolitical challenge, how do we protect what matters most? The answer is clear: we need community, creativity, and purpose to thrive. Without these, we risk despair.

Since 2007, St. Andrew’s has committed itself to the core elements of its spiritual tradition: love of neighbour, inclusivity, hospitality, and justice. This journey has guided us to let go of the non-essentials — pews, traditional creeds, liturgical furniture — and in doing so, we have created space for the gifts and perspectives of others and the wisdom of varied spiritual traditions. 

In releasing what was not central to loving our neighbour, we have made room for deeper connections.

Fueled by this broader vision, we launched the following community projects: Ten Thousand Villages (2008), Reaching for Rainbows (2011), a public labyrinth (2014), a community garden (2016), and the Wisdom of the Universe Indigenous mural (2018).

In 2022 we completely transformed the The Great Hall (sanctuary) with white paint and fourteen skylights. A grant from the Parrot Fund in 2023 enabled us to host a wider variety of events in support of community well-being.

And then, last year, following the example of The Spire in Kingston (formerly Sydenham Street United Church), we collaborated with a diverse group of community leaders from music, theatre, history, local business, and not-for-profits to imagine something more. This further expansion of the building’s purpose meant a new name, to reflect the vision for inclusivity and community participation. 

We chose “The Andrew”: it honours the building’s historical significance while symbolizing the start of a new era.

— Reverend Donovan

With professional support we have completely rebranded. The Andrew is now A Space For Every Story — its purpose is to strengthen community and spark unexpected connections through a soulful, distinctive, and inspiring venue.

The Andrew will continue to be the home to our diverse congregation — The Circle of Friends — but in partnership with the wider community, rooted in inclusion, creativity, collaboration, and joy.  Next steps will include establishing The Friends of the Andrew — people who are committed to its long-term vision.

The challenges facing our County community are significant: a growing divide between rich and poor, rural landscapes giving way to urban sprawl, rising isolation, particularly among seniors, and the implications of political, economic, and climate change. There are no easy solutions, but resiliency lies in strengthening the fabric of our community — to create a sense of agency and belonging.

The Andrew is now A Space For Every Story — its purpose is to
strengthen community and spark unexpected connections
through a soulful, distinctive, and inspiring venue.

In 2024, we obtained a municipal grant to launch Solo Seniors Living Together, a grass roots initiative that has created a team, a network and a process for engaging seniors living alone to consider possibilities for shared housing. Seniors living alone are more susceptible to poverty, loneliness, and social isolation — a reduced quality of life, including physical and mental wellbeing. The Andrew is proud to be a partner in this vital community conversation out of which can emerge a new story.

The Andrew provides a beautiful, affordable space with community pricing; while several days throughout the year are made available at no cost to those community partners who serve the most vulnerable among us. In the last two years, it has hosted over 50 different community groups and initiatives in the area of wellness, culture, the arts, education, critical conversations addressing climate change and the housing crisis, children’s programming, and not-for-profit fundraisers. This unique space is accessible and flexible, with traditional vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, natural light, comfortable chairs, a grand piano and state-of-the-art technology. It is truly a space for every story.

We are elated to have reached this milestone; please come and celebrate with us! Join us for The Andrew’s Launch Party on Saturday, March 29, from 4 PM to 7 PM! The event will kick off with a Family Hour from 4 to 5pm, featuring fun activities for children. The celebration will also include local musicians, storytellers, food and beverage vendors, and a chance for everyone to imagine the stories that will unfold in this exciting new space.  

For more information about The Andrew, see www.theandrew.ca. For Launch Party updates, see our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Rev. Lynne Donovan is an ordained minister who has worked with The Circle of Friends since 2007. She is amazed and grateful for their courage and generosity and for the enthusiasm of The Andrew’s many community partners. Her contact information: [email protected]