An Inspiring Service: Founders' Day 2019
The 47th annual Founders’ Day Service of St. John’s-Kilmarnock School took place on the afternoon of Friday, November 22, 2019 in the Chapel of St. Margaret and St. John. Attendees included retired faculty members, members of the Board of Governors and our current student body. In addition to lessons, readings and prayers from students, faculty and Canon Robert Hulse, we were fortunate to have Reverend Graham Singh ‘96 join us as our guest speaker for this special event.
For his address, Reverend Singh shared a story of two seeds from Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 13. The story went on to highlight how the tiniest seed can grow into something so vast that it provides shelter and support for others. The students were then asked if anyone has ever planted a seed in their heart, related to kindness or encouragement. Reverend Singh went on to tell the service attendees a little bit about his experience at SJK as a student:
“When I was a student here at SJK, our campus was in a town called Elora, 20 minutes north of Breslau. Our fields were along the side of the river and when it rained, the field was more river than field. You could have planted a grass seed if you tried, but it was more mud than soil. But seeds were planted in our hearts, I can tell you! Seeds that gave us strength and courage and patience with each other as we walked from building to building for our classes. One of my teachers, Mr. Malcolm Rombach, passed away recently and I had a chance to remember the seeds he planted in my life. Those are the kind of seeds that warm your heart!”
Reverend Singh continued to explain that the best kind of ‘seeds’ to plant are centred around humility and wisdom and they are planted in hearts by family members, teachers, friends and loved ones. The message was simple but profound; we all shape each other in this community, so making our interactions and intentions positive is in our collective best interest.
We thank Reverend Singh for joining us as our guest speaker for Founders’ Day 2019, as his address was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Following the guest speaker address, current Chair of the SJK Board of Governors, Mr. Dave Bennett ‘85 awarded The Order of St. John’s-Kilmarnock to Past Board Chair Mr. Joe Mattell. This award is to honour those who have shown outstanding leadership and committed themselves wholly to SJK. The service was rounded out with performances by our SJK Junior Choir, SJK Singers accompanied by members of St. John’s Elora Church Choir and SJK Upper School Band followed by a reception in Founders’ Hall. It was an inspiring service that honoured both the history of SJK and the future.
St. John's Kilmarnock School
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