ST. JOHN'S BOTANY
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Mission Statement
We profess our faith in God our Heavenly Father, in Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord in the Holy Spirit our teacher and guide. We believe the purpose of our congregation is to form a uniformed community of all ages within a rural setting. We believe our church is not only a building or landmark, but a community providing a friendly, safe and caring atmosphere sharing our time, our talents, and our love for one another. We seek to develop leadership in the community and be a resource for social justice issues and those issues which affect us all. We believe our church is one that provides for the well being of its members, through worship, communion, fellowship and outreach. The love of Jesus is contagious. Let’s start an epidemic. 
Some of St. John's UCW members
St. John’s Botany is located on the corner of the Botany Line and the Scane Road in Howard Township. It is a two level brick structure with a full basement consisting of a hall, the kitchen, and washroom facilities. The hall is used for fellowship after services, community suppers, and special occasions. The church services are held in the upper level. The choir loft is located behind the pulpit on a raised area where the piano and clavinova are also situated. A dedicated choir participates in the worship services. Off to the one side is the old Sunday School room which can be opened up for larger services or weddings. It is mainly used today for preparation of the Sunday School plays, and Special Events. |
The Sunday School welcomes the Mwale family.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
For more pictures go to What's New or the Photo Gallery. 
Trick or Trunk event
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We have an active UCW that meets formally once in the Spring and once in the Fall for lunch, a meeting, and an auction that helps support the needs of the church. They meet informally each Tuesday for coffee at 10 a.m. in the church basement. They have an average attendance of 12 members and support Kenesserie Camp, Mission & Service Fund, and the Women’s Shelter to name a few organizations. They remember the elderly, hospitalized, and bereaved with flowers, cards, and visits. They provide lunches following funerals and participate with other churches in the community by preparing meals for the less fortunate.
Our Sunday School is held each week with 4 - 7 children in attendance. They enjoy a Bible story and a craft.
Our church family works together hosting events such as monthly dinners including chicken, lasagna and pasta. We also have pizza and game nights. And, everyone is welcome for coffee and fellowship in the basement of the church every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Our Sunday School is held each week with 4 - 7 children in attendance. They enjoy a Bible story and a craft.
Our church family works together hosting events such as monthly dinners including chicken, lasagna and pasta. We also have pizza and game nights. And, everyone is welcome for coffee and fellowship in the basement of the church every Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Rev. Martin baptized Claire Van Oirschot, daughter of Jim and Hillary, on February 4, 2024.
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HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The early settlers of Botany district worshiped in the log schoolhouse, which was built in 1848. Services were allowed to be held any time except during school hours. A missionary, Rev. Dr. Angus McColl of Chatham, was the first ordained minister to conduct these services. Following him was Rev. Wm. Forest of Ridgetown. The school was located on the west side of Howard Road where a part of the Botany cemetery is now located.
In 1857 the Botany Presbyterians built a church near the school. In 1866 there was a joint session for the congregation of Botany, Thamesville, and Indian Lands (Turin), with two members elected from each church. John Becket supplied as a student for several months and later became Botany’s first placed Presbyterian minister. He was ordained and inducted on May 27th, 1868. He held this position for 26 years, resigning in 1894. At this time Turin and Thamesville became a two point charge and Botany Presbyterians joined Kent Bridge and McKays Corners to form a three point charge.
In 1971, a new four-point charge was established: St. Paul’s, Zion, Howard Road and St. John's Botany. In January, 1998 Howard Road Botany Church was closed, the members amalgamated with St. John’s Botany and the Charge became a three point charge. In 2000, St. John’s Botany began a year long Centennial Celebration.
In 1857 the Botany Presbyterians built a church near the school. In 1866 there was a joint session for the congregation of Botany, Thamesville, and Indian Lands (Turin), with two members elected from each church. John Becket supplied as a student for several months and later became Botany’s first placed Presbyterian minister. He was ordained and inducted on May 27th, 1868. He held this position for 26 years, resigning in 1894. At this time Turin and Thamesville became a two point charge and Botany Presbyterians joined Kent Bridge and McKays Corners to form a three point charge.
In 1971, a new four-point charge was established: St. Paul’s, Zion, Howard Road and St. John's Botany. In January, 1998 Howard Road Botany Church was closed, the members amalgamated with St. John’s Botany and the Charge became a three point charge. In 2000, St. John’s Botany began a year long Centennial Celebration.
