St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church

Parish priest

The Reverend Canon Jesse Parker has been the incumbent at St. John the Evangelist since October 2013. Born in Toronto, he was educated at Royal St. George’s College and Trinity College in the University of Toronto. Before ordination Jesse was a teacher, a fundraiser, and lead singer of a rock band.

Fr. Jesse says, “Our calling as Christian people is to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Jesus Christ and to enable others to do the same. Ministry is a shared vocation; all Christian people are called to worship God ‘in spirit and truth’ (Jn. 4.23-24), to grow in holiness, and to share the gospel of Christ’s saving love with the world. It is my great privilege to share ministry with so many sisters and brothers dedicated to this holy calling. I pray that you will find St. John’s to be a place of warmth and welcome and that you will bless us with your prayers and presence as we strive to live faithfully in this wonderful community of Port Hope.”

Honorary assistant

The Reverend Margaret Tandy

Marg joined St. John’s in 2015 when she retired from active ministry.  Educated at York University and Trinity College (U of T), She was ordained Deacon in May 1993 and Priest in April 1994. This followed a career in public education and a time raising three sons and volunteering in the Church in a variety of capacities.

Marg has served as Assistant Curate, St. Timothy's, Agincourt; Chaplain, Bishop Strachan School; College Chaplain, Trinity College; and Incumbent, St. Mark, Port Hope.

Marg states, “At St. John's the worship and the opportunity to deepen faith through study and discussion have been very significant in my faith journey.  The  connections made with others on the journey have been a blessing.”

Deacon

The Reverend Deb Chapmen

Deb was ordained in 2023 and serves the parish and local community in the area of Food Ministry.

deacon

The Reverend Shane Watson

Shane was ordained in 2023. His area of ministry centres around the need for affordable housing in the Port Hope area. Shane works with the boards of several local charities in this field.

director of music

Jaine Klassen Jeninga, M.Div, B.Mus.

Parish Administrator

Sharon Pelton

Sharon joined the team at St. John’s in 2022, continuing her career in bookkeeping and administration. Past employers include Lakefield College School and her family business, an accounting firm. Leisure time is mostly spent in choral singing, gardening, crafts and reading.

sexton

Cec Reesor

Cec has been with St. John’s as Sexton since 2012. His duties include general building and property maintenance and setup of furnishings for events. An important duty is his collection of donations to the Treasure Trove from the two drop-off locations in Port Hope.