Published on 13 Jul 2011

Parishioner Profile – Marjorie Joan Johnston

My name is Marjorie Joan Johnston but I go by Joan.

My neighborhood – Hampton Place at U.B.C. In 1998, Lou McGregor & I moved from a duplex which we shared for 21 years to condos in the Stratford Building here.

How long have I been attending the Cathedral? Since the early fifties with a few breaks, when I moved to Vancouver and had an apartment in the West End, near the tennis courts in Stanley Park. Northcott Burke was the Dean. The Thursday morning early service followed by breakfast started then I think and was part of my routine as I worked at St. Paul’s Hospital from 1967-1988.

What do I love about this place? The many wonderful opportunities for learning that is relative to our time. The inclusiveness that is part of its nature. I have always had an interest in Peace and Justice issues and many good things have happened here related to that. I like the ways in which the Cathedral tries to reach out to the wider community and broaden our horizons. There is a wonderfully supportive network here for people in need which is what Christianity is all about I think… and I forgot to mention the MUSIC!

What do I think this Christian stuff is all about? I think it is about Spiritual Growth which is one thing that seems to happen faster as you grow older. It is about learning to love and being equipped, “to go out into the world to do more that we can ask or imagine”.

What is something you might not know about my family? I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. My younger sister, Judy Dennis was a parishioner here for many years and very involved with the choir. I first went to Sorrento when Jim Cruickshank was the Director and we were able to camp down by the beach and I am still going. Working with refugees has been one of the most satisfying experiences for me here at the Cathedral and I am now an Honorary Grandmother to three children born to people we helped to settle.  I am now part of the Senior Fellowship, Healing Touch and HIV/AIDS groups.

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Want to read more parishioner profiles? There’s lots more and lots to come.  Find them here!  And contact mark@cathedral.vancouver.bc.ca if you’d like to be featured on our website!

Joan’s ministry, this website and the work, service and community of Christ Church Cathedral are made possible thanks to offerings from people like you!