Heart of the City Festival at St. James’
For 21 years, the Heart of the City Festival has been grounded in the Downtown Eastside. Guided by the theme Threads of Connection, the 2024 Festival features 100+ live and online events, including at St. James’!
Thursday, October 31
2:00 pm : Tolling of the Bells for the Dead
Come to the corner of Gore and E. Cordova at 2:00 pm, or stop outdoors in the surrounding neighbourhood, and listen for the ringing of the bells from St. James’ Anglican Church.
6:30 pm : Solemn Requiem for All Souls
At this service, we shall remember all who have died, among them all who have died of opioid overdose, all who died at Residential Schools, and our own loved ones.
Wednesday, November 6
5:00 pm : Tour of the Historic St. James’ Church
Join a guided tour of the historic St. James’ Anglican Church with guides Elisabeth Kwan and PJ Janson to learn about the fascinating architecture and beauty of this unique building. If you can’t make it, you’ll have another chance on November 10.
6:00 pm : The Bells of St. James’
Here is your golden opportunity to climb the stairs to the top of the Bell Tower, to see the bells up close, and have an unforgettable experience. If you can’t make it, you’ll have another chance on November 10.
7:00 pm : Vancouver Cantata Singers Open Rehearsal
Have you ever wondered what it takes for a choir to sing in perfect harmony ? Here is a great opportunity : Artistic Director Paula Kremer invites you to an Open Rehearsal by the Vancouver Cantata Singers as the choir prepares for their annual Christmas concert. Enjoy beautiful unaccompanied choral music sung by this outstanding choir in the resonant acoustics of St. James’ and learn from insightful commentary.
Sunday, November 10
12:15 pm : Introduction to the Pipe Organ
How does the organ work, and how does the organ use its many stops to create the classic ‘organ sounds’ ? Join Organist PJ Janson for an introduction to the organ in the choir gallery at St. James’. Learn the features of the King of Instruments and experience the original meaning of ‘pulling out all stops.’ No experience required!
1:00 pm : Tour of the Historic St. James’ Church
Join a guided tour of the historic St James’ Anglican Church.
2:00 pm : The Bells of St. James’
See the bells up close.
7:00 pm : The Sojourners Concert
The Sojourners’ music honours gospel’s foundations in freedom, social justice and community. Exceptional musicians and artists such as Marcus Mosely, Khari McClelland, Will Sanders, Daniel Ruiz, Rob Becker, and Simon Kendall. To reserve a special free ticket for parishioners of St. James’, please email [email protected] by noon on Friday, October 25.
To see the full schedule visit heartofthecityfestival.com.