On Saturday, February 18th, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church will bring Canada’s Parliamentary Poet Laureate, George Elliott Clarke, face-to-face with some of Ottawa’s creative young talent. “Celebrating Young Minds with Canada’s Poet Laureate” is one of a year-long series of St. Andrew’s events commemorating Canada’s 150th anniversary. The Poet Laureate will read from his works and will also present awards to poets from local middle schools who participated in the church’s Canada at 150 poetry contest.
“For more than a century, St. Andrew’s Church has actively promoted public literacy and academic engagement,” explained Reverend Dr. Karen Dimock. “We are delighted to have been able to spark the imagination of so many young people across our greater community. We embrace this truly unique opportunity to present their vision and creativity to Canada’s Poet Laureate and the general public. We are looking forward to a truly inspiring event.”
The celebration with the Poet Laureate, as well as the church’s other planned Canada 150 events commemorate the church’s long history of involvement and contribution to community and country since its founding in 1828 – thirty-nine years before confederation. Since then, St. Andrew’s Church has been a trans-generational steward of Christian values of charity and compassion through some of Canada’s most defining moments.
The Canada at 150 Poetry Contest involved collaboration with Ottawa-area middle-school teachers and administrators. Students from grades 6, 7 and 8 were invited to write poetry or prose on a theme that references Canada at 150 years.
“This is truly an extraordinary time in Canada’s history,” stated Rev. Dimock. “On behalf of St. Andrew’s congregation, I invite everyone to come join in this joyous celebration of an enduring legacy of contribution to community, to country and to the world.”
The event will be held on Saturday February 18, 2017 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 82 Kent Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N9 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
-30-
FOR MORE INFO:
Denise Siele – Email: dsiele@rogers.com Phone: 613-276-3274
For St. Andrew’s Full Canada 150 Programming: www.standrewsottawa.ca/canada-150