Michael Hudson

The Brass Handbell Choir, from St. John's, York Mills, Ont., performs at a benefit service in Toronto that raised $9,000 for St. John's church, Lunenburg, N.S.

A benefit service with a healthy helping of Maritime musical content raised about $9,000 for the restoration of historic St. John's church in Lunenburg, N.S. The service, at St. Paul's church, Toronto, on Sunday, April 27, featured Cape Breton folk singer John Allan Cameron, the combined voices of Toronto's Elmer Iseler Singers and Amadeus Choir, the choir of Toronto's First Baptist Church, Newfoundland folk singer Allison Lynn and the handbell ringers of St. John's church, York Mills, Ont. About half a dozen Anglican bishops attended, as the service took place just before the semi-annual house of bishops meeting near Toronto. St. John's, Lunenburg, which will celebrate its 250th anniversary this year, was struck by arson in November, 2001.

Restoration cost is estimated at $6.7 million. To date, about $5.1 million has been raised, Jim Eisenhauer, member of St. John's restoration committee, announced. About 400 people attended the benefit.