Chi Rho Fellowship

We are often asked by members of the congregation “What is a Chi Rho? or What does Chi Rho mean? or What does Chi Rho do?”
We hope that the following information will better acquaint you with the activities that your fellow parishioners and Chi Rho members do.

Let’s start with the name Chi Rho! Chi Rho or “XP” are the first two letters of the Greek word Christos or Christ. Without getting too
complicated, the words and the logo were used as early as the 2nd century to identify Christians, and appeared on Roman soldiers helmets, shields, and coinage in the 3rd century. Reference to it is found in the Book of Kells, an early Irish document found in Trinity College Dublin.

The symbol was adopted as the identifying logo of the Anglican Chi Rho Fellowship, which was established as a successor organization to the Anglican Young People’s Association (AYPA) for those members who had reached young adulthood. Chi Rho was specifically targeted for couples and singles.

In 1948 a new Chi Rho Fellowship organization was started at St. George’s Church in Guelph, with Mr. Bev Strain as its first president. The first meeting was held in the parish hall on October 8, 1948 with then Rector Stuart Brownlee in the chair. A charter was issued by The Anglican Church of Canada commemorating this event.

An excerpt from St. George’s Chi Rho Fellowship Constitution best describes the organization and principles as follows:

Article 3. Aim

The aim of Chi Rho is fellowship in which adults, either single or married, may grow:

  • In service and responsibility to the Church;
  • In their relationship to Jesus Christ;
  • In relationship to each other; and
  • To meet their spiritual, intellectual and social needs.

Chi Rho meets the first Friday of each month, except July and August. Some exceptions to this can occur if outside events are unable to be arranged to meet our schedule. Regular meetings consist of a short business session followed by interesting educational or entertaining lectures, games, barbecues, local plant visits, picnics, and many other fun events.

Chi Rho is also an enterprising organization, devoting much of its fellowship time to social events at the Church. St. George’s Christmas Festival, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and the Spring and Fall Dessert Card Parties are key events which have contributed thousands of dollars to the Church and outreach commitments.

Chi Rho’s outreach has touched many parts of everyday life in the Church and in the community and throughout the world. A few
examples follow:

  • Sister Christine’s Welcome In Drop In Centre
  • Primate’s World Relief Fund (annually)
  • St. George’s Deficit
  • St. George’s Memorial Fund
  • Parlour Lights
  • St. George’s Restoration Fund
  • Social Justice Outreach
  • Rector’s Discretionary Fund
  • Parish Nursery
  • Guelph Wellington Hospice
  • St. John’s Ambulance
  • Missionary Ventures
  • Manitoba Relief Fund, Pakistan Flood Relief, Haiti Earthquake Fund
  • St. George’s Carillon and Roof Restoration Fund
  • Cloister Window Fund
  • Guelph Bible Chapel Oasis Camp for Children

It is estimated that Chi Rho has raised over $80,000 for Church and Outreach in recent years.

The Chi Rho Fellowship encourages each individual to bring his/her unique experience and perspective to our organization. Here you are
encouraged to work to the outer edge of your ability, and thus participate in the growth of Chi Rho. Our momentum is fueled by our relationship to each other and to Jesus Christ. You would be most welcome to participate.

For information on Membership, please contact:

Membership Chairman: Wallie Ready (519-822-8391)

President: Elaine Tucker (519-821-1178)