parish church of Pembroke, to raise funds to build a thrift shop.

The limited edition of 250, each signed and numbered by the artist is taken from an original painting which was inspired by an old photograph of the church, taken 102 years ago.

Says church warden, Mr. Anthony Pettit, "I came across an old book written by an officer based in Halifax about his travels through the West Indies. There was a chapter on Bermuda and a picture of a church surrounded by cedars and a sea of Easter lilies. For a while, we couldn't figure out where it was, but then we discovered it had been printed backwards. Then we realised it was St.

John's.'' It was at that time that Mr. Stuart volunteered his services to paint a picture of the church, from exactly the same angle, but as it appears today. "Although many of the trees have gone, there is still one cedar, much bigger now, which appears in Bruce's painting,'' says Mr. Pettit.

"I went to St. John's all through my childhood and teens,'' says Mr. Stuart.

"So when my cousin, Michael Jeffery approached me about the painting, I was pleased to help out. I like doing things for charity, as I think it's important that we give back what we have received from the community.'' Planning permission has already been received for the thrift shop which will be built next door to the vestry.

Says fellow warden, Ms Brenda Bridgewater, "The primary reason for the shop is as an outreach venture that will help the less fortunate in our community.

We will only be carrying good quality merchandise -- clothes, books, produce and small appliances.'' It is hoped that the shop will be completed and open for business in the Spring. Volunteers from the three churches of the parish -- St. John's, St. Augustine's and St. Monica's Mission will be manning the outlet.

The original of the painting will be one of about 40 paintings in Bruce Stuart's next one-man show which opens at the Windjammer Gallery for a private viewing on November 17, and to the public on November 18 for a two-week exhibition.

This is a busy time for the Bermudian artist as he is also participating in a group show that opens soon at the West Harbour Gallery in Oyster Bay, Long Island. "They have also invited me to do a one-man show there in April,'' he says.

The St. John's limited edition posters are $75 each and are also being reproduced as Christmas cards and notelets at 76 cents each.

"The response has been very good already,'' notes Mr. Pettit. "If we sell all the posters, we will make $18,000. So, anyone interested in buying one should please telephone me at 292-2482 or the Pembroke Sunday School office at 292-5308.'' YESTERDAY . . . -- St. John's Church in Pembroke as it looked a century ago.

AND TODAY . . . -- Artist Bruce Stuart shows his picture of St. John's, seen from the same angle, and painted to benefit the church.