[ Home| This Week| Coming Events| Services | Archives]

A Brief History of Steveston United Church

Steveston United Church began during a period of economic boom. At least 23 canneries were operating in Richmond by the turn of the century, of which 15 were in Steveston. What began as an Indian mission at the turn of the century has developed into a congregation The life of striving to meet the changing needs of its community.

Methodist Minister Rev. Alfred E. Green realized a church building was needed to properly serve the canneries. He received a grant of $300 from the Missionary Society in England. A further $200 was realized through donations, with most of the support coming from the canneries. Built entirely by volunteer labour, the Steveston Methodist Church, at 2^nd Ave. and Chatham St., was opened for services in the Spring of 1894.

A mission hospital was also constructed around that time, and served as a vehicle for ministry to Japanese workers and fishermen. An interdenominational Sunday School opened in 1894, which operated until the time of the Church Union in 1925. A Japanese language school, kindergarten and Sunday School were opened in 1905 in the mission building at No. 1 Road and Chatham St. The Methodist and Presbyterian Churches joined with others to form the United Church of Canada, in 1925.

The Steveston United Church and the Japanese Mission Church continued to serve their respective congregations as separate bodies until the internment of Japanese during World War II. With the return of Japanese fishermen and their families to Steveston in 1949, the United Church congregation offered the use of their building to the Japanese Mission Church for services. In 1951, two elders of the Japanese Church were elected as elders by Steveston United Church. Initial steps for bringing the two congregations together began in 1952 and culminated in an official amalgamation in 1953.

After a number of renovations and additions to the church and hall, it became necessary to plan for a more modern facility. A new church was built in 1978 to replace the old mission church. This new building has also be renovated and added to, and now is home to a preschool, the Japanese Language School, several community organizations, a chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous, and cubs, scouts and girl guides.

Throughout the history of Steveston United, the LadiesÆ Aid, WomenÆs Missionary Society, and WomenÆs Associations have contributed to the well being of the Church. It was discovered that catering community events was an effective method of raising funds. The church records note the Board of Trade and special events at Steveston Community Centre as early customers. This tradition has continued, as the WA continues to cater private events and annual meetings in the church hall.

[ Home| This Week| Coming Events| Services | Archives]