Rt. Rev. Bishop Willard Brewing, B.D. D.D.

Dr Brewing was born in 1881 in New Brunswick. His ancestors were United Empire Loyalists who fled from the New England States to the Maritimes rather than support the American Revolution.

But he must have been somewhat of a rebel, for when he accepted the call to become our first Minister at the age of 48, he had already been a Bishop of the “Free” Church of England for 15 years. This denomination was founded chiefly by dissenters from the Church of England because of their distaste for “High Church” practices. It was known in Canada and the United States as the Reformed Episcopal Church.

He became very interested in United Church Union and tried, though’ unsuccessfully, to bring his reformed Episcopal Church in. He actually began his ministry here 2 ½ years before the construction of our church was completed; preaching in the mornings at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at Wesley Methodist Church in the evenings. Throughout his ministry and in the new sanctuary, he drew large crowds with his dynamic preaching.

In 1934, he visited Russia, Germany (where he heard Hitler speak) and Europe as a member of an elite group of editors, university presidents, professors and ministers chosen from across North America. On his return he spoke frequently about his experiences throughout BC.

For instance, he addressed the issue of communism at a public meeting in the old Hotel Vancouver Crystal Ballroom. 1500 tickets had been sold days before: hours before the meeting the galleries had to be opened…people sat on the floor and on the platform. It is reported many were shocked at his remarks but all were stimulated!

A columnist for the Vancouver Sun wrote” I congratulate Dr. Brewing on his honesty and objectivity of mind…and his courage in speaking out. It takes more than mere intellect for an orthodox clergyman, with a presumably critical congregation to stand up before a great audience and declare that the technically godless communists are really more godly than the technically godly Christians.

The paper carried the full text of his 2 hour address!

The Sunday in 1938 that Dr, Brewing preached his last sermon, the Sunday bulletin referred to” …the enduring memorial that he leaves behind in this church which was completed under his wise leadership and the numberless lives that have been aroused, illumined, and renewed by his strong messages and large-hearted ministry. “

A final note: In 1948 he was elected Moderator of the United Church. He retired in 1951 at the age of 70 and lived until 1960.