Why “St. Andrew’s-Wesley” United Church?
Once upon a time, in the year 1924, there were two churches in Vancouver whose members were very sensible and practical and at the same time very courageous and devout Christians - a truly commendable combination of attributes and one that we still try to emulate at St. Andrew’s-Wesley!
It was the year before the union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches resulting in the formation of the United Church of Canada. In anticipation, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Wesley Methodist Church put together a lay committee to discuss the amalgamation of their two congregations. For two years this committee of committed and dedicated people worked together to produce a report to be presented simultaneously to the two congregations. Attached to the notice of meeting sent to all members on June 6, 1927 was a remarkable document providing the rationale for union and the vision for the new church: Here it is?
“WHY SHOULD THE CHURCHES UNITE?
“Both our present churches are inadequate. They are old and dilapidated buildings that will require in the very near future a large expenditure of money for renovation and repairs. “All the signs indicate that sooner or later St. Andrew’s and Wesley will be compelled to unite their interests and their forces, Why not unite when both causes are comparatively strong and virile? Why wait until there is little left to unite? Both churches are losing and will continue to lose every year many families and supporters to the new young churches in the suburbs.
“WHAT PURPOSE WOULD THE PROPOSED AMALGAMATED CHURCH SERVE?
- 1. It would be the Cathedral Church of the United Church of Canada in the great West
- 2. It would be the centre and rallying point for the Province of B.C. and the Church’s varied life and activities
- 3. It would minister to the growing and clamant needs of the centre of a great city. Whatever changes the future may bring to Vancouver the West End in all probability will always be the “dormitory “ of the city, the hotel and apartment house area
- 4. It would supply a well-staffed and well-equipped Sunday School and a Social Centre for the homeless and friendless young people for whom the church is presently doing so little.
- 5. It would be a clearing house in cooperation with all our Vancouver churches for new arrivals from other cities and other lands who are very liable to be lost unless they are shepherded and guided and helped.”
Uncanny similarity to our current goals, isn’t there? By the way, amalgamation was approved by the members 214 to 6!