St. Andrew’s United Church in Mission Celebratesthe 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada

By Judith Ray | Photos by Mission Community Archives

The United Church of Canada (UCC) was founded on June 10, 1925, through the merger of four Protestant denominations: the Methodist Church of Canada, the Congregational Union of Ontario and Quebec, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and the Association of Local Union Churches.

To celebrate and share memories of the many contributions made to the community and the country, St. Andrew’s United Church in Mission is hosting a lunch on June 14, 2025. Over the years, many people in Mission were baptized, confirmed, married, sang in junior and senior choirs, attended Sunday School, and participated in the CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training) program, the UCW (United Church Women), and other church activities. There are many memories and special relationships that have shaped the lives of people in our community, and photos and historical information will be on display to help stir those memories.

St. Andrew’s United Church has occupied several locations over the past 100 years. It is now a tenant at All Saints’ Anglican Church, sharing space and some programs with them. The sale of the former church property on Grand Street has provided the congregation with the opportunity to be free from the concerns of building and property maintenance and to focus instead on how best to support the needs of the broader community—both as volunteers and by sharing resources. This year, we have provided support to programs at Mission Central School, E.S. Richards School, Hope Central, the Mobile Medical Bus, Mission Literacy in Motion Association, Opening Nite Theatre Summer Camp, Starfish Backpack Program,  and Mission Youth House.

We welcome everyone to share in the celebration. Bring your stories, memories, photos, and more.

Please RSVP by May 31st to 604-826-8296 or [email protected] so we can plan for refreshments and the program.

Some highlights of the history of the United Church of Canada since 1925:

1936 – ordained the first woman minister, Rev. Lydia Gruchy
1944 – a founding member of the Canadian Council of Churches
1948 – a founding member of the World Council of Churches
1968 – Evangelical United Brethren Church joined the United Church of Canada
1969 – all 15 residential schools operated by the United Church of Canada are closed
1980 – elected the first woman moderator, Reverend Lois Wilson
1986 – formally apologized for past denial of Native Spirituality
1988 – all persons regardless of sexual orientation are welcomed to be or become members of the United Church of Canada and eligible to be considered for Ordered Ministry
1988 – inaugurated the All Native Conference within the United Church of Canada
1992 – elected for the first time a First Nations moderator, Reverend Stan McKay
1994 – established the Healing Fund to help First Nations communities respond to the painful legacy of residential schools
1998 – formally apologized to former students of United Church run residential schools
2005 – part of the collaborative efforts to support Parliament to vote in favour of legalizing same-sex marriage
2006 – signed the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement
2012 – United Church crest is modified to add the four traditional colours and the phrase “All My Relations” in Mohawk
​2019 – the United Church of Canada begins the steps towards a self-determining Indigenous Church within the United Church of Canada