Queens Avenue United Church is inviting community members to help celebrate a special anniversary.
The church is celebrating its 160th anniversary on Sunday, April 7 at 10:30 a.m., with special music being part of the celebration.
“On April 7th there will be a brilliant flautist named Allen Wu accompanied by Rachel Alflatt on the pipe organ. Allen will also play with the Memorial Bell Ringers in a selection (Spirit of God Descend Upon my Heart). The choir will be accompanied also by the handbells (no piano or organ; just the bells) combining to be an inclusive performance featuring both our musical groups (How Beautiful),” wrote Virginia Barteluk in an email to the Record. “The great-great granddaughter of the first minister, Rev. Edward White, Janet White will read the scripture. Many descendants of Rev. White will be in attendance – one great-great granddaughter all the way from Texas.”
Following the service, a reunion lunch is being held. Former members in attendance who are over the age of 90 will also be recognized.
A press release notes that the congregation held its first service by the Fraser River on April 3, 1859, a service officiated by Methodist Minister Rev. Edward White.
The first church opened in 1860 as Mary Street Methodist Church before becoming Central Methodist Church in 1873. That church was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1898.
“In 1899, a new church was built at the present site, the corner of Queens Avenue and Sixth Street and renamed Queens Avenue Methodist Church,” said the press release. “In 1925, the Presbyterians, Congregationalists and the Methodists untied and the church was renamed Queens Avenue Untied Church. In 1959, the old building was replaced by the present building.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the service, which take place at 529 Queens Ave.
