St. Paul's Presbyterian Church

THE HISTORY OF PRESBYTERIANISM IN MISSION, BC

 

The Nineteenth Century

1858:
It is hard to imagine this area before the first European visitors came to settle and develop the Fraser Valley, before wagon roads or railroads were built. Paddlewheel steamboats brought prospectors by the boatload to the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. To bring order into the frenzy, the British Government declared British Columbia a Crown Colony, which joined the Canadian Confederation in 1871, with the promise of a railway joining the country.

1885:
The promised Canadian Pacific Railway was completed, and the arrival of the first train at Mission Station caused great excitement at St. Mary’s Mission just up the hill.

1889:
June – Rev. Alexander Dunn, a Presbyterian missionary who came to establish churches in the area, came from his home in Whonnock to conduct his first service in the school house in Mission. He continued to preach once a month, with the other Sundays being taken by the Methodist minister, Rev. C. Bryant, and a local preacher, George Proud. The available ministers were spread thin, also serving churches in Albion, Whonnock, Stave Lake, Silverdale, Hatzic, and Dewdney. They travelled by canoe, by steamer boat, by horseback, by walking the trails through the thick woods, or by speeder (a small railway track-maintenance vehicle).

1891:
The Mission railway bridge was built, the only Fraser River crossing below Yale, providing the only connection with railways in the USA. Real estate promoter James Welton Horne foresaw the importance of the Mission junction, and arranged the Great Land Sale, which created an instant town, Mission City.

1892:
Trinity Methodist Church opened their building on the northwest corner of Second Ave. and James St. and invited the Presbyterians to share the services, which were held in the afternoons, and were alternately Methodist and Presbyterian. The choir sang at both services.

1893:
Fall – Rev. A.D. Menzies was appointed as the Presbyterian minister for Mission City, Dewdney, and Silverdale.

1894:
Despite a major flood, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was built on Second Avenue at Welton St.,  on the site now occupied by the Mission Community Services Building, just west of the stairs leading up to Central School.

1895:
The new church building was dedicated, and Mission City and Agassiz became a two-point charge, with Rev. E.S. Thompson of Agassiz as minister.

1897-1900:
The charge was supplied by students: C.E. Pocock, K.C. McLeod, R.S. Scott, and E.E. Knowles.

The Twentieth Century

1900:
Rev. W.H. Madill became the minister. He extended the work to Mt. Lehman, which meant a boat trip across the river and a ten-mile round trip walk.

1908:
A joint, non-denominational Sunday School, attended by over 100 children, had run in Mission City since the late 1880s. By now, most of the children were either Methodist or Presbyterian. The Methodist minister, Rev. James Calvert, and the Presbyterian minister, probably Rev. C.A. McDiarmid, agreed that it would be in the best interest of all for each denomination to have its own Sunday School. Also during Rev. McDiarmid’s ministry, a bell and tower were added to the Presbyterian Church.

1909:
Clayburn was added to the Mission City charge.

1912:
Rev. R. Erskine Pow became the minister.

1914:
Rev. J.T. Conn became the minister and began holding services in the Hatzic Hall on Sunday afternoons.

1916:
Rev. C.A. McDiarmid returned and became the minister of the Mission City and Hatzic congregations.

1923:
A community effort built a church for the congregation in Hatzic, on the northwest corner of Henry Ave. and Dewdney Trunk Rd.

1924:
A church was built in Silverdale, which was part of the Whonnock, Albion, Ruskin, and Stave Lake charge, with Rev. William Burton as minister. The site was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Clark. The sermon at the dedication was preached by Rev. Alexander Dunn, the pioneer missionary in the area.

1925:
June – The Methodist, Congregational, and Presbyterian denominations across Canada combined to form the United Church of Canada. Trinity Methodist Church took the name of Trinity United Church.

1927:
February 15 – Having had a long-standing co-operative arrangement with the former Methodist Church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church entered into a local union with Trinity United Church, by action of the Presbytery of Westminster, under the name of St. Andrew’s United Church, worshipping in the former Methodist Church. The former Presbyterian Church was sold to the Odd Fellows Lodge for $1,650, and the church seats and bell were moved one block west to the other building. The Methodist parsonage on 4th Ave. was kept for the minister of the Mission-Silverdale Charge, and the Presbyterian manse on 3rd Ave., still occupied by Rev. McDiarmid, was given to the Hatzic-Dewdney Charge, which Rev. McDiarmid now pastored. Despite the many adjustments that were needed, the union turned out to be a success.

1947:
A number of people began pressing to start a Presbyterian Church in Mission. Rev. J. Murdo Pollock was appointed to the Agassiz-Coquitlam district and began work on May 1. The first two elders appointed to assist Mr. Pollock were Mr. J.S. Brundige from Mt. Lehman and Mr. J.D. MacMillan from White Rock.
October 12 – The Mission congregation began services Thanksgiving Day in the Odd Fellows Hall.
November 16 – First Communion service with 13 partaking.

1948:
January 27 – The petition to organize as a Presbyterian Church in Mission City contained 19 names: Mrs. W. Akitt, Silverdale, Mr. & Mrs. A.E. Dann, Hatzic, Mr. & Mrs. John Aicken, Ruskin, Mr. & Mrs. J. Gunn, Mission, Mr. & Mrs. J. Campbell, Mission, Mr. F.C. Dalglaish, Cedar Valley, Mr. James Muir, Mission, Mr. & Mrs. R.D. McKenzie, Mission, Mr. N. Thorpe, Silverdale, Mr. & Mrs. J.L. McBean, Mission, Mr. W.A. Innis, Mission, Mr. James Plumridge, Mission.
February 22 – The first Communion was held after establishing a congregation with the following charter members joining: Mrs. Akitt, Mr. & Mrs. John Aicken, Mr. & Mrs. A. Dann, Mr. & Mrs. R. Mackenzie, Mr. Innis, Mr. James Plumridge, Mr. & Mrs. J. Moffatt, Miss Edna Smith, Miss Isobel Smith, Mrs. J. Castiglinni.
Summer – The church was presented with a communion set by Vic Anderson. It had belonged originally to the Haney Presbyterian congregation prior to 1925.
September 19 – First Sabbath School classes were held – 9 children attended. By the beginning of 1949 there were 20 children enrolled.

1949:
February – The church received a grant of $10,000 with which to purchase the Japanese Church building on 7th Avenue from the United Church. On February 13, the first elected elders from the congregation were: Mr. J. Moffatt, Clerk of Session,  and Mr. John Aicken, Representative Elder.
June 17 – The first service was held in the church on 7th Avenue.
July 10 – The building was rededicated by the Presbytery of Westminster. Officiating were Rev. H. Funston, Chilliwack, Moderator of Synod; Rev. Fred St. Dennis, Vancouver, Moderator of Presbytery. The sermon was preached by Rev. Murdo Nicholson, Vancouver.
October – The first Sunday School Superintendent was Mr. R. McKenzie. The ladies had their first “tea” at the home of Mrs. R. McKenzie.

1950:
June 3, 10, 17 – Rev. Pollock and John Aicken attended General Assembly in Montreal. No services were held, but we were asked to put our collection in an envelope for those three Sundays.

1951:
January – It was discovered that the church building was still in the name of the United Church of Canada. The pulpit chair was dedicated in memory of Mr. A.E. Dann, Mr. W. Innis and Mr. James Plumridge. It seems $22.25 was stolen from the Sunday School funds.

1952:
Bill Cawdell became our organist and continued faithfully for the next 23 years.

1953:
January – The congregation approved the name of St. Paul’s.

1954:
March – St. Paul’s became an augmented charge, giving us the privilege of calling our own minister. We called Rev. Murdo Pollock who remained another seven years.

1955:
April 20 – The St. Paul’s Manse fund was started.
May – Plans for the manse were approved.

1956:
January – Open House was held at the manse.
November – Peter Egglestone was ordained as an elder.

1957:
St. Paul’s began using the envelope system for church collections.
July – The first Vacation Bible School was held. Teachers and helpers were Allen and Marilyn Aicken and Margaret Anne Gunn.
November 20 – Mrs. Jennings donated an old organ for Sunday School use.

1958:
February 26 – Rev. Gordon MacWillie of St. Matthew’s Church gave St. Paul’s some church pews.
March – Mr. Egglestone took Mr. McKenzie’s place as Sunday School Superintendent. Mrs. J. Robertson of Haney Presbyterian Church donated $300 toward the cost of a garage for the church.

1959:
September – Mrs. J.M. Pollock became the new Sunday School Superintendent.

1960:
Ethel Ogle, a member of St. Paul’s, became Mayor of Mission City until 1964.
October – An organ was donated by Mr. J.F. Forbes Stuart. Two collection plates were dedicated in memory of Mr. D.L. Stuart.

1961:
April – St. Paul’s received the sad news that Rev. Pollock and his family would be leaving our congregation for London, Ont. Members and friends felt the loss deeply, but were most grateful to have had the privilege of his leadership for fourteen years, and wished him and his family God’s richest blessings as he began his new ministry in the east.
May 10 – A farewell gathering in honour of Rev. Pollock and his family was held at the home of Mrs. Andrew Graham.
Summer – St. Paul’s was supplied by the student minister, Mr. Cliff Johnson.

1962:
June 10 – Rev. Desmond Howard began his ministry. He was inducted on June 24.

1963:
The members of the Board of Managers were Mr. Arthur Plumridge (newly retired Chairman), Mr. Cecil Bowen, Mr. Peter Egglestone (treasurer), Mr. Wm. Cawdell (newly appointed Chairman), Mr. R. Forbes, Mr. Willis, Mrs. A. Graham, Mr. McInroy.
July – A second-hand Gestetner was purchased for $74.75, making possible the use of weekly bulletins.
September – St. Paul’s made the last payment to the bank on the manse loan borrowed in August 1957 in the amount of $4,640. Those backing the note were Mr. Arthur Plumridge, Mr. F. Stuart, Mr. McMahon, Mr. R. Preson, Dr. McClure, Mrs. A. Graham and Mrs. Chalmers – people with a vision.
November – St. Paul’s purchased a ping pong table for $15. Ushers were to be responsible for putting out lights, locking door, turning off heat, putting up hymn numbers.

1965:
April – Rev. Howard left to serve in the Bhil Field in India. Rev. John Nute was Interim Moderator until February 1967.

1966:
March – Dedication of a pulpit “Book of Praise” donated by Mrs. C. Bowen.
September -Tom Aicken was certified as a student for the ministry.

1967:
March – Mr. Hamish Harvey, catechist, began his ministry at St. Paul’s. Rev. Wm. Perry was appointed Interim-Moderator to conduct the sacraments during Mr. Harvey’s time. Rev. Perry was succeeded as Interim-Moderator in the early 1970s by Rev. Bob Pollock, minister of Calvin Church, Abbotsford, who served until he left Abbotsford in 1977.
May – Dr. Duncan Black and Mrs. Laura Gunn were ordained as elders. A cross was erected on the outside of the front of the church, a gift from Mr. Frier.

1968:
The “fall-off” in Sunday School attendance was such that the school was closed for a time.
Summer – Summer pulpit supply was Marilyn Aicken, Tom Aicken, and Dr. Blackburn.
October – The first Laymen’s Service.

1969:
May – The first annual Hymn Sing service was begun by Margaret Harvey.
Summer – Vacation Bible School was a huge success with 60 enrolled.
December 25 – The congregation presented Mr. W. Cawdell with a wheelbarrow in appreciation of his talents as organist. Mr. John Aicken wheeled it up the aisle during the service and made the presentation, as Mr. Egglestone declined at the last minute.

1970:
May 29 – The loan on the church was paid in full.
In the 1950s and 1960s Arthur Plumridge was the official welcomer at the door of the church. When he retired, Doreen Black took over.
June – John Aicken was appointed to go to General Assembly, this time in St. David’s, Halifax.
September 24 - The official burning of the mortgage ceremony was implemented by Laura Gunn, Peter Egglestone, and Arthur Plumridge with Rev. R. Pollock, Mr. D. Colquhoun, John Aicken, Christena Aicken, Dr. Oliver Nugent, Hamish Harvey and Mrs. E. Cameron all participating in the service.

1971:
February – An evening service was conducted by the “Jesus Army” – a group of young people.
May – Mr. D. Colquhoun presented a lectern for the Communion Table. The church first participated in the Every Home program of The Presbyterian Record, the official magazine of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

1972:
May 28 – Betty (Gunn) Little donated a linen cloth for the Communion table. Tape recordings were made of Mr. Harvey’s services which were taken around to shut-ins and were very well received.
June 19 – The title of the church property was finally transferred from the United Church.
September – Laura Gunn began the duties of Clerk of Session, retiring in 1980. The church purchased the new 1972 Hymn Books.

1973:
A Sunday School was started in Hatzic.
Spring – New elders Ethel Ogle and Mr. D Colquhoun were ordained.
June 22-24 – Church picnic at home of Mr. & Mrs. Aicken with Rev. Bobby Ogdon of Whalley as guest speaker.
October – A Laymen’s Service with Peter Egglestone in the pulpit.

1974:
May – The Ladies Group was responsible for laying carpet in the sanctuary.
March – We wanted to put the manse on the market but Presbytery advised against it.
December – A Presbyterian Centennial Banner was prepared by the ladies and hung in the sanctuary. The annual interest from the Wm. Cawdell Memorial Fund was designated to go to World Vision.

1975:
April – Peter Egglestone, Chairman of the Board of Managers, was presented with an engraved token from the City Council for his service to the people of Mission.
June – A Centennial Service program was presented, which included “A Time to Remember”, written by Mrs. A. Wright with a cast of 24.

1976:
May – A Garage Sale at the home of George and Laura Lineker (the former Laura Gunn) was held each year until 1984.
July – Arthur Lucas became a member of Session.
October – The Pulpit Bible, originally from Dunn Memorial Church, Mt. Lehman, was donated to St. Paul’s by Bradner Presbyterian Church.

1977:
May – Alex McIntyre made and presented to St. Paul’s a new frame for the Cradle Roll, bringing the total to three.
July – Mr. & Mrs. Hamish Harvey left to minister in Castlegar BC, returning to Mission to retire in 1981.
July – Rev. Robert Calder was inducted as our new minister.

1978:
Mr. T. Byers and Mrs. M. McRae donated the lectern on the pulpit. The baptismal font was donated in remembrance of Rev. Young.
Spring – Members of St. Paul’s assisted in Langley Presbyterian Church visitation.
Summer – Vacation Bible School had 50 children registered with average daily attendance of 35.
September 12 – The Presbytery of Westminster met at St. Paul’s with the Ladies Group providing dinner.
November 5 - Members of St. Andrew’s Church, North Vancouver, presented a beautiful mini cantata.

1979:
St. Paul’s Prayer Chain began with 7 members.
February – Mrs. Margaret Stuart joined Session as a new elder.
June – Mr. George Lineker designed a unique cover for our weekly bulletin that was used for the next seven years. It portrayed a sketch of the church in a “burning bush” setting.
Summer – A combined church picnic with Bradner was held at the home of the Aickens. The Sunday School undertook the support of a child overseas.
November – Reg Kelly became a new elder. The trustees in charge of legal matters were Arthur Plumridge and John Aicken.
The Ladies Group of St. Paul’s have held a Fall Bazaar and Tea annually from the beginning. The sale was held in the church hall until it grew too large and had to be switched to the Masonic Hall on First Ave. In the spring of 1984, 1985, and 1986 the ladies also participated in the Spring Bazaar at Seven Oaks Shopping Centre in Abbotsford.

1980:
March 17 – John Aicken was honoured at a testimonial dinner to celebrate his 50 years as a elder. He was presented with a gold watch.
Coloured windows designed by John Aicken were installed in the sanctuary under his supervision and dedicated to the glory of God in memory of the following people: Margaret Laurie Lamont in 1970; Alfred Hills in 1970; Edward Norrish in 1974; William J. Cawdell in 1975; Ethel Ogle in 1979; Mr. & Mrs. F. Copland and Mr. & Mrs. E. Parker in 1980.
For many years the Ladies Group have seen that flowers are in the sanctuary each Sunday, as well as holding coffee hours after the service once a month and on special occasions. They have also made available to the congregation the Presbyterian Calendar.
Summer – The Vacation Bible School had 75 enrolled.
September – Mr. Tim Betts was appointed as church organist.
November – First edition of the “St. Paul’s Epistle” newsletter was edited by Lydia Calder, followed by many interesting ones.

1981:
January – The Agape study group began at the home of Mrs. M. Stuart, moving to the home of Mrs. H. Hollister in 1985.
May – Two elders were elected and ordained: Cathie Nielsen and Ethel Jackson.
Summer – There were 81 enrolled in Vacation Bible School which proved too many for St. Paul’s facilities, so the Leisure Centre was rented for several years.

1982:
January – The joint charge of St. Paul’s and Bradner was separated.
June – Ceiling fans were installed in the sanctuary by Art Lucas and Mr. Hadden.
Fall – Rev. R. Calder began a Bible study at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Harvey, which was continued for many years.
The Session recommended that a Building Fund be established. Doreen Black was named “Citizen of the Year” in Mission.

1983:
May – A piano was donated by Miss Claire Clemo in memory of her parents.
December – John Aicken challenged the church to collect $10,000 by December 1984, promising that an anonymous donor would match the amount. The challenge was met.

1984:
St. Paul’s became self supporting, one year sooner than projected.
Mr. & Mrs. Ian Neville took on the task of gathering newspapers for recycling, the proceeds to go to the Building Fund. Others in the congregation also helped, including Mr. & Mrs. Jack Wicks and Mr. & Mrs. George Lineker. Another team of workers, headed by the Nevilles, was also responsible for adding considerably to the Building Fund by cutting, splitting, and delivering firewood.
December – New elders Brian Ballantyne, Ed Cummings, and Hamish Harvey joined the Session.

1985:
May – The Garage Sale was held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Ballantyne. A Men’s Club was formed.
The Sunday School started gathering used stamps for the Canadian Bible Society, and Campbell Soup labels to aid the deaf in Puerto Rico. A Prayer Bridge was instituted for those in dire need. Prayers were raised continuously from 6 am until 12 midnight daily.

1986:
June – The Ladies Group had 400 “Our Favourite Recipes” cookbooks printed as fund raisers, and they proved very popular.
July – Rev. R. Calder terminated his ministry at St. Paul’s, moving to Knox Church, New Westminster. Rev. Don Carson of Calvin Church, Abbotsford was appointed Interim Moderator.
September 6 – St. Paul’s suffered the loss of a senior elder and founding member, John Aicken, a faithful steward of our Lord Jesus Christ.
September – Dr. Oliver Nugent began providing regular pulpit supply until a new minister was called.

1987:
The 5th Mission Guide troop met at St. Paul’s under the leadership of June Thoms, Commissioner of Central Mission District Guides, and Janice Neville, Guider.
March 1 – The “Wee Effort” was born, a monthly newsletter edited by Hilda Hollister, printed by June Ballantyne, with Ed Cummings as reporter.
March 7 – St. Paul’s hosted the 100th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer.
April 19 – Easter Sunday – our Junior Choir sang: Sarah Ballantyne, Aaron Boon, Lindsay Lochhead and Caroline Neville.
May 29 – St. Paul’s purchased a 3.6 acre site for a new church on Cedar St. north of Cherry Ave at a cost of $75,000.
July 13-17 – the Cherry Hill School was rented for Vacation Bible School, because it was close to where our new Church would eventually be built.
September 9 – the Senior Choir began regular practices, with Hilda Hollister as Director.
September 12 – the Men’s Club hosted their first pancake breakfast at the Church Hall. Shaikh Ibraheem grilled the pancakes, Jack Wicks loaded the plates.
September 13 – Rev. Robin Ross was inducted as minister of St. Paul’s by Presbytery of Westminster, with his wife, Evelyn, Carelle (12), John (8), and David (3?).
October 2-4 – the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Presbyterian services at St. Paul’s in Mission with Rev. Murdo Pollock and his wife Joyce as special guests.
November 16-24 – Four groups discussed the purpose of St. Paul’s, with the wording finalized at the next Annual Meeting.
December 4 – The congregation sponsored a float in the Candlelight Parade and won first prize in the religious category.
December 19 – The Men’s Club sponsored a skating party for children and adults during the Christmas holiday, followed by a hot dog lunch at the Church.
December 24 – to accommodate the crowds, two Christmas Eve services were held at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m., with 143 attending.

1988:
January 25 – A Junior Youth Group of 10-12 year olds began meeting on Monday evenings, led by Robin and Evelyn Ross, and a Senior Youth Group began meeting on Tuesday evenings, led by Mary Thoms.
January 31 – The Camp Douglas Campers’ Fund was established.
April 4 – Session called a congregational meeting to discuss having two Sunday Services at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., starting in the fall.
April 10 – We began collecting cash register tapes from local grocery stores to benefit the Building Fund.
September 11 – First Sunday of double services at 9:30 and 11:00.
November 13 – Rev. Bob Grey preached at St. Paul’s on behalf of the Canadian Bible Society, receiving used stamps collected over the previous year.
December 8 – The Langley Choir came and presented their Christmas Cantata, with half the proceeds going to the Building Fund.
December 27 – A work party at the Neville’s loaded the last truckload of newsprint for recycling. The project had produced 145 tons of newsprint and raised $7870 for the Building Fund. That represents a staggering amount of time and work.
December 31 – The member loans for the Cherry Ave property were completely paid off with donations given during the month.

1989:
January 10 – The first meeting was held for the Church Design Committee, formed to receive and generate ideas for a new Church Building. June Ballantyne chaired the committee.
February 5 – At the Annual Meeting, our Building Fund stood at $27,786.42. The Church Design Committee was renamed the Building Committee.
March 3 – Mary Lucas and Mervyn Watt were ordained as elders at a special evening service.
April 17 – The Young People hosted an Irish Stew Dinner.
April 21 – A Dessert and Auction was held in the Masonic Hall, with Brian Ballantyne as Convener, a fun and profitable fund-raiser for the Building Fund, with proceeds of $2,110.
June 29 – An evening to honour Tim Betts and his musical talent.
September 10 – A congregational meeting after service appointed Keystone Architecture as our architects, approved spending $1000 on schematic diagrams for a new church based on the results of a questionnaire, and formed a Finance Committee.
December 17 – The Sunday School Children present two plays under the direction of Shaikh Ibraheem, “The Advent Thief” and “Elihu Travels You”.

1990:
February 23 – Les Cook was the Talent Scout for the Men’s Club’s third “Talent Night”, a fun time with lots of talent and doughnuts.
March 11 – A congregational meeting was held to discuss the schematic design of the new church, the feelings of the congregation about multi-purpose use of the worship area, and financing.
March 16 – The Ladies Group hosted their first Soup and Sandwich Luncheon at the Masonic Hall.
May 11-13 – A weekend retreat was held at Camp Luther, with the theme “Katimavik” an Inuit word for “family gathering place”, which admirably described the feeling of that weekend.
June 7 – Rev. Ross and Margaret Stuart represented St. Paul’s at the General Assembly held at Kerrisdale Church.
June 24 – A sad time for St. Paul’s as the Ballantynes moved to Vernon, and the Watt family returned to their native Ireland.
July 15 – Three new elders were admitted to the Session: Sam Greene, Jerry O’Kennedy, and Lois Lochhead.
September 24 – A Trailblazers group was chartered for young people in grades 5-7 and met Mondays, led by Evelyn Ross.
September 30 – A family service was begun at both 9:30 and 11:00 services whenever a month had 5 Sundays, as an opportunity for more modern music.
October 14 – A Youth Service was begun on the second Sunday of each month at the 9:30 service.
November 25 – The congregation gave unanimous approval to the building plans for the new Church.
December – Approval for the church drawings was given by the national Church Architecture Committee.

1991:
February 7 - The Board of Managers decided to hire a workman to help Jack Hume with repair of eaves troughs and downspouts. Jack phoned a local tradesman, who said, “I don’t do churches – it’s against my religion.” Truth is stranger than fiction!
May 4 - The annual Garage Sale was moved to the home of the Rodriguez family on Nottman Ave.
May 24 – The Trailblazers had an overnight camping experience at Christena Aicken’s park.
June 14 – Musical evening MC’d by Claire Clemo with singing by the Junior and Senior Choirs and piano solos by Cory and Kristy Wong.
June 18 – The Presbytery gave its approval for the beginning of our building project.
November 3 – a congregational meeting approved the listing of the church on the open market, with Rick Burfoot as agent. Construction of the new Church was to proceed immediately.
December 1 – A congregational meeting approved the sale of the church for $107,000. The deal was to close on February 5, with monthly rent-back of the building until April 15 when the new building was expected to be completed.
December 2 – Hamish Harvey turned the first sod for our new church.
December 4 – The Senior Choir sang at the Rotary Choir Festival.
December 17 – The building permit for the church building was issued, and construction began.

1992:
February 16 – Ed Cummings supervised the placing of the cornerstone in our new building, with Rev. Charles Scott, Moderator of Presbytery, officiating, assisted by Sarah Ballantyne, our youngest member, Barry Kingston, our newest member, and Christena Aicken, our founding member.
March 1 – St. Andrew’s United Church and St. Paul’s held a joint pot luck dinner for the handing over of the bell from the original Presbyterian Church, just in time for installation in our “cross tower”, which was easily adapted for a bell.
April 24 – Construction was completed just nine days behind schedule. Of the total cost of $481,000, 70% was paid for, leaving a debt of $150,000.
May 3 – Moving day – A Transitional Service began at our old church and ended at our new church. In the middle of the service, everyone carried out the hymnbooks and Bibles from the pews, and the cross, pulpit Bible, pulpit, communion table, and organ were transported by van to the new Church, where the service continued. Even those who thought they would miss the old church found that they had been mistaken. The move was emotionally complete.
May 3-10 – St. Paul’s participated in Celebration of Hope meetings with Michael Green of Regent College.
May 31 – The Presbytery of Westminster conducted the Dedication Service for our new building, with the sermon by Rev. Dr. Tony Plomp, and singing by the Langley and St. Paul’s choirs. The dedication was worded so that the largest room could be multipurpose, rather than just a sanctuary.
July 6-10 - Vacation Bible School was held in our new Church with three age groups rotating among three learning centers.
September 13 – Informal evening services were begun, at which a Music Team was formed. These services were held until May 1994.

1993:
February 7 - The Manse Committee, chaired by Ray Hill, reported that it had begun to look at floor plans for a new manse on Cherry Ave.
March 28 – Percy Barnes and Caroline O’Kennedy were ordained as elders and added to the Session.
April 4 - A large illuminated sign in front of the church was dedicated, and has proven to be our best form of advertising.
May 9 - The evening service Music Team’s participation in the morning service was so well received that they were asked to be a permanent part of morning services starting in September.
June 13 - The congregation approved the floor plan and other arrangements for the new manse, and sought approval from the Presbytery, which was given on June 24.
October 30 – The community was invited to a Family Fun Fest, with crafts, fun, refreshments and a fire safety house.

1994:
April 24 – A concert by the Arirang Chorus of the Korean Christian Church in Japan, and missionaries Jack and Beth McIntosh.
September 21 – St. Paul’s hosted 60 visitors at the WMS Fall Rally.
October 2 - An anonymous $25,000 Challenge was announced, to encourage the retirement of the $136,000 debt remaining on the Church, and was oversubscribed by the deadline, December 31.
December 5 – A Pizza and Craft Day was held for the young people of the congregation, with 22 attending.
December 18 – The congregation prepared and helped serve dinner to the Union Gospel Mission.

1995:
January 22 – Robert Graham and Walter Matthews were ordained and inducted as elders.
March 7 – Our first “Girls Night Out” with a fashion show.
May 27 – The annual Garage Sale became the Parking Lot Sale at the Church, and was organized by Nelda Adam.
June 4 - After lengthy complications over the septic bed for the new manse, the congregation approved the sale of the manse on Seventh Ave and the building of the new one. The old manse sold on June 30 for $147,500 and was rented back until the new manse was ready for occupancy on September 20.

1996:
January 21 – Another $10,000 Challenge was announced, to reduce the remaining $68,000 of debt. By the end of March, a total of $24,000 had been donated.
April 4 - St. Paul’s was hooked into the Internet, and Rev. Robin Ross began editing a Daily Devotional Page on the Presbyterian Church website, with contributors from across Canada, the USA and Britain.
October 11 – The Evening Ladies Group was officially born. They called themselves the Ladies of the Round Table.

1997:
February 2 – The congregation gave approval in principle to an Abbeyfield seniors congregate care facility at the back of the church property, and the formation of a registered charitable organization to construct and operate it. This project was chaired by Robert Graham.
February 9 - The Board of Managers announced its desire to wipe out the remaining $37,000 debt by our Fiftieth Anniversary at Thanksgiving.
April 20 – A third $10,000 Challenge was announced, and was oversubscribed a week before the June 30 deadline.
May 8 – The 29th Annual Hymn Sing was held – our last.
June 8 - The Youth Pastor Committee had interviewed a candidate for Youth Pastor and the congregation approved his appointment, but he later declined. The Seniors Housing Committee was asked to investigate means of funding start-up costs for a Seniors Housing facility on our own property, without putting the congregation in debt.
September 28 – The last of our original $150,000 indebtedness was paid off by a large donation in memory of Lessena Parker, with great thanksgiving to God for the unexpected generosity of His people.
October 10-12 – Fifty Years of Faith – All our ministers, Murdo Pollock, Desmond Howard, Hamish Harvey, and Bob Calder, were present for a weekend of remembering old friends and making new ones at our Fiftieth Anniversary celebrations.
December 1-8 – Evangelists Larry Brice and Samir Aboukeer touched many people with events all week long, including a well-attended workshop, “Jesus – Who is He?”
December 25 – Our first Christmas Day service was held.

1998:
February 8 - A 20 minute video on Abbeyfield was shown at the Annual Meeting, and the congregation approved a loan of $80,000.00 to be used by the Abbeyfield committee for start-up costs.
February 22 – Our first 50-Day Spiritual Adventure ran through Lent and challenged us to look for God’s miracle touches every day.
Spring – St. Paul’s notepads were delivered to 10,000 homes.
April – Rev. Ross began sending out the PresbyCan Daily devotional by e-mail, and by the next January, 685 people had subscribed.
June 13-18 – We welcomed Dr. Larry Brice and Samir Aboukir for a return visit.
September 15 – Our first Alpha groups began on Tuesday mornings with breakfast at the Graham’s and on Wednesday evenings with supper at the Cummings’. The groups ran until November 17.
November 28 – The first Annual Christmas Dinner was held,  convened by Audrey Harvey.

1999:
February-April - Two Alpha courses ran on Wednesdays at lunch at the Manse and at supper at the Hollister’s.
November – As a result of the Alpha Course, six home groups were meeting each week for Bible study and fellowship.
December 3 – The millennium theme of St. Paul’s float in the Candlelight Parade was “2000 years since Jesus was born”, which was thought-provoking for the crowds.

The Twenty-first Century

2000:
April 9 – The congregation approved the subdivision of the church property to allow for a lot to be leased to the Abbeyfield Society for their building. The lease was to be mortgaged to guarantee its loan.
October 15 – Kevin Warren played the drums in our church for the first time at a Youth Service. Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes were filled by members of the congregation for the first time.
November 5 - Rev. Dr. Calvin Chambers and John Hempstead were admitted to the Session.

2001:
March 4 – The Annual Meeting approved celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month. The designing of a straight-line Abbeyfield building was also approved, instead of an L-shaped one which would crowd church expansion.
March – Claire Clemo was presented with one of 17 prestigious “Citizen of the Millennium” awards in Mission.
Spring – The District of Mission announced that sewers would be installed in Cedar Valley, and our Abbeyfield project was put on hold.
June 10 – A “Walk with the Lord” was held at Heritage Park.
June 25 – A basketball hoop was installed in the parking lot in memory of Lloyd Peers.
September 13 – A community-wide Prayer Vigil was held at St. Paul’s after the collapse of the World Trade Center.
December – An anonymous donation of $6,000 went towards the purchase of a VCR and a video projector that operated with a laptop computer which was donated by Walter and Wendy Matthews.

2002:
May 5 -The tenth anniversary of our new building was celebrated with a video presentation of St. Paul’s history, the building process, and the Transitional Service in May of 1992.
June – The District of Mission installed a sewer connection at the north-east corner of the church property for our Abbeyfield House, but by then, our source of funding had dried up, and the committee membership had been so depleted that resources were lacking to pursue new sources of funding. The project was effectively abandoned, but had incurred a debt of $8,000.
July 12 – Attendance at Vacation Bible School, co-ordinated by John Hempstead, reached a record 116, prompting the need for building expansion.
September 7 - The Ladies Group hosted the WMS Fall Rally.
December 15 – Michael McAlinden, Hilda Hollister, and David McLellan were inducted as elders.

2003:
February 9 - The Annual Meeting decided that future Annual Meetings will be held in November rather than February, in order to plan better for expenses that start on January 1.
June 7 - A community service project, “Love Mission”,  saw 250 cans of pop and bottles of water handed out on Hurd St. at Lougheed Hwy.

2004:
January – Doug and Carelle McKellan began a Shout!!! Youth program, at the urging of the previous Annual Meeting.
May 30 – The congregation approved a 42-foot northward expansion of the building, as presented by the Expansion Committee, conditional on raising $40,000 by September 30. The amount was raised by July. The Committee was chaired by Walt Pinder, and the plans were drawn up by Dave McLellan.
June – Session adopted an abuse prevention policy spearheaded by John Hempstead, which required hall monitors to be appointed, all doors to have windows, and all those working with children and youth to have criminal record checks.
October 10 – Tim Betts was honoured on his last Sunday as our organist, at a luncheon after service.
October 29 – The first Shoutrageous Fall Event was a huge success with 36 children and youth attending a fun evening.

2005:
February 16 – The Church Architecture Committee in Toronto had reviewed our building plans favourably, and the Building Committee appeared before the Presbytery Property and Loans Committee to seek the approval of the Presbytery, which was granted on March 1.
August 28 – Subscriptions to the e-mailed PCCWeb Daily devotionals, co-ordinated by Robin Ross, numbered over 5,000.
September 8 – The sod turning event for our expansion project took place with Mayor James Atebe, founding member Christena Aicken, youngest baby Joshua McKellan, and Rev. Robin Ross participating.
September 23 – The funeral for Hilda Hollister could not be accommodated in our Church because of construction.
November 27 – At the age of 90, Christena Aicken passed into the nearer presence of her Lord, our last remaining founding member.
December 1 – All remaining debt from the Abbeyfield venture was paid off and the books were closed on the uncompleted project.
December 15 – The expansion project construction was completed.

2006:
March – A $25,000 challenge to match donations to the Building Fund was met by the deadline of April 30.
April 28-30 – The Lay Witness Mission team’s visit was the spiritual highlight of the year. The speakers inspired us to walk more closely with God by sharing their own intensely personal spiritual journeys.
June 25 – Official opening of the church extension, which included a larger Lounge, two large classrooms, a storage room, an elegantly furnished Fireside Room, and large handicap bathroom, and an industrial dishwasher in the kitchen.
July – The video projector and the air conditioner compressor broke down at the same time and had to be replaced at great expense.
September 24 – Vic Saunders, Garry Adams, and Johan Louwersheimer were inducted into the Session.
October 11 – Vic Hollister passed away and was honoured for his philanthropy and extensive community work.

2007:
February 25 – Another $25,000 challenge to match donations to the Building Fund was oversubscribed by $10,000 by the May 25 deadline, and the anonymous donor graciously agreed to match $35,000, bringing our Building Fund debt down to $40,000.
May 13 – St. Paul’s new cookbook, Our Favourite Recipes, Vol. 2, edited by Joanne Adams, was completed and on sale for $10.

2008:
January 13 – The schedule for a Vision Renewal process, led by Cam Taylor of Outreach Canada, was announced. It involved several congregational Concerts of Prayer and three surveys: a Ministry Fitness Check, a Purpose and Values Survey), and a Community Survey. The 20/20 Team was led by Loraine Johnson, with Larry Hardy, John Hempstead, June Thoms and Evelyn Ross as co-ordinators of the various sections.
March 9 – A $20,000 Challenge from an anonymous donor was announced to eliminate the debt on the building expansion.
July 27 – The $20,000 Challenge was completed, and the $325,000 addition to the church was paid off in less than 3 years. Praise the Lord for the faithfulness of His people!
October 4 - A “Paid-Off” Dinner to celebrate the retirement of the indebtedness on the building expansion was held, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.
November 30 – Rev. Robin Ross retired as pastor of St. Paul’s after 21 years of faithful ministry, leaving the church debt-free. Rev. Bob Garvin was appointed as Interim-Moderator.

2009:
December 6 - A “Thank-you” luncheon for Interim Moderator Bob Garvin and his wife Carol was held at the conclusion of the worship service. The Presbytery of Westminster had decided to appoint an Interim Minister for at least one year.
December 7 - The Reverend Donald Hill began a year of half-time interim ministry within St. Paul’s congregation.

2010:
March 7 – The Presbytery of Westminster held a Service of Recognition for The Reverend Donald Hill.
July 11 - New elders were ordained: Christine Foulger, Loraine Johnson, Don Mowat, Gordon Proud, and June Thoms.
December 1 - The transitional period having concluded, the Reverend R.C. (Bob) Garvin was re-appointed as Interim-Moderator.

2011:
September 18 – The Presbytery of Westminster held a service in St. Paul’s to ordain and induct Rebecca Simpson as the new minister.