Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Mar/95

Contributor - Shirley MacMillan

Title - A History of The Powell River Reformed Church, British Columbia

Topic - Reformed Church In Canada

In August of 1990, despite the great turmoil throughout the church from coast to coast, the United Church General Council re-affirmed its decision of 1988 to ordain for ministry self-declared practising homosexuals. Being a people deeply committed to core Christian beliefs, we found General Council's decision completely unacceptable and felt we could no longer remain in the fellowship of the United Church of Canada. Feeling abandoned by our church, we were in fact upholders of the faith.

While it was the gay ordination issue which triggered the turbulence, it also epitomized the increasing overall post-liberal secular trend of the United Church of Canada. Other issues of deep and ongoing concern to us were the liberal/radical moves to accommodate liberation theology, radical feminism, goddess worship, pagan ritual, and philosophy. Most important of all was the ominous matter of diluting and tampering with the faith in a variety of ways: chiefly in altering the lordship of Jesus Christ by removing Him from the centre to the periphery of the faith.

Clearly, the time had come for us to look for another church, one whose ethics were similar to that of the United Church in 1925 (at the time of the union) but whose practice had remained one of preaching the true gospel and strengthening the members in the faith.

Our first big decision on leaving the church was to meet for future worship services in the Kiwanas building; its newly-renovated premises just suited our needs. The first service (October 7, 1990) was marvellously exhilarating and inspirational. Our pastor was the Rev. Doug Weatherburn, who had recently retired from our former United Church. We also had an organist and a large choir. Sixty people gathered for the service. We parted with the powerful feeling of being committed to one another; whatever we were going to do, we were going to do it together.

Events followed quickly. Soon, a constitution was drawn up, and the congregation officially adopted the name Powell River Community Church. By November 4th, a number of services had been provided for: Worship, Pastoral Care, Treasurer, Secretary, Youth Group, travel arrangements, coffee hour, ushers, music and choir, and adult Bible study. We had also investigated possible options for our future in other churches. We found that the Reformed Church was closest in belief and structure to the founding statements of the United Church, and after much discussion it was agreed in principle that we join the Reformed Church of America, with the final decision to be made on January 6, 1991. On that date, a unanimous decision was made to make application to join and be constituted as a congregation of the Reformed Church in Canada.

We officially changed the name of our church to the Powell River Reformed Church.

Looking forward to our induction service, we realized how richly blessed we had been. It seemed as if everything had unfolded before us, step by step. Our minister, the Rev. Doug Weatherburn, who had been both anchor and inspiration, also chose to join the Reformed Church and accept our call to be our pastor. Laurie Heron, who had quietly helped us in so many ways aside from her Pastoral Care work, also joined the church and was commissioned lay pastor. Dr. Paul McKinnon, formerly a United Church minister and our "4th Sunday" pastor, gifted us with his fine insights and scholarship; he also sent us scurrying after our Bibles and commentaries A.S.A.P. after service. Gail Hughes, rumour had it, led the best Bible study this side of the Mississippi. Our secretary, our lay leadership volunteers of the Sunday School, Youth Group, R.C.W, our many musicians, banner makers, and others in the congregation who seemingly volunteered for things before the request had even been formulated, were without peer. Then there were the coffee ladies and oh so many others who deserve our heartfelt thanks. Was it any wonder then that we were said to have enthusiasm, warmth, and excitement?

We had come a long way. We had put the past behind us. As we looked forward to the Covenanting Service with the Reformed Church, we felt a glorious sense of peace and joy. By the grace of God, we had found our spiritual home.

During our early beginnings, we rented the facilities of the local Kiwanas Club where there was ample room for our services and for our suppers and socials. Eight months later, this building was put up for sale and the next step in our housing journey began.

Again we found a building with possibilities. It had been a bank, but the removal of counters would allow adequate room to meet our needs for the next two years. By that time, we hoped to be on firmer ground, especially financially. We took a two year lease and undertook the task of making the place our own. In a short time we had a sanctuary, minister's office, kitchen, and two small rooms.

This was an exciting time for us. We continued to learn and grow spiritually; we solidified as a congregation; and we set our ten year goals plan. The two years sped by quickly. Our needs were expanding, and our consistory had been searching for more suitable premises for more than a year. Building a new church was out of the question. There were no empty churches to be had, and while there were empty houses that could be renovated, the cost was prohibitive. Provision for possible future needs was a serious consideration.

Then a member of the congregation spotted a commercial building for sale. The two storey structure had an unfinished main floor, but the upstairs was completely finished and contained business offices that were all rented. The building was well maintained and in excellent condition. In October 1993, two congregational meetings were held giving consistory the authority to proceed with the legal requirements to purchase the building. It was purchased the following month, and seven months later, (after renovating and refinishing by the many skilled volunteers), we moved into the new and very attractive facilities. The main floor houses a sanctuary, fellowship hall, offices, Sunday School rooms, and a kitchen, Our official opening and dedication services took place on September 10, 1994.

Our work continues with strong Bible study groups, continued support of our missionary in Honduras, Dr. Norvelle Goff-Rudy, and our two boys in the Prince of Peace Children's Home in Ecuador, among other things. It was less than four years ago that we came to the Reformed Church as Christians looking for a church home, our only possession being the strength of our faith. Since then we have grown in knowledge (thanks to all the Bible studies), wisdom, strength and numbers. From rented rooms we now have our own fully-equipped facilities with future expansion possibilities. Praise be to God! Our goal plan is on track except for our building requirements, which are way ahead of what we dreamed possible. Now we look to the future with the hope that many more people may be brought to love and honour the name of Jesus Christ.

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