THE BIRTH OF A NEW CHURCH
Years of planning and negotiating culminated on June 10, 1925 when the United Church of Canada was born.
A ceremony and communion service in Mutual Street Arena, Toronto, attended by 7,646 persons, marked the union of the Methodist Church of Canada, the Congregational Union of Canada, about 70% of the members and congregations of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and the General Council of Local Union Churches.
According to historian John Webster Grant, it was a "pragmatic generation" which created the new denomination, one little concerned for tradition. "They were looking for ideas and methods that would work." Even before the formal union of the denominations, a number of congregations in the west and north had joined together in local unions.
A writer in the first issue of the new church’s first periodical - THE NEW OUTLOOK, described the vision that inspired them. "Canada is our parish. It is ... the vision of Dominion-wide service that inspires the new Union. From Atlantic to Pacific we have our responsibilities. There will .... not be a hamlet or a rural community in the whole land where the United Church will not serve."
The Methodist component in the new union was the largest, so it was assumed that the Methodist superintendent, the Rev. S. D. Chown, would be the first moderator. But Dr. Chown, in hopes of helping to heal the wounds caused by the split over union of the Presbyterian Church, urged the first General Council to elect Rev. George C. Pidgeon, the pro-union Presbyterian moderator. The Council took his advice.
The Congregationalists were the least numerous of the partners but their influence has been felt as individual congregations have developed strong traditions and lay participation has increased.
On its 10th Anniversary, the United Church declared that it was "not merely a united, but a uniting church." Several union discussions have taken place since then. In 1968, 10,000 members of the Evangelical United Brethren joined the United Church. Union discussions with the Anglican Church of Canada, which began in 1944, were suspended and started again in 1966 but suspended again in November 1972. The Anglican Church of Canada turned down the new Plan of Union in 1975. The United and Anglican churches published a joint Hymn Book in 1971 which continued in use until 1996 when Voices United was published and is used in the United Churches throughout Canada.
1936: The first ordination of a woman in the United Church took place – the Rev. Lydia Gruchy. Baptists adopt United Church Hymnary with some revisions.
1939: Sixty-five United Church clergy sign a “Witness Against War” outlining their pacifist views.
1940: A Statement of Faith is published.
1943: The Anglicans in Canada mark their jubilee by inviting other denominations to union conversations. The United Church responds with willingness.
1946-48: A commission appointed on Canadian Culture. Talks continue with Anglicans. In 1948, the World Council of Churches is formed with the United Church as a member.
1950: Reaffirmation of the Tenth Anniversary Declaration on the 25th Anniversary of Church Union.
1958-60 – United Church queries the Anglican church on its wish to continue or withdraw its 1943 invitation; decision to continue.
1965 – Pierre Berton’s book, The Comfortable Pew is published at the request of the Anglican Church of Canada.
1966: For the first time since union, United Church membership drops marginally.
1969: The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) joined union discussions. Support and enthusiasm waned and in 1985 there was an unwillingness to continue discussions and talks were suspended.
1975: The United Church of Canada celebrated its 50th Anniversary with special services and celebrations across the country.
1977-80: A further report on ministry shows increased inclusiveness of lay people in ministry.
June 1985: The United Church marked its 60th Anniversary and once again celebrations were held at the Mutual Street Arena. In 1985, union talks between the United Church and Disciples of Christ end.
1986-88: General Council apologizes to Native congregations of the United Church for past denial of native spirituality.
1988-90: The All Native Circle Conference is inaugurated.
1992- 94: 34th General Council, the first native Canadian is elected as Moderator – the Right Rev. Stan McKay.
1996: The Ethnic Ministries Council is officially inaugurated. Voices United hymn book is published.
2000: Embarking on a new millennium, the United Church of Canada celebrated its 75th Anniversary with special services and gatherings across Canada on June 11th.
2001: General Council Executive authorizes a re-structuring of the General Council Offices.
2003: The United Church of Canada Foundation is established.
Submitted by Barbara Dawson
[Using material taken from the archives: May 2005]
1994: The United Church establishes The Healing Fund to help First Nations communities respond to the painful legacy of residential schools.
1995: The General Council offices move from 85 St. Clair Avenue E to facilities at 3250 Bloor Street W.
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