On Wednesday, June 10th at 10:30am in 1925, the Mutual Street Arena in Toronto was filled to capacity with 7,646 people present to witness the formation of the United Church of Canada. (I am posting this at 10:30 to mark the beginning moment of the inaugural service!)
The service, which included communion, marked the union of The Methodist Church, the Congregational Churches of Canada, about 62 per cent of the members of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Council of Local Union Churches (located primarily in western Canada). It was the culmination of almost 40 years of discussion, debate and discernment among these uniting bodies.
Union came for many reasons not the least of which was practicality. As Canada developed in the west it only seemed sensible to build a “united church” in new communities rather than several protestant denominations each staking a corner. The United Church was born, like all births, with pain and joy. While some celebrated a new beginning, others mourned that passing of what they had known. Within my own family mythology is the story of an uncle who drove past two United Churches in order to continue worshipping in the Presbyterian tradition of his upbringing! The union was marked with growing pains as ministers and congregations adjusted to new traditions and missionaries learned the ways of their newly formed denomination.
Over the 90 years the United Church has held a place of influence in Canada. There was a time when the United Church held sway in political decisions. Those days are gone. But the church’s strong commitment to social justice does continue and most church meetings at the Presbytery and Conference level include a conversation about a justice issue that needs addressing. The United Church has also valued a strong tradition of worship, even with changes that have come through its evolution such as children welcome at communion, contemporary music, ordination of women and then members of GLBTQ community, to name just a few. And service in the community and around the world has always been an important element of our witness.
This year the General Council meeting in August will face very difficult decisions as it looks at ways to continue to make the church a vital and vibrant institution while facing declining membership and resources. Regardless of the outcome we know that the Spirit is alive and moving and God is always birthing something wonderful.
Today we say “Happy Birthday, Church” and pray for the continued good work of the many saints who make up its membership.
