City Church
(Link 1.)

Stadtkirche Biel/City Church

Biel, Switzerland

"Biel/Bienne is a city in the district of the Biel/Bienne administrative districtin the canton of Bern in Switzerland.

"Biel/Bienne is on the language boundary between the French speaking and German speaking parts of Switzerland, and is throughout bilingual.Biel is the German name for the town, Bienne its French counterpart.

"The city lies at the foot of the first mountain range of the Jura Mountains area,... on the northeastern shores of Lake Biel ...." (Link 1.)

Biel

(Link 1.)

"The Stadtkirche Biel is appreciated for its well-balanced proportions and the simplicity of the interior.  Originally dedicated to St. Benedict of Nursia, the church was first mentioned in 1228 in the Lausanne cartulary (directory). Up until 1798, the city of Biel fell secularly under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Basel, while being ecclesiastically part of the Diocese of Lausanne until the Reformation in 1528. 

City Church

 "The two previous churches dating from the Romanesque and Gothic eras are covered by walls and building works. A detailed architectural history of these two previous buildings is no longer accessible because of the tuffaceous soil conditions and the installation of the heating system in the early 20th century. The former sacristy in its crypt-like setting under the choir may still be seen." (Link 2.)

Front Doors

The front double doors of the Biel City Church are of a Gothic design. The stone arch holds both the dark wood doors and the stone ribbed lancet arch above. The deep reddish-brown wood doors are trimmed with black wrought iron horizontal tree of life designs.  Above the doors the pointed arch holds decorate stone tracery over a bright blue background.

Sanctuary

Features of the Sanctuary are the organ pipes, the vaulted ceiling, and the arcade.  The organ pipes are in four sets of graduated sized pipes.  The curved wood ribs of the pointed vaulted ceiling set off the multitude of scattered blue flowers in this pale sky.  The arches and columns of the arcade can be seen along the sides of the photo above.

Sanctuary Windows

The top of the tall narrow stained glass windows in the sanctuary repeat the pointed arch of the church ceiling.  The multiple rectangular panels of glass tell a story.

******

Photos: Taken in June 2014 by Richard Wilson while living and working in 

                 Basel, Switzerland. 

Link 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biel/Bienne
Link 2: http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ca/reformed-church-biel-bienne.html
Link 3: http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture

Prayer

God, be with persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen (SW.)

"Church on the Egg"

Alte Kirche Wollinshofen

"Church on the Egg"/Alte Kirche Wollinshofen
 (New Church)
 Zurich, Switzerland

"The highly visible church on the Egg is clothed entirely with limestone. It captivates by its pure form and its imposing size.

"in 1913...the parish Wollishofen (bought) the land, 9267 m2, by the municipality of Zurich. They planned to build the church by Zwingli anniversary in 1919. The first World War and the subsequent bad years but this made ​​it impossible. Only in 1929 was a competition, the architectural firm Henauer + Witschi as the winner.1934, the construction loan of Fr 1'325'000 -. granted. On July 17, 1935, ground was broken and on 12 September 1937, the church was inaugurated with a big party. In 1989, an interior and exterior renovation by architect Alfred Trachsel." (Link.)

Clock Tower

The stark architecture features a high square clock tower with three slotted windows on each side.  The Sanctuary is a rectangular block with a curved end and vertical slit windows, but  no stained glass windows. The metal front doors are embellished with stars.

"The entire ensemble consisting of church, rectory with classroom and row of houses close surroundings is included in the inventory of protected objects of local significance. On the outer skin (shell) with a copper roof, siding, doors and windows including all details nothing can be changed.

Front Door of Church

"Also referred to as worthy of protection is the interior of the church with the sophisticated Space Agency and the harmonious interplay of colors, shapes and materials. The church has stylistic features of the new style and presents itself as the representative of moderate modernism. Even contemporary critics praised the "solemn dignity" of the church building. (Link.)

Sanctuary Chancel

Note that a guitar player is sitting on the chancel and practicing. (See left side of photo above.) 

Pulpit

The pulpit is stylized with vertical strips and a curved top.  The altar repeats the vertical strip pattern and has block letters edging the top.

Altar

"Artworks The following artworks are particularly noteworthy: - wall painting by Paul Bodmer "Three angels with scrolls" . - Mural by Sven Knebel in the entrance area - bas-relief on the south facade of Otto Banninger "The Feeding the Five Thousand "." (Link.)

Three Angels With Scrolls

"The imposing "new" Church On the Egg dominates the small hill in the center of Wollishofen. It is surrounded by green areas and a large square, which is used for religious services and also for the Christmas market. From the church you can enjoy a wonderful view of the old Wollishofen and the lake. 

Looking Down the Hill From the New Church to the Old Church

"More information

• The old church can be rented for special events or concerts. More information is available on the side rental or Mr. Patrick Boltshauser the Secretariat of the parish.
• Here you will find the parish house in the Zurich city map ." (Link.)

Note: More on the "Old Church" at Blog Post 9/14/14.

Photos: Taken in June 2014 by Richard Wilson while living and working in 

                 Basel, Switzerland.  His work also takes him across the border to small

                 towns in Germany.

Link: http://www.kirchewollishofen.ch/content/e12624/e13712/e14872/index_ger.html

Prayer

God, be with persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen (SW.)

                                                                                                                                 August 17, 2014

1200 Parkgate Avenue

Mount Seymour United Church
North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

"Mount Seymour United Church is a congregation of the United Church of Canada which was formed by the union of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches in 1925.

The April 28th, 1989 edition of the North Shore News reported that the congregation of Mount Seymour United Church was "worshiping in the Seycove School gym since September while waiting for the church to be completed" at 1200 Parkgate. (REF. 2.)

Sod Turning at 1200 Parkgate (REF. 1)

"Mount Seymour United Church (at 1200 Parkgate) opened its doors on April 30, 1989.  It was built by the congregations of Deep Cove United Church in Deep Cove (See Blog Post 4/10/11.), and Mount Seymour United Church on Berkley Road which had shared ministry since 1952. 

Deep Cove United Church

(2013   Photo)

Seymour Heights United Church (REFS  a.)

"Faced with a growing community the decision was made to develop a more centrally located worship facility that would also be accessible to many community groups." (Link.) The building of the church on Parkgate was a $1,5000,000 project. The architect was Philip Harrison of Paul Smith and Associates with the construction company being Fairmile Construction. (REFS c.)

Sanctuary Chancel

The Sanctuary " seats 300 people in stadium style cushioned pews. The acoustics are excellent and it is a wonderful venue for concerts, recording sessions, large meetings and other special events. The sanctuary has state of the art sound and projection systems that can be rented. Hearing aid users can activate the T-switch on their aids to link into our sound system. Hearing devices are available." (Link.)

"The wooden cross (See Sanctuary photo above.) was originally from Deep Cove United Church.  It was refinished by James Fulton and put up for a Lenten service in 2005.  As the story goes after Lent, Dermott McInnes said, "It looks good" and so it stayed."(REFS. d.)

Sanctuary

The pulpit frontal "was made in 1991 by Anthea Mallison, a ...North Vancouver tapestry artist....In the center is a cross; behind it is a circle representing the sun or a source of spiritual light....Around that is a circular band with images of native plants to represent the earth.  surrounding that is another circular band containing images from the ocean to represent water.   The four corners are blue rays representing air.  Thus all four traditional elements of creation are displayed." (REFS d.)

Pulpit

The center of the backlit stained glass window on the north wall of the sanctuary was made by Eric Bennett shortly after the new building was open.  "The window features the crest of the United Church of Canada, the burning bush representing the Presbyterian church, the open Bible representing the Methodist congregations and the white dove for the Congregationalists.  The fourth section is the symbol of the United church, the alpha and omega....It was dedicated to those who served in the 2nd World War." (REFS. d)

Bennett Stained Glass Window

(Mounted on North Wall of Sanctuary)

"The banner which hangs on the south wall of the sanctuary was designed and created by members of our congregation....The hills in the banner are part of the landscape surrounding our church.  In Psalm 121, hills and mountains serve as a reminder of the majesty of God's creation....The ocean in the banner is reminiscent of the view from Deep Cove...The first century fishing boat recalls the story of Jesus' encounter with Simon, James and John....the calming of the storm....The rays of the sun ... are images of the light which flows through the windows of our sanctuary....As we look at the banner we are reminded of our creation, our salvation and our calling."  Made in 1989. (REFS. c.)

Sea of Galilee Banner

(Mounted on South Wall of Sanctuary)

The baptismal font was purchased specifically for the new building.  The font was donated by Jean Cliff in Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Paterson and the bowl was donated by Jim and Donna Crook, Art More and Bruce More in Memory of Rev. Bill and Elsie More.  The old font from Deep Cove Church was refurbished by James Fulton and is now used as a flower stand." (REFS. d.)

Baptismal Font

The "Lobby Area (outside the Sanctuary)... features skylights and two sets of double doors opening onto a green space. It can comfortably accommodate up to 250 people and provides a perfect setting for receptions and other gatherings. The Church’s Large Hall holds up to 250 people and can be set up for meetings and other gatherings such as receptions, parties and dinners. Our meeting rooms can accommodate up to 20 people per room."(Link.)

Parkgate Ave. side of Mount Seymour United Church

(Link.) 

Note: See Blog Post 8/3/14 for map of location of churches mentioned.

            See Blog Post 8/10/14 for more information on Seymour Heights

                    United Church.

Photos: Taken in April 2014 by SW.

Reference 1: North Shore News, June 5, 1988, available at the North Vancouver

                 Archives.

Reference 2: North Shore News, April 1989, available at the North Vancouver

                 Archives.

Reference 3: Citizen, August 1, 1963, available at the North Vancouver 

                 Archives.

References: Received from Mount Seymour United Church files:
                                   a."Seymour Heights United Church-Service of Dedication- 
                                                         Sunday, September 13th, 1959."
                                    b."History of Seymour Heights/Mount Seymour 
                                                         United Church"
                                    c."Mount Seymour United Church, North Vancouver, B.C. 
                                                         10th Anniversary Sunday, April 18, 1999"
                                    d."Mount Seymour United Church 25th Anniversary
                                                         Celebration May 4, 2014 From 1989: To 2014

(Note: These references are on file at the North Vancouver Archives.)

Link: http://www.mtseymourunited.com/

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen (SW.)

                                                                                                                                 August 10, 2014

971 Berkley Road-1959 (REF a.)

Posthumous

Munro church/Seymour Heights United Church

North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

The first church to be built on Berkley Road, in the eastern section of the District of North Vancouver, was Munro Church in 1928.  (See Blot Post 8/3/2014.)  This church, built south of Mount Seymour Parkway was named after the retired minister Rev. John R. Munro who "gave himself with enthusiasm to the erection of a church at Berkley Heights...the name 'Munro Church' had been sanctioned by Presbytery for this building." (REF b.)

"The congregation of (that changed its name to) Seymour Heights had its start in the early 1930's.  The first church home of the congregation was a small church with a basement located on Berkley Road, south of the present Mount Seymour Parkway."  This church had an organ.  "In 1942 the original church (Munro Church) was sold and services were held in Seymour Heights Hall..."For 15 years, Seymour Heights United has been meeting in Seymour Heights Community Hall while planning a church of its own.
                                                                              

Seymour Heights Community Hall

2702 East Keith Road

(North Vancouver Archives Photo #MA146)

"By the mid-1950's it was apparent that a church home was required.  Land was purchased on Berkley Road...During this period the church organ was faithfully stored in Stewart;s chicken house...The side is west of Berkley Road, north of Keith, running from the intersection of Dogwood, south 300 feet on Berkley, with a depth running from 100 feet at the south half, to 200 at the north...There is a fine view down Burrard Inlet, over the city to Vancouver Island.

"The estimated cost of the new church was $26,000...The church is planned for the corner of Berkley and Dogwood on four lots purchased by the building committee.. for $3000.  Professor W. R. Ussner of the University of British Columbia is drawing up plans for a church to seat about 250...estimated total cost of $26,000" (REF b.)

                                                                  

New Church Sanctuary-1959 (REF 2.)

The Building Permit book at the North Vancouver Archives lists a 1962 $10,500 repair for fire damage at the Seymour Heights United Church.

                                                                    

                                                   971 Berkley Rd., 1963 (REF 1.)

New Building 1963 (REF 1.)

"The new church...was part of the Lynnmour Pastor Charge to the west of Seymour Heights area.  (See blog post 1/19/12.)...In 1967 the Lynnmour church was amalgamated with Lynn Valley United Church (See blog post Feb.m 19, 2012.) and Seymour Heights became Mount Seymour united Church.  Mount Seymour shared a minister with Deep Cove United Church." )See blog post 4/10/11.) (REF a.)

Seymour Heights/Mount Seymour United Church and Deep Cove United Church combined and built Mount Seymour United Church at 1500 Parkgate Avenue in 1989.  (See blog post on Mount Seymour United Church 8/17/14.)

Note: See Blog Post 8/3/14 for map of location of churches mentioned.

Thank You: To Kathryn Clinton, Mount Seymour United Church Administrator

                  for copies of history references.

Reference 1: Citizen, August 1, 1963, available at the North Vancouver 

                 Archives.

Reference 2: Received from Mount Seymour United Church files:
                                   a."Seymour Heights United Church-Service of Dedication- 
                                                         Sunday, September 13th, 1959."
                                    b."History of Seymour Heights/Mount Seymour 
                                                         United Church"
                                    c."Mount Seymour United Church, North Vancouver, B.C. 
                                                         10th Anniversary Sunday, April 18, 1999"
                                    d."Mount Seymour United Church 25th Anniversary
                                                         Celebration May 4, 2014 From 1989: To 2014

(Note: These references are on file at the North Vancouver Archives.)

Link: http://www.mtseymourunited.com/

                                                                                                                                8/3/14                                                                                                                        

North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

1.-approximate location of Munro Church

Posthumous

Munro Church

North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

The first United Church to be built on Berkley Road in the eastern section of the District of North Vancouver was Munro Church.  This church, built south of Mount Seymour Parkway in 1928 was named after the retired minister Rev. J. R. Munro that "gave himself with enthusiasm to the erection of a church at Berkley Heights....the name 'Munro Church' had been sanctioned by Presbytery for this building."

"The congregation of  (now named) Seymour Heights (United Church) had its start in the early 1930's.  The first church home of the congregation was a small church with a basement located on Berkley Road, south of the present Mount Seymour Parkway." (Munro Church)  This church had an organ. "In 1942 the original church was sold and services were held in Seymour Heights Hall..."For 15 years, Seymour Heights United has been meeting in Seymour Heights Community Hall while planning a church of its own." (See photo below.) (REF. b.)

Seymour Heights Community Hall

2702 East Keith Road

(North Vancouver Photo Archives #MA146 )

The 1960 City Directory lists the Seymour Heights Hall as being  at 2702 Keith Rd., on the north side of the street.

"By the mid-1950's it was apparent that a church home was required.  Land was purchased on Berkley Road... During this period the church organ was faithfully stored in Stewart's chicken house...The site(of the new church) is west of Berkeley Road, north of Keith, running from the intersection of Dogwood, south 300 feet on Berkeley, with a depth running from 100 feet at the south half, to 200 at the north....There is a fine view down Burrard Inlet, over the city to Vancouver Island. (REF.) 

Note: For more information see Blog Post 8/10/2014 and 8/17/2014.

*******

Thank you: To Kathryn Clinton, Mount Seymour United Church
                      Administrator for copies of history references.

References: Received from Mount Seymour United Church files:
                                  a. "Seymour Heights United Church-Service of 
                                        Dedication-Sunday, September 13th, 1959."
                                  b. "History of Seymour Heights/Mount Seymour
                                        United Church."
                                   c. "Mount Seymour United Church, North
                                        Vancouver, B.C., 10th Anniversary Sunday,
                                        April 18, 1999."
                                   d."Mount Seymour United Church 25th
                                        Anniversary Celebration May 4, 2014 From 1989
                                        to 2014."
                 
Map References: 1. Munro Church, 1928-1942
                                2. Seymour Heights United Church, 1959-1989
                                3. Mount Seymour United Church, 1989-present
                                4. Deep Cove United Church, 1950-1989