January 19, 2014

Entrance

630 East 19th Street

Posthumous

Sutherland Bible Chapel (1970-1995 Building)

North Vancouver, B.C.

The origin of  Sutherland Church was in the early 1960's at  Hollyburn Gospel Chapel in West Vancouver, B.C.. Hollyburn Gospel Chapel was a Plymouth Brethren Church.  

"The various churches of the Christian Brethren movement are independent, conservative and evangelical....it is estimated that there are about one million people who identify themselves as Brethren.

"In the winter of 1827-1828 four men...gathered...in Dublin, Ireland.  Soon there were assemblies... in several locations.  The most well-known group was in Plymouth, and the name "Plymouth Brethren" has since become a default name for others.

"Brethren churches vary somewhat in their practices and beliefs due to their independent nature,...(There is an) absence of clergy/laity distinctions.  Brethren churches typically partake of the Lord's Supper weekly." (REF.)

The members of the Hollyburn Gospel Chapel that lived in North Vancouver, the city to the east of West Vancouver, decided that they wanted a church in their own area. " 'Hollyburn' formed a committee to look for property in North Vancouver...The ...location of 19th Street and Sutherland Avenue...was purchased from the City of North Vancouver in 1967." (REF.)

However, the lot on the north-west corner of East 19th Street and Sutherland Avenue was a swamp and needed to be built up before construction of a church could begin. (BG)

A very well attended Daily Vacation Bible School was held at Queensbury School, North Vancouver in the summer of 1968. "The success of that undertaking encouraged the leaders of the new venture and a Sunday School and adult Bible Study commenced that fall.  These were held Sunday morning in the cafeteria of Sutherland High School across the street from our property.

Rear of Building

"Work on the site clearing started by volunteers in the spring of 1968 and construction followed shortly afterward on the first phase of an intended church building." Painting was also done by the volunteers.

"In fall 1969 as the building's first phase (the foyer, lounge, kitchen washroom, nursery and basement of an eventual building) nearing completion, the leadership of the home church at Hollyburn chose the initial leaders (Elders) for Sutherland....On Feb. 2, 1970 twelve families met for communion for the first time in the new building and so formally launched Sutherland Bible Chapel. Over the next few years the number in the fellowship continued to grow to the point where the first phase of the building was overcrowded.  A decision was made to complete the auditorium portion of the building.  This was opened in 1974.

"In the initial years the ministry of the church was carried out in the tradition of the "Christian Brethren" in that there was no paid or full time ministry staff... the preaching was done either by a member of the congregation or by a visitor.

North Side of Building

"In the early 1980's the Elders decided that because of the practicalities of the times, a "full-time worker" would be a good idea.  Over the years...Pastors have each assisted us to grow spiritually..."

"The twenty fifth anniversary of Sutherland was celebrated in 1995 by demolishing  the building...and constructing the larger facility we have today."(REF.) The new church with its entrance of a bank of broad steps on East 19th Street was built.

For more information on Sutherland Church see Blog Post 1/19/14.

Thank you: To Bill Gillmartin for information and slides. 

Photos: Photos were taken of the slides and photoshopped by SW.

Reference: "History of Sutherland Church, 8/2013 from Bill Gillmartin.

Link 1: http://sutherlandchurch.ca/

Link 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth_Brethren

Prayer

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

San Pedro Church

San Pedro Church
Cartagena, Columbia

"Cartagena or Cartagena de Indias (Spanish pronunciation: [kartaˈxena ðe ˈindjas], "Cartagena of the Indies"), is a city on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region and capital of the Bolívar Department. The port city had a population of 892,545 as of the 2005 census. It is the fifth-largest city in Colombia and the second largest in the region, after Barranquilla. The Cartagena urban area is also the fifth-largest urban area in the country. Economic activities include maritime and petrochemicals industry, as well as tourism.

"The city was founded on June 1, 1533, and named after Cartagena, Spain. However, settlement in this region around Cartagena Bay by various indigenous people dates back to 4000 BC....Cartagena is the city most associated with pirates in the Caribbean, and the world. In 1984 Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site" (Link 1.)

San Pedro Church

"Cartagena’s Catedral de San Pedro Claver, so close to the sea wall, seems unduly imposing for such a sanctified site. Begun in 1575, when this was a very rough neighborhood, its unfinished fortifications were destroyed in 1586 during a tiff with Sir Francis Drake and his pirate crew, and rebuilt by 1602.

"Its namesake, San Pedro Claver Corberó, did not arrive until 1610. The Spanish-born priest arrived in Cartagena, then a slave-trading hub, as a novice priest. Horrified by the treatment of African captives, sold to a motley crew of middlemen on what’s now Plaza de los Coches, the young man became an activist, writing in his diary, “Pedro Claver, slave of the slaves forever (3 April 1622).”

"Pedro would not only baptize newly enslaved arrivals right in the cathedral’s courtyard well (which was already controversial), but he would then explain to the newly saved that they deserved all the rights held by other Christian citizens of the Spanish Empire. This didn’t go over well with their new “owners,” not to mention most of his fellow Jesuits. The Vatican, already officially (if not actively) against slavery, would go on to canonize him in 1888.

"The saint’s remains are preserved in the illuminated glass coffin in the altar, and bring in pilgrims that have included Pope John Paul II. The cavernous interior’s arches and columns, hewn from the same pale stone as the sea walls, seem infused with light. The main wooden altar, though not as heavy with gold gilt and precious stones as some, is considered one of Colombia’s most beautiful. The detailed stained glass is also exceptional." (Link 2.)

Photos: Taken in October 2013 by SW.

Link 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartagena,_Colombia

Link 2: http://www.viator.com/Cartagena-attractions/Cathedral-of-San-Pedro-Claver/d4498-a6193

Prayer

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

Wai' Oli Hui' ia Church

(Link 1.)

Wai'Oli Hui' ia Church
Hanalei, Kaua'i, Hawai'i

"Hanalei is a census-designated place  in Kauaʻi County, Hawaiʻi,United States. The population was 450 at the 2010 census. Hanalei means "lei making" in Hawaiian. Alternatively, the name Hanalei also means "crescent bay" and may be indicative of the shape of Hanalei Bay.

"Hanalei was the backdrop of several film productions, such as the 1958 musical film South Pacific. Scenes were filmed in the town itself and atLumahai Beach to the west of Hanalei." (Link 2.)

"The Wai`oli Mission was established by American Christian Missionaries in 1834. A pole and thatch meeting house was constructed by Hawaiians on the Mission Hall site, in anticipation of the arrival of the missionaries.

"Following the destruction of two earlier buildings by fire and wind, the congregation completed the timber frame and plaster building in 1841. The lime for the plaster was made from coral which was dug at low tide.

"The Mission Bell was acquired in 1843, and placed in the belfry behind the Mission Hall. The Mission Hall is the oldest surviving church building on the island of Kaua`i.       William and Mary Alexander, the first missionaries to Hanalei, arrived by double canoe from the Waimea Mission. During their nine years here, Mr. Alexander, assisted by George Rowell and Edward Johnson, carried the Gospel to persons along the Northern coastline of Kaua`i. Two years were spent building the Mission House, which was completed in 1837. Mr. Alexander "laid up the chimney" with his own hands, and it stands to this day.  Deborah Kapule, the dowager Queen of Kaua`i and an earnest convert, assisted in establishing the Mission.  Governor Kaikioewa of Kaua`i provided the land, and encouraged the Mission in many ways.

"The Mission School was started so that children and adults could read the Bible, which the missionaries translated into Hawaiian. Abner and Lucy Wilcox arrived in 1846 to spend over 20 years as educational missionaries, developing this school, which was a pioneer in vocational training as well. The Wai`oli Mission School was well attended, and trained teachers to go throughout Kaua`i and Ni`ihau. This is now the Hanalei Public School

160 × 104 - pbase.co

250

250 

Sanctuary Side Windows

"Having survived two previous hurricanes, Hurricane Dot and Hurricane Iwa, both the Wai`oli Hui`ia Church Sanctuary and the Wai`oli Mission Hall were restored after sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Both buildings are listed on the state and national registers of historic places.

Sunday Bulletin

"The Wai`oli Church Choir is well known for its skill in singing and for its repertoire of early Hawaiian hymns which are sung each Sunday at the 10:00 AM service.

"The Wai`oli Hui`ia Church has had a continuous record of service since 1834, first as a Congregational Church, and since 1957, as a United Church of Christ.

"The Wai`oli Hui`ia United Church of Christ extends a cordial welcome to all to worship with them on Sunday mornings, and at special services throughout the year."  (Link 1.)

Photo: Link 1 and of Sunday Bulletin picked up by good friend Sue in October 2013 when she was visiting Hawaii to celebrate her 75th birthday.
Link 1: http://www.hanaleichurch.org/About_Us.html
Link 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanalei,_Hawaii

Prayer

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

Nativity Scene-Highlands United Church, North Vancouver, B.C.
(See Blog Post 12/22/13.)

Churches On Sundays

Year 2013 

Index

Canada

B. C.-Britannia Beach-Beach Church-November 3, 2013.

B. C.-Cloverdale-Cloverdale United Church-17553 58th Ave.-5/12/13.

B. C.-Courtenay-St. John The Divine Anglican Church-9/29/13.

B. C.-Horseshoe Bay-St. Monica's Anglican Church-6404 Wellington Ave.-
           3/31/13.

B. C.-North Vancouver City-Posthumous Churches of the City of North  
          Vancouver-3/10/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-Posthumous-Evangelical Free Church-

           1400 Sutherland Ave.-2/17/13.

B. C.-North Vancouver-Poshumous-First Church of Christ Scientist-

           185 East Keith Road-1/27/13.

B. C.-North Vancouver-Posthumous-Foursquare Gospel Lighthouse-1/20/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-Posthumous-Methodist Church/ 1911-1914-10/6/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-Posthumous-North Lonsdale Presbyterian/St. 
           Stephen's Presbyterian/St. Andrew's and St. Stephen's Presbyterian 
           Church-2641 Chesterfield Avenue-6/16/13.

B. C.-North Vancouver-Capilano United Church-226- Phillip Ave.-2/24/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-Highlands United Church-3255 Edgemont 
           Blvd.-2/22/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-Lion's Gate Hospital Chapel-231 East 15th St.-
           6/23/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-North Shore Alliance Church-201 E 23rd St.-12/8/13.

B. C.-North Vancouver-North Shore Bethel Christian Brethren Church-

           185 East Keith Road-1/3/13.

B. C.-North Vancouver-St. Andrew's and St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church-

           2641 Chesterfield Ave.-1/3/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel-541 West Keith Road-
           6/9/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-Salvation Army-105 West 12th St.-3/24/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-Sisters of the Child Jesus-Convent Chapel-
           524 West 6th Street-6/2/13.
B. C.-North Vancouver-The Bridge (Delbrook Baptist) Church-515 West
           Windsor Road-3/17/13.

B. C.-Richmond-Airport Chapel, Vancouver International Airport-

           3211 Grand McConachie Way-4/14/13.

B. C.-Surrey-Hazelmere United Church-1614 184th St.-5/5/13.

B. C.-Tofino-St. Columba Church-110 Second St.-1/6/13.

B. C.-Union Bay-Union Bay United Community Church, 5500 Old Island 

                        Highway/Highway 19A, 9/22/13.

B. C.-Vancouver-Mount St. Joseph Hospital Chapel-3080 Prince Edward
           Street-7/14/13.

B. C.-Vancouver-Vancouver Buddhist Temple-220 Jackson Ave.-4/28/13.

Costa Rico

Costa Rico-Puntarenas-Catedral De Puntarenas-11-17-13.

Guatemala

Guatamela-Antigua-Inglesia El Calvario Church-12/15/13.

Korea

Korea-Seoul, Young Nak Presbyterian Church-1/13/13.

Mexico

Mexico-Cabo San Lucas-Inglesia San Lucas-11/24/13.

Mexico-Puerto Vallarata-Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe-12/1/13.

Panama

Panama-Canal Cruise/San Diego, California to Fort Lauderdale, Florida-
                   Celebrity Millenium Cruise Ship/Sunday Worship-10/27/13.
Panama-Portabelo, Iglesia San Felipe Church-11/10/13.

Tunisia

Tunisia-Tunis/Carthage-Cathedral of St. Louis-9/8/13.

United States

California-Alameda-USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier-Chapel-9/15/22.

California-Downey-Downey Memorial Christian Church-8441 East Florence

             Avenue-8/4/13.

California-Downey-First Baptist Church-8348 3rd Street-7/21/13.

California-Downey-First Christian Church-10909 New Street-7/7/13.
California-Downey, St George Greek Orthodox Church-8/11/13.

California-Huntington Park-St. Matthias Catholic Church-3095

             East Florence-6/30/13.
California-Whittier, First Christian Church-8/18/13.
California-Whittier, Whittier Church of Christ-8/25/13.

California-Zamora-St. Agnes Catholic Church-SE corner of Main St.

             and 2nd Street-7/28/13.

Nevada-Las Vegas-Little Chapel of the Flowers-10/13/13.

Texas-Houston-George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Interfaith Chapel-
             10/20/13.

Washington-Blaine-Christ Episcopal Church-382 Boblett St.-4/7/13.
Washington-Blaine-St. Anne's Catholic Church-604 H Street-5/19/13.
Washington-Blaine-United Church of Christ-885 4th Street-5/26/13.
Washington-Concrete-Mount Baker Presbyterian Church, 9/1/13.
Washington-Everett-Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church-

            2617 Cedar Street-2/21/13.

Washington-Tacoma-Meditation Room, SEATAC Airport-2/10/13.

**********

Prayer

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

                                                                                                                           December 22, 2013

3255 Edgemont Boulevard

Highlands United Church
North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

"Highlands United Church activity began in July 1946, but it was not constituted a Pastoral Charge by the Vancouver Presbytery until September 26, 1950. At that time, the church was called Capilano Highlands United Church; (built on Hillcrest)  the name was changed to Highlands United Church in February of 1951." (Link 1.) 

The present Highlands United Church on Edgemont Boulevard was designed by the architect R. William Wilding and originally consisted of a narthex, sanctuary, and lower hall used for the Sunday School and social activities.  "A landmark in Edgemont Village, this church expresses its verticality through the use of a tall structural A-frame roof framed with laminated beams.  The church is reached by a bridge at the upper level.  The exterior is clad with vertical rough red cedar boards; the roof was originally clad with cedar shingles to evoke the surrounding woods and mountain views. The interior of the nave features exposed laminated beams, and is dramatically lit through the use of coloured glass, mostly amber, in small slit windows. A large skylight illuminates the altar area.  It opened in November 1958. Cost of the building was $150,000. " (Link 3.) 

The sanctuary seats about 350 members of the congregation.  The balcony seats an additional 100.

Sanctuary Balcony with Colored Glass

In 1961 1000 children were attending Sunday School and more rooms were needed.  In 1963 and 1964  an Christian Education Centre was added.  It consists of a two floor wing of classrooms and a gym with classrooms above. This formed a central courtyard. (See photo below.)

Courtyard formed by 1963-64 addition.

In the 1990's the District of North Vancouver gave Highlands United Church, Heritage status.

In 2006 the first phase of an upgrade to the church was started.  Last year the Sanctuary Chancel was renovated.  The slat reredo was replaced with a block format wall featuring a tall LED cross.  The color of the LED can be changed according to the religious season of the year.  The present blue is the color of Advent.  Banners to the left of the cross can also be changed with the season. The present Madonna and Child with blue accents is for Advent and Christmas.

2013 Reredo with LED cross and banners

Christmas Banners to the left of the LED Cross

Today's congregation numbers around 400 to 500.  The Sunday worshipers number around 300 to 400.  They enter the Edgemont Avenue  bridge leading to the stained glass doors to the Narthex and Sanctuary.

Edgemont Entrance to Narthex and Sanctuary

Stained Glass Doors to Narthex and Sanctuary

Nativity Exhibit and Craft Fair

In November 2013 Highlands United Church held their fifth annual Nativity Exhibit and Craft Fair.  An orange and green nativity scene, of the wise men following the Star of Bethlehem to the Christ Child, was mounted on the roof of the church.

Wise Men, Star, and Manger Scene

Over 200  nativity scenes were displayed in the Lower Hall. These were shared by members of the congregation.  They were from all over the world. 

From Hope B.C. Canada


From Northern Canada

From Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

MERRY CHRISTMAS

(For more about the history of Highlands United Church see 

  Blog Post 1/26/14.)

Thank you: To congregation member, Alan,  for information on the history of 
                 the church and the renovation plans.
Photos: Taken in November 2013 by SW.
Link 1: http://www.memorybc.ca/highlands-united-church-north-vancouver-b-c-fonds;rad
Link 2: http://www.highlandsunited.org/
Link 3: http://www.dnv.org/article.asp?a=1726&c=657

Prayer

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

Iglesia El Calvario Church

Iglesia El Calvario Church
Antigua, Guatamala

"Antigua Guatemala is a city in thecentral highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved SpanishBaroque influenced architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site." (Link 2.)

"Iglesia El Calvario (Calvary Church) is a Church that is characterized by its beautiful facade, extensive mall area, and because on its premises is an "Esquisuchil" tree planted by Hermano Pedro de Betancur in 1626. Esquisuchil trees (bourreria huanita) are very old and very few. Certainly an attraction that will appeal to visitors. The Church is located at the end of "El Calvario" street, which is surrounded by several small shrines along it.

1688 Stone Cross

"Construction of El Calvario church began on November 19, 1618, when a cross was built there. Construction work completed in 1655 and in 1657 the last of the great paintings of Antonio Montufar was placed in it, as well as others made by Thomas Merlo. In 1618 a wooden cross was placed there, which represented the beginning of its construction. It was later replaced in 1688 by a stone, opposite the facade." (Link 1.)

Photo: Taken in September 2013 by SW.
Link 1:  http://www.gofolklore.com/index.php/travel-guide/item/iglesia-el-calvario-the-calvary-church
Link 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_Guatemala

Prayer

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

(SW)