Tsawwassen United Church (Delta, B.C.)

With the opening of the Deas Island Tunnel in 1959, the residential population of South Delta expanded very rapidly and the B.C. Conference Church Extension Council purchased land in the Tsawwassen neighborhood with the intent of forming a new congregation. In 1961, a survey was made and at a public meeting attended by supporters of the United Church, a provisional committee was elected to organize the construction of a church. A Sunday School began meeting in homes in January, 1962. The first worship service held in March, 1962 was led by a theological student who served for two years. In June 1962, the congregation was formally constituted by Vancouver-South Presbytery. In the fall of 1963, a half-time retired minister was appointed to serve the new congregation. The congregation's first church building was completed and dedicated in May, 1964. The first full time minister was called in 1966 and the congregation became fully self-supporting in 1969. While a renovation to increase seating was completed in 1970, it was determined ten years later that a larger church was required. The new church was dedicated in June, 1981.