100 Years, An Amazing Story

The United Church has a story to tell. It is a story of one hundred years of faith that has shaped Canada. Our church was formed in 1925 when Methodists, Congregationalists, Presbyterians and local Union Churches moved to be united as one church: The United Church of Canada. From the very beginning, we were united by what we held in common and by our love for the common good of all people and creation.

It is easy to shrug off such a momentous partnership. But I think the story of the United Church is visionary, then and now. In 1925, World War I had recently ended and the Great Depression was about to begin. The world had fallen apart. People needed to come together to rebuild a social movement and safety net based on common values and mutual care.

Today, one hundred years later, in 2025, it often feels like our world is falling apart too. Our social fabric is frayed, people are more lonely and isolated than ever, living in silos of our own making.... as we tap, tap, tap on our cellphones. Social issues such as health care, the environment, trusted institutions, our political system, wars, and our understanding of the truth itself seem to be crumbling before our eyes. There is immense positive power in building strong communities in times like these.

That is what the story of the United Church is all about... bringing together people in real life, from different backgrounds and seasons of life, and choosing to shape a richly diverse community together. Single, married, divorced and widowed. Gay, lesbian and straight. Employed, layed off, unemployed and retired. Indigenous, Canadian and recent immigrant. Home-owner, renting and homeless. Crawling, walking, using a cane. Tattoos, pierced ears, pierced belly-button. Boxers and briefs. Coffee and tea. Sweet and salty. You name it! The story of the United Church is about our walk toward our understanding that the love of God is for everyone. No shallow divisions, just human beings striving toward the values of neighbourly care and community built on kindness, justice and being there for each other.

You are invited to come and be part of this amazing story and this amazing vision... Our 100th Anniversary Celebration in Prince Edward County, Ontario, is on Saturday, May 31st at 10am, at Crystal Palace. It would be a pleasure to see you there.

Photo: The first gathering of the United Church in the Mutual Street Arena on June 10, 1925.