Sanctuary Rebuild

Oak Bay United Church has a long history of presence in Oak Bay, tracing its roots back 120 years to two founding faith communities, the St. Columba Presbyterian Church and the Hampshire Road Methodist Church. St. Columba Presbyterian Church dedicated the sanctuary at Granite and Mitchell Streets on November 8, 1914.

On March 7, 1926, St. Columba Presbyterian Church and Hampshire Road Methodist Church amalgamated under the auspices of the newly formed United Church of Canada, and held their first service as Oak Bay United Church in the sanctuary at Granite and Mitchell.

In 1992, the sanctuary of Oak Bay United Church was condemned as structurally unsafe for public occupancy. The congregation began to hold its services in the adjacent Gardiner Hall, where we currently worship.

Over the last two years we have addressed the question of rebuilding afresh, clarified our vision and goals, and prayerfully sought God’s will.

In the summer of 2006, we commissioned a study to discern the congregation’s interest in and support for an expanded ministry and building plan. On September 24, 2006, the congregation voted unanimously in favour of rebuilding the old sanctuary.

The congregation of Oak Bay United Church is committed to the project of rebuilding the sanctuary. We are currently conducting a Capital Campaign to raise the funds for the project. Every household or individual associated with the congregation, and all members of the community interested in supporting this effort, are invited to have a conversation and find ways to support the campaign.

We are seeking financial contributions. With the support of all, we have faith that our efforts will succeed.

We hope you will read our Capital Campaign Brochure (PDF) for more information. If you would like to connect with us about the Capital Campaign, please contact us.