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Hundreds gather in Calgary as United Church of Canada celebrates 100th anniversary
More than 400 people packed the pews at Knox United Church on Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada, a milestone that drew together members and non-members from across southern Alberta for an afternoon of music, prayer and community.
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The main floor of the historic downtown church was nearly full before the 2 p.m. start time, with organizers directing attendees to the balcony to accommodate the crowd.
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'It's an excellent turnout,' said Rev. Nancy Nourse, one of the event organizers. 'We have more than 20 United Churches present here today to either participate or to be part of the music.'
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The celebration featured prayer, a 'Hymns of the Century' sing-along and musical worship led by a seven-member praise band, accompanied by the Church's grand piano and organ.
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Nourse said the event was open to all Calgarians, regardless of whether they identified as members of the church.
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'The United Church has always been an open door, radical welcome church,' she said. '(We) don't have any expectations except just come as you are. Everyone's welcome.'
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She added that the centennial event was not just a celebration of the past, but an opportunity to reaffirm the church's values as it looks ahead.
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Founded on June 10, 1925, through the union of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches, the United Church of Canada remains one of the country's largest Protestant denominations. The church, known for its progressive theology and social justice work, has long championed issues including LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, Indigenous reconciliation and gender equality.
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'We've always been a voice of welcome and full inclusion for everyone,' said Nourse, noting the United Church ordained its first woman in 1936 and its first openly gay minister in 1988.
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'We have always been voices of advocacy and social justice,' she added. 'We've had an impact on the fabric of Canada and the betterment of society, even when it's been more difficult.'
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In 1986, the church formally apologized to Indigenous peoples for its role in colonization and harm caused through church-run residential schools. In 2016, the United Church marked the 30th anniversary of that apology, which marked a significant turning point in the church's relationship with Indigenous communities.
