Chilliwack congregation celebrates 125 years of legacy

By Bob Riley and members of the pastorate team.

Chilliwack Community of Christ is celebrating 125 years of heritage in the Upper Fraser Valley. What began with five baptisms in Camp Slough in 1899 has grown into a congregation that is part of a Christian denomination active in nearly 60 countries around the world. We are also celebrating 50 years in our current facility, which is used by both our congregation and other charitable organizations that serve the community.

We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us on November 9th and 10th.

Our heritage includes individuals on the front lines, as well as men and women serving in non-combat and non-military roles. Over the years, our members and their descendants have contributed to the local community in roles such as Mayor, Fire Chief, First Responders in the fire department, and as Chilliwack Search and Rescue personnel. Others have volunteered as board members of charity groups and as Chaplains to police forces. Many of us have worked in agriculture, resource industries, construction, blue-collar, and professional endeavours.

Currently, members and friends of Community of Christ are knitting toques and mitts for distribution to Canadians who are struggling at this time. Our goal this year is to produce 250 toques. In conjunction with this, there is a sock drive aiming for 250 pairs of socks to accompany the toques. Last year, the distribution of hundreds of handmade toques was facilitated by police and security forces during their rounds among the homeless.

Without the assistance of any paid staff, or by seeking grants and donations, we have contributed thousands of dollars directly to local charities such as Chilliwack Supportive Housing. We also regularly support the Canadian NGO World Accord, an organization headquartered in Ottawa that finds effective ways to improve the lives of people in developing countries. Individual members also contribute to other agencies such as Chilliwack Soup Kitchens, Food Banks, Ruth and Naomi’s shelter, and other Canada-wide groups.​

We thank those who came before us, who have led the way and taught us how, as Christians, we can be a positive influence, seeking peace, hope, love, and joy in our communities. We continue to strive for unity in our diversity, both locally and across the country.

Join us on November 9th and 10th, 2024.

Special Guests: Art Smith and Laura Horning.

Events will include:

• Touring Saturday Afternoon
•  Spaghetti Supper Saturday 5:30 PM
• Hymn Sing with Leah Christensen treating us on the piano Saturday Evening at 7:30 PM
• Positive Uplifting Stories from Art Smith”s Field 9:45 AM Sunday
• Ministry of the Spoken Word with member of the Council of 12 Art Smith Sunday at 11:00 AM
• Pot Luck dinner and visiting Sunday 12:15

RSVP for the Spaghetti Supper: [email protected]