Red Deer Lake United Church History
Red Deer Lake United Church is a unique blend of old and new, traditional and modern, now worshipping and working together.
In the late 1800's, Red Deer Lake started as a mission church with people traveling by horseback to meet in homes for worship and fellowship. In 1909, the historic chapel was opened and it became a centre point in the community, at times functioning as a school house.
In 1985 the highway was twinned, so the Red Deer Lake United Church was moved to a new site south of the highway, and an addition was built. Red Deer Lake United Church continued to serve the growing communities surrounding it. In December 2004, the beautiful new sanctuary, which can be used as a magnificent performing arts theatre, and the bright and spacious lower hall, providing space for many new programs and events, were both opened.
Midlands United Church History
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Midlands United Church was located on the south ridge of beautiful Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary Alberta. From its humble beginnings in 1980, it has have developed into an energetic and nurturing community. The church building was completed in 1990. Its simple, but elegant architecture enhanced by its stained glass windows provides a worship environment for a growing and caring congregation. |
Always Moving Forward
The Story of Midlands United Church
Midlands United Church traces its history back to 1980. Calgary was growing fast and reaching South. A new United Church was required for these new neighborhoods.
From the very beginning we have been a church with a different vision. We have worshipped in a gymnasium, a community hall, an elementary school, and a Catholic Church. We have spent most of our life getting ready for our next move.
In 1989, our church home was built through a cooperative arrangement with the Roman Catholic Diocese. Our years on the Campus of Lacombe Centre and St. Mary’s University College have enabled us to continue our ecumenical vision and to share in the growth of an exciting university.
Now it’s time for our next move. Our commitment is to maintain the spirit of adventure. We continue to hold a vision of cooperation with the community and with friends in other faith traditions.
The journey of our congregation has been guided by wonderful ministers. Long time members of the United Church will remember such names as, Norm Thomas, Nelson Mercer, Anne Gowans-Blinn, Duncan Barwise, and Sharlene Gibson.
In 2006 we invited Jim Hillson to become our new minister and join us in planning the next phase of our journey. We are excited and confident as we look forward to creating an authentic postmodern ministry for Calgary in the 21st Century. In this new ministry, our church family will grow, our circle of relationships will widen, and our ministry will discover new ways to serve the community and God.
Amalgamation of RDLUC and MUC
On January 1, 2008, Midlands United Church and Red Deer Lake United Church officially amalgamated. The congregation voted to use the interim church name of Red Deer Lake United Church.