Although it’s hard to think of churches in competition, a good-hearted rivalry exists between Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral and St. Mary the Virgin Anglican church.

Both have some claim as being the oldest expression of Anglicanism in Lower Mainland.

The parish and church of Holy Trinity was founded in 1860; however, its building was destroyed in the 1898 New Westminster fire. The present building dates back to 1899.  According to John Bailey, rector of Holy Trinity, it remains the oldest parish.

Continue article >>

St. Mary’s building was built by ex-soldiers, and dates back to 1865. The rector, Neville Crichlow, chuckles at the comparisons. “Other Lower Mainland Anglican churches, such as Fort Langley and Maple Ridge, also have some claim. But I believe we are the oldest original building, on its original site!”

Both places of worship are consistent with the rich history and heri-tage of this unique city.                  – PB

August 2007