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KELOWNA residents know the area of Rutland as a large
and vibrant part of the city. This vibrant swath of the city
celebrated its roots this year with its 100 year anniversary.
Rutland United Church celebrated the same milestone, as
the congregation reviewed its long history – spanning denominational
changes, building moves and more.
Like its denomination, Rutland United Church has its
roots in the Presbyterian and Methodist traditions.
The first Kelowna Presbyterian Church was founded in
1893 in the Benvoulin area, just south of Orchard Park Mall. In 1908, a
school was founded near the corner of Highway 33 and Rutland Road; in 1913,
the Presbyterians moved their congregation from Benvoulin.
Mountview Methodist Church was opened nearby on April
12, 1908. In 1925, Mountview Methodist burned to the ground just as Sunday
services were beginning.
That was the year the Methodists, Presbyterians and
Congregationalists joined to become the United Church of Canada. After the
fire, church services were held in the old school.
In 1949, a new facility was built at the corner of
Rutland and McCurdy Road. Renovations and additions were done over
the years, and a final building move was made to the present location at
1370 Rutland Road North in 1983.
Pastor Rick Potter now serves a congregation of just
over 90 members and many more attendees, and helped organize a July long
weekend homecoming for past members.
“It was a fantastic success. We sold tickets,
everyone here worked so hard, and all of the guests had a great time on a
very busy day.”
The 100-year celebration included a meet-and-greet
social, a pancake breakfast, a sports day, a group trip to the beach at the
lake, a barbecue and a family dance. The Sunday featured speaker Scott
Augur. The invitation encouraged people to “come and bring your
memories.”
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“There was a real sense of remembrance and joy
during the day,” says Potter. “People came from all over,
and the response was just fantastic.”
Throughout the year, there have been events building up
to the celebration homecoming weekend. Many of the congregation dressed in
old fashioned clothes April 12, in recognition of their ‘official
birthday.’
Having its centenary at the same time as the Rutland
neighbourhood has also given the church a chance for increased
participation in the community. Members constructed a float and
dressed up for the annual Rutland May Days parade, and have made an extra
effort to be seen and reach out to the community in general.
“This has just been an exciting and busy year for
us,” said Barb Robertson, who has helped organize some of the events.
She added: “It has been lovely to see the church
come together and celebrate.”
– Bobbi-Sue Menard
September 2008
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