High River United Church History


Stained Glass Window in the Sanctuary

High River United Church prides itself on its rich history and the high level of spiritual service it provides to the town of High River and surrounding rural area.

From our beautiful building in the heart of downtown High River, we are the spiritual home for more than 320 families, ranging from long established residents to newer residents drawn to this pretty foothills town of about 10,000 people.

The only United Church in High River, HRUC offers two regular worship services each week – a 10 a.m. service each Sunday, which includes Children's Worship and Youth Worship, and a quieter service focusing on meditation and reflection at 7 p.m. Wednesdays will begin again in 2009.

Our church’s roots extend way back to 1880 – decades before Union occurred – when a Methodist missionary named Rev. John Maclean held occasional services when he stopped here on his journey from Fort Macleod to Calgary. He was the first of many Methodist preachers who used to stop in High River as part of their rotation.

However, it was a Presbyterian missionary, Rev. Angus Robertson, who is credited with organizing a High River congregation in 1885. Our records show that by 1891 there was a Presbyterian Church build near the site of the present-day Spitzee Elementary School.

Our present day site at 123 Macleod Trail was the site of Chalmers Presbyterian Church by 1910. The Methodists built their first church in 1902 at the corner of 1^st Street and 3^rd Avenue, east of the railway tracks.

Early talks of Union were recorded February 1912 in the Methodist board minutes. Apparently those folks were keen on the idea, but the Presbyterians were less enthused. They were so divided on their vote for Union that some Presbyterians separated in 1925 and formed their own congregation, leaving the church property on Macleod Avenue to the United Church.

The Depression made for difficulties, but membership continued to grow. During the Second World War, an evening service was held every two weeks so that airmen from the local air base could attend and be entertained afterwards. During this period, services resumed at Tongue Creek United Church west of town, and it became part of the High River pastoral charge.

The population continued to grow after the War and the congregation saw a need to build a new sanctuary. A goal was set to have a new building by 1950 but, in fact, the dedication didn’t take place until December 1951.

Part of the old brick church was removed to make room for the new construction. During construction, services were held at the Memorial Centre.

Youth groups flourished during the 1950’s and the teen group, Hi-C, met regularly for Sunday morning breakfast with a weekly attendance of 40 to 50. A very strong Couple’s Club provided friendship and fellowship for many folks during this decade as well.

By the mid 1960’s, it was evident a new church addition was necessary. Construction of the upper hall, parlour and office began in the fall of 1966. The dedication occurred in 1967, making a fine Centennial project for our congregation.

Now, a few years into this exciting new century, ongoing growth and changing needs within High River United Church have made it necessary for us to look at plans to either renovate the existing building or consider erecting a new one.

The congregation in September 2003 unanimously approved a four-year Strategic Plan, which gave the Official Board the green light to consider future building plans, which will be fully discussed within the congregation and presented for their approval at an undetermined future date.

Indeed this is an exciting time at High River United Church for both newcomers and those who have worshipped here for many years. On October 5, 2008 our revitalized facility dedication was held. We are home again.

(With thanks to Marlyne Sutherland for her research into our Church’s history)