One conservative group and one co-operative (Central, Vancouver) are reported here in this century. The influence of Donald Crawford, of P.E.I. in the early days, is credited as working here, as late as 1915.

      Twentieth Century: Vancouver (Central); Vancouver, 12th & E. Carolina.

      The above name was chosen in 1943 to succeed the term "Shelton Memorial", by which the present organization was then known. But back of that there is a long stern battle by a few disciples to give this most westerly Canadian metropolis a worthy establishment of our cause. Two other names bespeak the early period, revealed in order. The cause began with the assembly of a few scattered disciples, on May 18, 1905, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G. J. Spencer. The first public service was at Pender Hall, Sunday, June 4, 1905. A. H. Cowherd was the preacher, from the text, Nehemiah, chapter 4: "So we builded the wall." (Bro. Cowherd is a "faithful" of a somewhat familiar type, his early work for the cause dating from Bridgeburg and Hamilton, Ontario. He has been a leader in the Vancouver church from its inception.) On July 3 the following were chosen as officers: elder and chairman of the board,. A. H. Cowherd; treasurer, Mrs. G. J. Spencer: secretary, Miss M. E. Shearer; sup't. of Bible School, Dr. P. L. Prentis. Others not named, before formed part of the charter roll: Mrs. Flora M. Spencer, Elsie Stewart, Mrs. W. D. Haywood, G. H. Sprague, Mrs. Blackador, Mrs. G. S. Mason, Mrs. A. H. Cowherd, Dr. and Mrs. Bagnall, the misses M. E. Shearer and Bowen.¹ Early additions to the roll were Mr. and Mrs. John Ferris, John Munro, Mr. and Mrs. John Balmer, Mr. and Mrs. J. Stainsby, and their family. The name "First Christian Church" was adopted. The first baptism was that of Lizzie Malpass, conducted at First Beach, English Bay. That brought a joy to the group and the hope of others was stimulated. The group was classed by a writer in the Christian Messenger as having men and women of talent, able to speak, teach, pray, sing and give. The years that have passed have witnessed changes and difficulties. It may be recorded too in the opinion of one leader, that there never was a failing of the early vision, which kept the group to their task; and, in time, this indomitable spirit was rewarded by the aid of strong co-operative effort on the part of the Canadian and American brotherhoods. [668] Meetings were held in rented places, and in 1910, a small theatre was secured for Sundays. The Ontario Co-operation began to send assistance, which ran mostly from $300 yearly until 1918; financial aid was generously given by the American Christian Missionary Society, according to their statement, amounting by 1939 to $12,387.48. The group (ere they were divided) were strenuously making pledges and giving to a building fund; they secured something short of one-half the cost of a building lot, $5,250., by December, 1912. By the aid of $100.00 yearly from the A.C.M.S., H. Saunders of Oklahoma, was called as pastor, in 1908. He was succeeded by N. A. Davis in September, 1909, the membership having increased to seventy-six, and the A.C.M.S. continuing some support. Bro. Davis continued until December, 1911, during which time a division occurred over location, by which part of the congregation removed to Grandview district, where they had purchased a property at Woodland Drive and 14th ave., with aid from the board of Church Extension, styling themselves as "First Christian". The other section called "Central" moved to Fairview area, West 11th avenue and First St., where they secured a small church property with the aid of Church Extension.

      Here are mentioned two short term leaders, James Hagen and C. S. Rush. Both congregations had encouragement at first. Central profited by a tent meeting held by Herbert Yuell, but the first Great War was not three months old when half of the membership was scattered. First Christian prospered under M. M. Moss (March 1912-December 1914). Ben. N. Mitchell came as pastor in January, 1915, when the prospects for Bible School success were bright, with an enrollment of one hundred and fifty-seven and twenty-six new pupils coming in one month. A. H. Guy served as first superintendent, succeeded by O. S. Gray. But war conditions were severe. Central church had to sell its building and then joined with First Christian. They were widely separated and attendance at both was a hardship; even a single pastor for both was an unworkable idea. Out of these early times must be mentioned loyal supporters in the Conners, James, Dickenson families; the Grays, Bristows, Drakes (1920), Marie Bealls, H. A. Bills, the Bargers, the C. V. Stainsbys, the Saunders, Margaret Simon, Mrs. Kirkwood, and in these times also shared Chas. W. Simpson, later to become an efficient pastor in Edmonton, and in 1944 following, Mrs. Simpson and daughter Holly, added to the list of loyal workers.

      In August, 1918, Marcellus R. Ely became pastor, serving until October 31, 1922. In his time the International Convention authorized a gift [669] of $10,000, to be followed by a substantial loan' provided the two congregations would unite, which they did. A site was selected, but amidst the trials of the War and post-war period, economic troubles, unemployment, and removal of members, all plans were found unworkable, and a standstill came at the retirement of M. R. Ely. Under the leadership of C. V. Stainsby (Nov. 1922-April, 1927), an attempt was made to attain financial independence, due largely to expectations of financial prosperity for Vancouver, but which did not mature. After two years of loyal struggle re-instatement on the home missions budget was sought, and the church was faced with the problem of securing in Canada $5,000, by which the offer of the gift and loan would be revived. The United Society asked that the church enter upon a new program, and secure a new site. An article in World Call, August, 1927, written by C. V. Stainsby, relates, "In November, 1926, John H. Booth, George H. Stewart, of All-Canada Com., and W. F. Young, spent three days in Vancouver and helped formulate the general plan of a building and location program to cost $30,000 in cash, plus unlimited faith and effort. The local church pledged half of the required $5,000 and Mr. Stewart accepted responsibility for raising the other half. Easy? That $2,500 was just double the amount the pastor estimated the members could contribute and the payments of those pledged entailed some real sacrifices". With this condition the church was fearful that the Society wouldn't wish to go ahead, under the changed conditions aforesaid, when unemployment so decimated the membership. But helped by later assurances under the counsel of Grant K. Lewis, of the Society, and of M. B. Ryan, veteran Canadian western promoter of our churches, plans were matured. By September, 1926, work on the building had commenced. The opening and dedication day was March, 27, 1927--a day to be remembered for the uplift it gave to a cause that was here practically re-born. The church came to not only a new location but a new level, outlook and life. Bro. A. F. Wickes, of the Society was responsible for much fine planning in the building, about which a writer said. "It is truly a house of worship, with unmistakable atmosphere of sanctity." In placing this fine building in Vancouver and making possible a work of real magnitude, the Disciples both of the U.S. and Canada have demonstrated the value of co-operative effort. John H. Wells followed with four weeks of revival and the close of the meetings saw the realization of the gift of the necessary $5,000 raised triumphantly. Thus was Shelton Memorial church set forward and Frank L. Carter, of Ogden, Utah was its first minister, in Nov. 1927. [670]

      Bro. Carter served a year and then returned to Australia; a call was then given to William G. Kitchen, of Saskatoon, and at Easter, 1928, he entered upon a ministry of stabilizing during the difficult years that followed on this continent (1929-36) and which reduced the membership from over a hundred to sixty-one in 1938. During this period. O. S. Gray was chairman of the board, G. W. Crockett treasurer, Mrs. F. Barger, president W.M.S., Mrs. Chas. Beall, organist; A. H. Cowherd, S.S. Superintendent; Mrs. Geo. Drake, primary superintendent en. In these depression years the U.C.M.S. made such helpful terms that encouragement was given. Bro. Kitchen established himself in the confidence of the community and served as president of the ministerial association. His ministry ended in November, 1938. Bro. Cowherd was in charge of morning services for a year and supplies helped out in the evenings. In November, 1939, G. Hayden Stewart came as pastor and the work is said to have grown in perspective in that delegates were sent to the All-Canada convention. The young people were responsible for the promotion of the Vancouver Christian Youth Federation, of which G. Hayden Stewart was first president. The church became known as the sponsor of a discussion group--an effort called the School of Life, in 1940. During a long period the W.M.S. has been active in promoting missionary knowledge. Serving here have been Mrs. Barger, Mrs. K. Berry, Mrs. Sexsmith, Mrs. Conner. Following Mr. Stewart's retirement from the work in 1944, James P. McLeod, of Everton, Ontario, became interim minister with acceptance. Serving the church officially are Eva Hopkins, church secretary, Ruth Stewart, recording secretary. An unusual contribution to the church was the work of Ernie Conner, who painted a large Hoffman's "Christ", which adorns the baptistry in view of worshippers.

      It was the year 1910 when this Church of Christ originated in a small group, which met in the home of Mrs. McIver. After numbers grew to a dozen, a small hall was secured on Granville St. About the year 1932, the church, instituted on New Testament patterns and seeking to be true to Restoration principles, was able to erect a meeting house at 604 Twelfth Avenue, E. This building has long been free of debt. The membership has fluctuated with the coming and going of members, some from Great Britain, of which the late Bro. A. E. Hudson is an example. He formerly labored as a missionary in Siam. Bro. and sister A. F. Summercakes were also from England, who, with bro. and sister J. L. Saunders were among our earliest [671] members. Some others of revered memory have passed to the presence of the Lord.

      The church is served entirely by local members. George Watson is one who has rendered valuable service. Bro. B. Clissold (who contributes these facts) is secretary. He writes that the Restoration Movement is little known in Vancouver and that they are regarded as a "peculiar people", which they should be (I Peter 2:9).

      He rejoices that the kingdom of Christ is open to all who seek, which ought to be an inspiring fact to believers. The church is able to assist other similar groups in preaching--a home mission enterprise. Foreign missions secure some attention as well. Formerly, the group helped support foreign missions through British agencies; but of late through American controlled agencies, now sadly cut off by war (1944). Word from Hong Kong, in 1942, told of the death of Bro. Broaddus, who had been laboring there. But the reports from Lowell Davis, laboring in Macau, S. China, have been encouraging. Bro. Clissold reports that two other very small groups exist in Vancouver Island--in Victoria and Blundell (Lulu Island). In combination with some American groups the use of radio has been maintained from Seattle, Wash. Similar groups in Manitoba and central Ontario, are also using radio, with success not stated.

[DCC 668-672]