by Elaine Han with assistance from Gail Whiteford
St. David’s United Church was established in 1959 to provide church services and facilities for the existing communities of Brentwood, Charleswood, Capitol Hill & Collingwood.
The Church’s first service was held on September 13, 1959, in the gymnasium of William Aberhart High School. Rev. Ernest Davidge served as the first minister, conducting the service for the congregation of 65. The congregation’s services continued to be held at William Aberhart High School’s gymnasium until 1963.
In May 1961, Mr. and Mrs. Jack James donated 1.5 acres of land from their property for the building of a proposed church for this community. Two years later, on September 29, 1963, the community officially moved into their own newly built church. As chosen by the members of the community, the church was named “St. David’s,” after the St. David a Welsh bishop of Mynyw (now St. David’s) during the 6th century. He is the patron saint of Wales. His symbol is the white dove, which flew above his head as he died. On October 16, 1963, Rt. Rev. J. E. Muchmore, Moderator of the United Church at the time, dedicated the St. David’s “To the Glory of God.”
Through the years, as St. David’s church community continued to grow, the community’s building expanded accordingly. In 1980, a 4000 square foot addition to the original structure including a new lobby, additional kitchens, two new multi-purpose rooms, and an outer office was built to accommodate the growing community. In 1987, the Church installed a majestic Keates Geissler Pipe Organ with 2 manuals, 31 stops, and 26 ranks of pipes, some of which dated back to the 1890s. In 1988, the Sanctuary’s seating was refurbished with 500 new chairs, purchased through individual donations and memorial gifts. Further renovations in 1992 included raising and deepening the chancel area of the Sanctuary, adding circulating roof fans for ventilation and skylights in the choir loft, and putting up a portable font, communion table, pulpits, and choir chairs such that the chancel area could be easily cleared for other uses. The latest changes to St. David’s building occurred in 2010, in celebration of their 50th anniversary. This final addition saw a beautiful new set of stained-glass doors for the entryway to the Sanctuary, added cupboards within the sanctuary, and a picture with additional lighting placed in the foyer.
Reflecting the cozy, welcoming feel of the charming red-brick building, the community of St. David’s United Church is an “inclusive community of faith,” recognizing everyone “regardless of age, race, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation and/or differing abilities,” As current Minister Rev. Peggy McDonagh states, St. David’s seeks to cultivate “not an institution, but a community” of “open-mindedness, acceptance and compassion” through “core values, worship, music, deep conversation and education.” This forward- thinking community currently has around 250 members and 12 ministries, with ongoing initiatives and activities throughout the week. Notably, worship service takes place every Sunday morning, the ACTS (Adult Spiritual Development) ministry hosts a book study every Monday night and a Bible study every Thursday morning, and the Drama Ministry (Chameleon Drama Group) rehearses each Saturday, with play performances throughout the year. In addition to community activities, St. David’s also supports social causes. For example, St. David’s refugee committee has supported Tibetan refugees through their settlement in Canada, advocates for Indigenous well-being, and participates in the Calgary Pride Parade. They are also members of the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good, a non-profit alliance of communities and institutions that tackle social issues.
Moving forward, St. David’s seeks to increase their building’s “green” factor. Another recent initiative has been to increase member numbers, as the community’s population is currently on the decline.
St. David’s is a community of support, acceptance, and open-mindedness, whose motto is: “Growing & Deepening our Spiritual Lives as an Affirming and Inclusive Community of Faith.” This dedicated community church’s warm, welcoming atmosphere can be perceived even from its exterior, as written outside their main entrance: “We welcome you with our hearts and open hands.”
Activities and upcoming events include:
- Chameleon Drama Group Presents – Sep. ACTS Book study – every Monday night starting Sep. 16
- ACTS Bible Study – every Thursday morning starting Sep. 19
- Fall Harvest Tea – September 28
- In Spring 2020, Bill Way will be returning to Guatemala with a group where they will go to the highlands of Guatemala and be part of teams building stoves.
