Picture this a humble wooden structure barely two storeys tall standing alone in the thick bush. This was the first St Stephen’s Anglican Church in West Vancouver. Built in 1914 by volunteers it served a small congregation. Before this building the church met in private homes. Their first official service was held in 1913 at Dundarave Hall now the Red Lion pub.
St Stephen’s is more than a building. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and community. It’s the mother church of two other West Vancouver churches St Christopher’s and St Francis-in-the-Wood. The church moved to its current location in 1967 after a land swap with the municipality. The original site is now the West Vancouver Recreation Centre.
The history of St Stephen’s is rich with anecdotes. One story involves Thora Dakin and Duncan James McDonald’s 1940 wedding. The best man arrived late falling into a ditch. The bridesmaid stood over an air vent causing her dress to billow. These are charming memories.
For its first seven years St Stephen’s had no resident minister. Theological students and ministers from Vancouver and North Vancouver led services. They travelled by ferry train or jitney receiving just $1 for travel expenses. The first resident priest was Rev J P Dingle serving from 1921 to 1924. The current priest Trevor Fisher arrived in 2009. He notes that the church’s founder Bishop de Pencier had a nickname Dippy.
St Stephen’s has adapted to changing times. Besides traditional Sunday services they offer Saturday and evening services. They even host jazz vespers featuring non-traditional music. The church actively engages the community. Its outreach includes support for numerous organizations. The church’s history book A Celebration of Faith for 100 Years highlights these changes and connections.
St Stephen’s Anglican Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a living history a vibrant community and a constant presence in West Vancouver. Its story is one of adaptation growth and unwavering faith. A story told not just in stone but in the hearts of its parishioners. It is a place of refuge a voice of Christ a true cornerstone of the community.