Have you ever stood before a church with a modern architectural style that felt welcoming and informal? That’s St Stephen’s United Church, right here before you. Built in 1964, this church was designed by architect Arthur J. Mudry in a contemporary West Coast style. This was quite different from the more conservative styles of earlier churches.
St Stephen’s United Church, founded in 1958, became a hub for the growing community between Granville Street and Oak Street, and W 49th and W 57th Avenue. After several years in temporary locations, the congregation moved into this building on a prominent site on south Granville Street.
You can actually see a bit of this ‘West Coast Modern’ style within the building’s design. The tall, triangular sanctuary has cedar shingle roofs that reach almost to the ground. The coniferous trees surrounding the green-stained cedar wall, visible from Granville Street, create a sense of tranquility. A paved courtyard welcomes visitors, with the sanctuary’s steep roof on one side and the flat-roofed church hall and office wing on the other.
Stepping inside, you’ll experience a dramatic transition from the low entryway to the high-ceilinged sanctuary. The interior is characterized by a sloping wooden ceiling, laminated wooden arches and more recent wooden pews. Natural light streams in from large windows at the west end, an east window high above the altar, and low windows along the sides where the roof meets the walls.
St Stephen’s United Church isn’t just a place of worship, it’s a community centre for the neighbourhood. It’s a constant reminder of the vibrant history of Vancouver, and a symbol of the enduring spirit of its community.