“Nine decades of faith.” Can you imagine that kind of legacy? Right here, on Fraser Street, stands Glad Tidings Church. It is more than just a building. Glad Tidings Church is a testament to community, worship, and global outreach.
Founded in 1930 by F. R. Maddaford a former Vancouver policeman, Glad Tidings Church began as Glad Tidings Mission. The original location was on West Cordova Street. The church then moved to the old YMCA at Cambie and Dunsmuir in 1946.
Under Pastor Reg Layzell’s leadership from 1948 to 1970, Glad Tidings gained international recognition. Many missionaries were sent across the globe. In September 1963, the church found its current home.
The sanctuary you see today was built in 1983. It seats 1900 people. It stands as a beacon thanks to ministries like Worship Invasion. Glad Tidings also helped birth many churches in Uganda and the Canadian Arctic.
Glad Tidings Church’s impact extends far beyond Vancouver. In 1960, Glad Tidings began its work in Uganda. The church established a bible training center and many community churches. During Idi Amin’s reign, the church went underground. Despite the hardship, the local people learned to lead independently.
In 1989, the Gospel Mission to Uganda partnered with Glad Tidings to help children affected by AIDS. Rod Forrest, administrator of Glad Tidings, visited Uganda. He helped create the Kibaale Children’s Centre. Glad Tidings also developed its own sponsorship program. It was called the International Child Care Fund or ICCF.
Pacific Academy, a Christian school near Vancouver, joined the effort. In 1993, two teachers were sent to Kibaale to help with education. They established the Kibaale Community School program.
By 2016, the Kibaale Community School had 1200 students in its programs. Graduates returned to work as teachers and farm managers. They became role models for the younger children.
Today, Pastors Vince and Jodiann Schott lead Glad Tidings Church. They are focused on praise, worship, and global missions. Glad Tidings supports missionaries in Taiwan, the Canadian Arctic, Liberia, Israel, and Mexico. The church continues to dig spiritual wells. They embrace the prophetic and the Latter Rain Movement.
As you stand here, remember the rich history of Glad Tidings Church. It is a story of faith, resilience, and global impact. It is a story that continues to unfold.