Here’s a story for you to enjoy as we stand before St. Monica’s Anglican Church. St. Monica’s Anglican Church has a history marked by community and faith. For 62 years, St. Monica’s Anglican Church stood on Wellington Avenue in Horseshoe Bay. The first service was held January 14, 1951.
For three decades, St. Monica’s faced financial challenges. The community persevered in its mission. Over the years, St. Monica’s Anglican Church became a hub for various groups. Daycare centers, recovery groups, and even a Nifty Thrifty Shop found a home here. Scouts, Guides, and yoga classes thrived within these walls. Other Christian congregations were welcomed with open arms.
Three generations of Horseshoe Bay residents marked life’s milestones here. Baptisms, marriages, and funerals all took place at St. Monica’s Anglican Church. In 2013, the congregation made a difficult decision. Members voted to request the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster to close the parish. The final service was held on November 24 at 10 am. Rev. Dr. Donald Grayston preached and Rev. Janice Lowell presided.
St. Monica’s Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Janice Lowell, was grateful for the support. Other Anglican churches in West Vancouver offered help. St. Francis-in-the-Wood, Caulfeild, played a vital role in sustaining St. Monica’s ministry.
The closure of St. Monica’s Anglican Church marked the end of an era. It also opened the possibility for new beginnings. The Diocese of New Westminster reflected on the future of the property. Today, we remember St. Monica’s Anglican Church as a place of community. It was a place of faith and a welcoming home for many. Even though the church is no longer active, its legacy remains. It reminds us of the importance of perseverance and community support.