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St Paul's United Church 90 year anniversary

St. Paul's United Church has been perched high above the community of Burns Lake on Fourth Avenue since 1921.
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The current St. Paul’s United Church building was completed during the fall of 1982. The stained glass windows are all dedicated to members of the church.

St. Paul's United Church has been perched high above the community of Burns Lake on Fourth Avenue since 1921.

The United Church has a rich history in the area, starting well before the first church building was officially opened for worship.

Presbyterian missionary and medical work began in the Burns Lake area in the early 1900s when Burns Lake was little more than a tent town. In 1910, Rev. George A. Wilson, who was also a doctor and home mission superintendent of the Presbyterian Church, made his first visit to the district.  He traveled by horseback from Prince Rupert visiting periodically, holding services at Burns Lake, Francois Lake, Bickle, Grassy Plains, Ootsa Lake and Wistaria. After 1916, he came more regularly as more and more settlers were arriving.

In 1917 J. J. Burns, a layman of the Presbyterian Church came from Vanderhoof and held services periodically during the summer months. A block of land on Fourth Avenue was purchased in 1920 as a site for the church and manse. A board of trustees was appointed, consisting of Mrs. Don Gerow, C. E. Imeson and Miles Henderson.

On Feb. 14, 1921, a congregational meeting was held in McCrimmon’s cabin; to make plans for the future.

A building committee was appointed, consisting of Mrs. Don Gerow, Clarence Shannon, Allan Titus, M. F. Nourse, Miss Reid, F. Nourse and R.G. Stearns.

With the help of the church and manse board, it was decided to build manse. On April 1, 1921 the building of the manse began and by Oct. 17, 1921  Mrs. McCrimmon and family were happily settled into their new home on Fourth Avenue below the old United Church Masonic Lodge and parking lot.

After receiving a loan and grant, from the board to build a church, construction was started on Oct. 17, 1921. The church was completed and an opening dedication was held on Nov. 27 and 28, 1921.

In 1925, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church and the Congregational Churches joined forces to create the United Church of Canada.

Late in 1924, Rev.  Ray Ashford was appointed to the Burns Lake area. During 1925 he worked to reorganize the area, that had been taken under the wings of the new 'United Church'.

In 1925 the church, then called St. Paul’s Union included; Decker Lake, Palling and south of Francois Lake and was served by a succession of ministers including the Rev. and Mrs. E. S. Fleming from 1930-1934, the Rev. and Mrs. G. L. Harvey from 1935 to 1937, Rev. Frank Bushfield and his wife from 1937 to 1939, Rev. Adam and Mrs. Crisp from 1943 to 1946, Rev. Bob McPhee from 1947 to 1952, Rev. Dave Verkerk from 1952 to 1956, Rev. Gary Gibson from 1956 to 1958, Rev. Tom Mercer and his wife came in 1958, staying on until 1961.

During 1971, financial difficulties and reduced membership led to the St. Paul's United Church joining with the Lutheran Church, under the leadership of Chuck Hazlett. Services were divided between the United and Lutheran church until about 1972, when the United Church was sold to the Burns Lake Masonic Lodge.

After Hazlett left, Leo Treichel took services.

Building of the present St. Paul’s United Church building started early in 1982 and was completed in the fall. The first official service was held on Thanksgiving day during 1982 and was given by Les Hutton.

From 1997 to 1998, the church was lead by Rev. Catherine Angus. She was the first female minister to the church. Rev. Angus spent a great deal of time doing home visits to the sick and elderly.

From July 1999 to April 2008, Rev. Jim Massey took the reins.

In July 2010 Rev. Maureen Anderson was hired, however by spring of 2011 the church recognized that a full time minister was not affordable. Rev. Anderson left on June 30, 2011.

In July 2011 the members of the congregation began taking leadership of the services and the pastoral care.

To celebrate the anniversary there will be a service at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 20, followed by brunch.