The Story of FIRST UNITED is a Story about People

In May 1885, a small group of people gathered at the Hastings Mill schoolhouse for a church service. That small congregation started a history that would extend over a century—that was the start of FIRST UNITED. “Vancouver” wasn’t even the name for the city yet. The Canadian Pacific Railway didn’t yet extend to the town of Granville. Powell Street had Canada’s largest Japanese community. The Canadian government made residential schools official policy that year.

So much in the city, our culture, and our organization has changed since 1885. But what hasn’t changed is our pursuit of dignity, belonging, and justice.

Through the turn of the centuries, wars, social movements, political changes, pandemics, times of abundance and periods of struggle, FIRST has and continues to be the church of the open door, standing shoulder to shoulder with the community to foster a neighbourhood where every person’s worth is celebrated and all people can thrive.

And so, on the first Sunday of May 2025 we threw ourselves a birthday party to mark the occasion. Gathering at 312 Main Street, we were joined by familiar faces from over the years: current and former staff members and their families, volunteers, funders and donors, board members old and new. Outside, we distributed juice and specially-made FIRST UNITED cookies to community members. We celebrated with everyone who made us what and who we are today.

We had birthday cake and sang ourselves happy birthday, and Amanda Burrows, and Heather Clarke (Board Chair) shared reflections on our history. Long-time supporter Bob Burrows also shared remarks: “FIRST UNITED has never been a fancy place. It’s been a real, authentic place. A place where you met people as they were, and where kindness went a long way. The staff and volunteers didn’t have all the answers—but they listened and helped out as they were able. Day after day. Year after year. The story of FIRST UNITED is about the people. The guests and the staff. The volunteers. The community. The people who gave what they could, and those who received more than they expected. It’s about a church that didn’t just talk about hope—it lived it. Still does.”

A special thank you to Blair Galston, Regional Archivist for the Pacific Mountain Regional Council, for his help compiling images and information used for our anniversary celebrations.

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