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photo - Dianne London/New Westminster Public Library Sixth Avenue United Church worships in a beautiful heritage building that was originally constructed in 1911. History (Source - New Westminster Public Library)
In 1890 Mary Street Methodist Church (now Queen's Avenue United) felt the necessity for the extension of the Methodist into the west end portions of the city. A church was built and dedicated on Sunday, November 9, 1890 and called the West Side Church (later known as the Sixth Avenue Church). The church was built at a cost of $2,000. In 1903 the church building was sold to the New Westminster School Board. Then the church purchased the Presbyterian Church located on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Twelfth Street, where the College Apartments stands today (the church actually was moved a short distance at one point all on the same property. At one point it was on the corner of 12th St. and 6th Ave. and it now stands farther away from the corner). Sixth Avenue Methodist Church (1903-1911) -photo New Westminster Museum
The first service in this church was conducted April 12, 1903. Further expansion of the church became necessary so the property was bought back from the school board in 1910. The new building was constructed at a cost of $30,000. Construction of the current building, 1911. photo - New Westminster Museum The corner-stone was laid on July 4, 1911, and the church opened on Sunday January 28, 1912. The church, as it now stands, was designed in the style of the English Arts and Crafts tradition by architect Thomas Hooper.
The church features a side-steeple with a bold art glass window treatment on the gable facade. For further information see R287.92 Ad19h BC "History of Sixth Avenue United Church 1890 - 1965" by R.W. Adams and the newspaper "Royal City Record/New Westminster Now" Sun. Nov 25, 1990, p.7 (in VF NW - Churches), and Nov. 21, 1990, p.13
If you would like to book the Sixth Avenue facility for a wedding, funeral, baptism or other event please contact the office at 604-522-3443.
