Willingdon Heights United Church
a congregation of
The United Church of Canada
in the
Pacific Mountain Regional Council
Brief History - Remembering Our Past
Our congregation began in 1948 in response to the need for a ministry to World War II veterans and their families who had settled in the area. With the approval of The United Church of Canada, the dream of The Reverend Robert N. Matheson to build a new congregation became a reality.
Initially, church services were offered in a local store and Sunday School was held in a member's basement. As the Sunday School grew, it later moved to Kitchener School.
It was obvious a permanent church building was needed. With the help of Canadian Memorial United Church, a building program was launched. In June, 1952 Willingdon Heights Community Church, held its first church service in the new building.
In 1957, the Christian Education Building was completed and filled the needed of over 600 children.
Prior to other churches being built in the area, ecumenical worship services were held at Willingdon Heights. People from other denominational backgrounds, including Anglican, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic, worshipped together.
For over seventy years, Willingdon Heights United Church has faithful served Christ in the community.
In the year 2000, Burnaby designated the Sanctuary as a Heritage Site, for Burnaby. We remember our past and joyfully celebrate the goodness of God in our midst, and hope of God's blessing in the future.
The Ministers who faithfully served
Willingdon Heights Community Church
from 1948 to the Present
1948-1952 Rev. Robert N. Matheson
1952-1954 Rev. H. Stewart Forbes
1954-1960 Rev. Arthur D. Carr
1960-1966 Rev. Clyde Woollard
1966-1986 Rev. Frank Ward
1987-1989 Rev. Arthur H. Mundy
1989-1991 Rev. F. Ann Moir
1991-1994 Rev. Stanbury Bailey
1994-2000 Rev. Audrey I. Lans
2000-2003 Rev. Dr. Janet Cawley
2004-2019 Rev. Charles Ahn
2020-2024 Rev. Dr. Nam Ok Yoo
2024- Rev. Dr. Hyuk Cho
