Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church was organized in 1925 with Rev. David Lister called as the congregation’s first minister. A church building was constructed in 1927, but it wasn’t until 1956 that a new church was built to accommodate all its members, which is the structure we see today in Kerrisdale. Seating around 560 people, the church holds weekly Sunday sermons and church events for its members and neighbours, making it an integral part of the Kerrisdale community. The Presbyterian church also hosts captivating and classical Candlelight concerts that pay tribute to some of the most successful artists in the world.
Situated on the west side of Vancouver, between Trafalgar Street and MacDonald Street, the church is easily accessible by public transport. Just hop on the 041 bus and get off at WB W 41 Avenue at Macdonald Street. Furthermore, if you’re getting there by car, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver and there are 43 parking spots available behind the church with two spots reserved for handicapped parking. There is also free street parking.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church
1. The roots of the church are Scottish.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada was founded following the work of Scottish and French Reformers, namely John Knox, the founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and John Calvin, who’s considered the father of Presbyterianism. The religion was brought to Canada through Scottish and Irish settlers and immigrants in the 1600s. It follows the belief that every church member and follower should assume responsibilities and not just the clergy, a view that is shared to this day.
2. The highlight of the church’s chancel is its pipe organ.
As soon as you step into the church, your eyes immediately go to the beautiful organ at the far end of the sanctuary. Built in 1964 by Casavant Frères, of St. Hyacinthe, QC, and installed by J. Jean Girouard, it is a fully exposed organ without façade pipes or screen.
3. Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church’s partner congregation is the Vancouver Taiwanese Presbyterian Church.
Nowadays, the Presbyterian Church in Canada has about 1,000 congregations with members stemming from different backgrounds, including English, French, Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, Hungarian, Spanish and Portuguese descent. Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church shares the facilities with its sister congregation, the Vancouver Taiwanese Presbyterian Church and with Tenth Church West Side.
Candlelight concerts at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church
Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church’s simple architecture will shine bright under the enchanting candlelight, with its geometric shapes, stained glass windows and exposed organ pipes. The concerts will have an intimate ambience, an ideal accompaniment to the music. From legendary rock bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles to beloved Halloween songs, performances will take place at the church’s stunning sanctuary.
What else can you do at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church?
Aside the weekly sermons and the enchanting Candlelight concerts, Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church hosts a series of events for community members to engage in. Whether it’s book discussions, barbeques, choir practice, or the Jannet Thompson Group, the church’s calendar is always full. Additionally, you can rent out the facility for special productions, concerts or other events.
The church is a beloved place of worship and meeting spot for community members, offering its space and facilities for different cultural events. It provides the perfect setting for talented musicians to recreate the works of some of the greatest artists in the world.
Candlelight seeks out the most unique venues around Vancouver and the world to shine a new light on classic compositions and contemporary classics. And there’s no better venue than Vancouver’s own Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church. The concerts have been met by countless 5-star reviews, and guests have called it “a creative, enchanting, and new concert experience.”