Unitarian Church of Vancouver


Unitarian Church of Vancouver is the largest Unitarian congregation in British Columbia, Canada, and the oldest, established in 1909.
The church meets every Sunday morning in the building at 949 West 49th Avenue in Vancouver.
The church has many active groups and committees and also offers space to various organizations.

Beliefs

Like most North American Unitarian congregations, the belief system could be phrased as "spiritual but not religious." Rev. Phillip Hewett was quoted in the Vancouver Courier saying,“The Unitarian movement has been set up to be based on personal spirituality, your own development, rather than adherence to a particular creed”.

Advocacy and social responsibility

The congregation has an active Environment Committee.
In 2012, the congregation divested Enbridge stock and encouraged members to do the same.

Architecture

The building was designed by member and architect, Wolfgang Gerson, and has won architectural awards. It was constructed in the 1960s.
UCV’s award-winning 1964 buildings, the sanctuary, Hewett Centre, and the office building, are noted for their "simplicity and serenity". In 1998 they were voted among the "most beautiful" in Vancouver by a panel of architectural experts.
The Fireside Room is noted for being an early meeting place of the Don't Make a Wave Committee, which later evolved into Greenpeace. It received a Places That Matter designation and plaque noting this history.
The site has two labyrinths on the property. One is a classical three-circuit square and the other a double-processional labyrinth in the garden on the west side.

Leadership

The current minister is Rev. Dr. Steven Epperson, who came to the congregation in 2001.
Rev. Phillip Hewett was parish minister for 35 years from 1956 to 1991. He was appointed minister emeritus. He died February 24, 2018, at the age of 93.