One hundred years ago, in the midst of the Roaring Twenties, the world was undergoing dramatic economic, political and cultural changes.
Adolf Hitler published Mein Kampf, setting the stage for a horrific war that would follow more than a decade later.
Astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered the universe exists beyond the Milky Way.
In Canada, the Victoria Cougars won the Stanley, the last time a non-NHL team would win the championship.
In 1925, the United Church of Canada was created, with the union of the Methodists, Presbyterians and members of the Congregational Union of Canada got together.
The latter development had implications in Chemainus.
Twenty-five years later, local members of the United Church were busy building their church on Willow Street. In September of 1950 the first service was held in what was referred to in church documents as the lower hall of the new building.
Chemainus United Church member Helen Stephen says progress continued for the next two years.
“I’m assuming by the lower hall they mean the basement of the church. So that was 75 years ago,” Stephen says. “It also says it was unfinished but suitable for use. The first service in what they referred to as the main auditorium was held on December 21, 1952.
With the centennial celebration of the United Church of Canada coming up next month, the local United Church will also be celebrating.
“On June 14 the National United Church of Canada is celebrating 100 years. We at Chemainus are celebrating our time in this town. We will be having an open house that Saturday with all kinds of activities including an exceptional pictorial display of the history of this church,” Stephen says.
The public is welcome to attend this event that will feature food, music and old-fashioned games.
Watch chemainus.com for about this event scheduled for June 14.