The site of this church was donated by James Mackie,
Langley's first Reeve (warden). The designs for the church
were provided by Henry Hoy of New Westminster, and it was
built by contractor Thomas Turnbull for a total cost of
about $1,000. The original structure was 22 by 40 feet, and
held 150 people. It is noted for its Carpenter Gothic-style
architecture which includes west-coast wooden construction
with a peaked roof, tall front spire and peaked doors and
windows.
It was the first church to be built in Langley and the
second Presbyterian church to be built on the mainland of
British Columbia. The dedication was held on Sunday,
September 27, 1885 with Reverend Robert Jamieson and
Reverend Alexander Dunn officiating.
Although not part of the original plans, the spire and
belfry were added during the course of construction with the
cost defrayed by Henry Wark, a factor of the Hudson's Bay
Company and postmaster in Fort Langley. Mr. Wark also
donated the original bell for the spire which is claimed by
the local community to be from the Hudson's Bay Company
Steamer 'Beaver', the first steamship to ply the Fraser
River.
In 1970 the original spire and belfry
were destroyed by fire which also partially destroyed the
original bell. This structure was quickly rebuilt and is as
you see it today. This is the oldest church in
continuous use in B.C. Originally a Presbyterian church, it
became a United Church following church union (the union of
the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist churches
of Canada to form the United Church of Canada). Inside, the
sanctuary glows in the mid-day sun from the stained glass
windows. It still has its original pews, doors, windows and
flooring. The setting of St. Andrew's Church has landmark
status due to its location on a historically important road
(Glover Road - formerly Trunk Road).
Pictures were generously donated by the
Langley Centennial Museum.
For more information about the History of Fort Langley,
please visit their
website or in person at: Langley Centennial Museum &
National Exhibition Centre, 9135 King Street, Fort Langley, BC.
For more pictures of St. Andrew's please see our 'gallery'
and 'virtual tour' pages.
