Robertson-Wesley United Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robertson-Wesley United Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | United Church of Canada |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Church |
| Year consecrated | 1914 |
| Status | Operational |
| Location | |
| Location | 10209 123 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1N3 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | David S. McIlroy (original), G.H. McDonald (addition) |
| Architectural style | High Victorian Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1913 |
| Materials | Red brick, Stone |
Robertson-Wesley United Church is a special church in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is located just west of the city's downtown area. This church is part of the United Church of Canada.
The church you see today was formed in 1971. This happened when two other churches, Robertson United Church and Wesley United Church, decided to join together. The new group then moved into the building that used to be Robertson United Church.
The building itself is quite old and beautiful. It was built in a style called High Victorian Gothic Revival. This means it has tall, pointed arches and fancy details, like old castles or cathedrals. Inside, it has a rounded ceiling that looks like the inside of a barrel. The seats are curved, and the building has great acoustics, which means sound travels very well.
Contents
How the Church Began: Two Churches Become One
Robertson-Wesley United Church has an interesting history because it started from two separate churches. Let's learn about each of them.
Robertson United Church: From Presbyterian to United
Robertson Presbyterian Church started in 1909. It was a new group that came from another church called First Presbyterian Church. At first, they met in the basement of First Presbyterian. But soon, they built their own church building in 1910. This church was named after James Robertson, a famous Presbyterian missionary.
The Robertson Presbyterian Church quickly grew too big for its first building. So, a new, larger building was built in 1913. This is the building that Robertson-Wesley United Church uses today. The very first service in this new building was held in early 1914.
In 1925, something big happened in Canada. Many Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregational churches joined together to form the United Church of Canada. The members of Robertson Presbyterian Church voted to join this new church. So, its name changed to Robertson United Church.
Then, in 1971, Robertson United Church officially joined with Wesley United Church. This created the Robertson-Wesley United Church we know today.
Wesley United Church: From Methodist to United
Wesley Methodist Church was founded in 1907. It was one of the first Methodist churches in Edmonton, north of the North Saskatchewan River. When they first started, the Wesley congregation met in a tent! But soon, they moved into a new church building made of wood.
Just like Robertson, Wesley Methodist Church also outgrew its first building. In 1913, they moved to a new, bigger building. The congregation used this building until the end of 1970.
In 1925, the members of Wesley Methodist Church also voted to join the new United Church of Canada. So, its name changed to Wesley United Church.
When Wesley United Church merged with Robertson United Church in 1971, many special items and memorials from the Wesley church were moved into the Robertson church building. The old Wesley building was later sold. The money from the sale was used to help the community.
People Connected to Robertson-Wesley
- Rev. L. Bruce Miller: He was a minister at the church. Later, in 2004, he was elected to the Alberta Legislature, which is like the government for the province of Alberta.
