Our Church, Our People

Vision Statement

It is our vision that the First Unitarian Church of Victoria be a dynamic, purposeful, tolerant, social and spiritual community. In celebrating our faith, we commit ourselves and commend to others: harmonious acceptance of our inherent diversity; nurturance of freedom of thought and action; and democratic decision-making within our congregation and throughout the world.

Our Church's History

The Unitarian presence in the Victoria area can be traced back to 1909 but it was not until 1911 that a minister was in place. Between 1911 and 1919 there were several ministries but from then until 1927, the church was without a minister. Services continued with the assistance of visiting English and American ministers. There was a small church school for the children. The final service of this small group was held June 26, 1927.

In 1950, a new Unitarian Fellowship began with monthly meetings in members' homes. The group remained small, numbering 14 to 17 members.

The church community grew between 1958 and 1963 and a new church school was established. On October 12, 1958, there was a charter member registration with 38 new members. The Fellowship continued to grow and arrangements were made to secure the services of a minister-at-large to help the fellowship achieve church status. When this was done, the church was able, in 1977, to buy an older building at 106 Superior Street. This remained the Church's home until it was sold in 1993. The church then purchased its present property in Saanich and subsequently built a new sanctuary.

Photo credits: Mary Cramer, Open Door, Parliamentary photo library, Don Vipond