Wild Rose United Church's heritage goes back to 1908 when a Presbyterian summer tent service was held on the north hill in what is now Rosedale. In 1910 the North Hill Presbyterian Church was worshiping in the fire hall on 16th Ave NW.
In 1914 a basement church was constructed here at this site. In June of 1929 construction began on the present sanctuary and it was officially opened on January 5, 1930. At that time the church building was valued at $48,000 but had a debt of $26,000. The church debt was absorbed by members of the congregation in 1946 and the entire loan was repaid to those members in 1950.
The pipe organ was installed in 1948 and the balcony and tower added in 1952. In 1957 the adjacent Education Centre was built. At its peak North Hill United Church had the largest Sunday School in the city.
In 1968 Crescent Heights United Church (which was originally Methodist) amalgamated with North Hill United Church. The combination of the two names was eventually changed to Rosedale, as a symbol of a new beginning. In 2002 Pleasant Heights United Church joined with Rosedale United Church to form what was briefly called North Central United Church until the name Wild Rose was chosen.
The original pump organ is on display in the sanctuary, along with the beautiful memorial stained glass windows. The booklet “A Treasury of Sacred Art” describing the art in the church and is available free of charge. As well, there is a “Heritage Room” with photos and artifacts which we would love to share. Stop by anytime the church is open.
In 1914 a basement church was constructed here at this site. In June of 1929 construction began on the present sanctuary and it was officially opened on January 5, 1930. At that time the church building was valued at $48,000 but had a debt of $26,000. The church debt was absorbed by members of the congregation in 1946 and the entire loan was repaid to those members in 1950.
The pipe organ was installed in 1948 and the balcony and tower added in 1952. In 1957 the adjacent Education Centre was built. At its peak North Hill United Church had the largest Sunday School in the city.
In 1968 Crescent Heights United Church (which was originally Methodist) amalgamated with North Hill United Church. The combination of the two names was eventually changed to Rosedale, as a symbol of a new beginning. In 2002 Pleasant Heights United Church joined with Rosedale United Church to form what was briefly called North Central United Church until the name Wild Rose was chosen.
The original pump organ is on display in the sanctuary, along with the beautiful memorial stained glass windows. The booklet “A Treasury of Sacred Art” describing the art in the church and is available free of charge. As well, there is a “Heritage Room” with photos and artifacts which we would love to share. Stop by anytime the church is open.
Housed within the walls of our sanctuary are many works of art—in stained glass and wood. Since the sanctuary was constructed in 1930 and over the course of many decades generous donors have transformed the windows and walls of the sanctuary with truly beautiful art work that has brought light and wonder to thousands of worshippers.
The handbook below details each stained glass window and wood carving as well as the original Karn Organ that provided musical accompaniment in the early days of the church’s existence. Unfortunately many of the stories of the people associated with the windows are oral and have not been written down. We would appreciate any further details on the lives of those associated with our "sacred art". Please contact the Archives and Memorial Committee through the Church Office.
Take a leisurely walk around the sanctuary and narthex. Take in the beauty created by the hands of countless artists. Know that you are surrounded by the spirit of those who have walked here before you.
Click on the button below to view
The handbook below details each stained glass window and wood carving as well as the original Karn Organ that provided musical accompaniment in the early days of the church’s existence. Unfortunately many of the stories of the people associated with the windows are oral and have not been written down. We would appreciate any further details on the lives of those associated with our "sacred art". Please contact the Archives and Memorial Committee through the Church Office.
Take a leisurely walk around the sanctuary and narthex. Take in the beauty created by the hands of countless artists. Know that you are surrounded by the spirit of those who have walked here before you.
Click on the button below to view