Our History

► A Short Church History
► Our Roots
► Our Journey

Southminster-Steinhauer United Church History

It was 1967, Canada's centennial year.  For one group of United Church people it was a time of beginnings as they established a new faith community in the Westbrook area of south Edmonton.  Their vision called for a church without walls, a church that sought to follow the example of Jesus by reaching into and beyond the local community in a commitment to seek justice and to serve others.  From the start, Southminster United Church was instrumental in founding and/or supporting a variety of outreach ministries. Southern Homes, begun as a haven for young women new to the city, now serves family groupings in foster care. Operation Friendship has expanded from an inner-city seniors drop in to include a housing facility. Support for the Bissell Center and many other projects is ongoing.

Outreach took a different form in 1977 when a second community of faith was established and named for native missionary Henry Bird Steinhauer.  For 16 years the Steinhauer and Southminster congregations shared ministers and office space.  In 1993 they amalgamated to become a single congregation, Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, worshiping in the Erminskin Community Centre.

Members have been sustained by a tradition of meaningful worship and strong education programs for all ages in a process that ensures life-long learning and spiritual growth.  Throughout, the congregation's vision has been shared by a number of dedicated ministers - Frank Samis, Don Hamilton, Mary Thomas, Dorothy Mundle, Claire Woodbury, Charles Hickman, Ross Smillie, Linda Gow, Bob Hetherington, and Marg Archibald.

Members of Southminster-Steinhauer United Church have been willing to struggle with many difficult issues that have faced the church over the last thirty years and many members have taken leadership roles in the wider church community.  By challenging old ideas and examining in depth the faith that sustains us, members have continued to grow in understanding and wisdom.  Today, we face a new challenge as we move from a shared community space to a building of our own, a building that will allow the vision of justice and service to be realized in new ways.

10740  19 Ave. Edmonton, AB   T6J 6W9
Phone (780) 435-2028

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