Short Church History

Southminster-Steinhauer United Church
An Affirming Congregation within the United Church of Canada

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. With the changing needs and a growing city, a vision of the amalgamation was to establish a visible multi-purpose physical presence in south Edmonton. 1998 saw the purchase of land at the current Yellowbird location. The first service was held in December 2000 and the official opening followed in March 2001.

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, Lynda Gow, Bob Hetherington, Marg Archibald, and Nancy Steeves.

The congregation has historically been willing to struggle and grow in understanding many difficult issues that have faced the church and society. In 1999, Southminster-Steinhauer United Church declared itself to be an Affirming Congregation. In recent years the commitment to live faith through action has included refugee sponsorship, education on global cooperation through the Mission and Service Fund, provision of meeting space for community groups and an appreciation of our responsibilities for the stewardship of creation's resources.

Grounded in faith that offers hope to the world, a variety of worship forms include labyrinth, both indoors and out, sacred circle dance, and regular Sunday worship.