The Okanagan Falls United Church began its life as a Presbyterian Church in the mining community of Fairview. When the town’s fortunes declined, the church was not being used. The Okanagan Falls congregation and their minister decided in 1929 to dismantle the church and bring it to their community. It is the “dismantling” part of the church lore that is shared as a great story, and that named a winery.
The practice in those days was to board over the windows and seal the doors of a building in which a stick of dynamite was suspended. The resulting force loosened all the nails so that removal of the boards was accomplished more easily and with less damage to the wood. The material was then brought to Okanagan Falls, reassembled, and the church was reopened with a dedication service on January 19, 1930, with Reverend Feir officiating.
It was an interdenominational church for several years. Many of the furnishings and stained glass windows are dedicated from and to the pioneers of the area. The pews (see picture) were originally made circa 1902 for use in Elliott’s Hall in Fairview, and were in place for the visit of the poet Pauline Johnson. They were sawed by hand, the bench from one solid piece of lumber, and the backs of two pieces. When Elliott’s Hall closed, the pews were given to the church in Fairview, and subsequently came to Okanagan Falls. They are still in use.
This lovely old country church at the corner of Willow Street and 11th Avenue has served its communities well in the past, and continues to do so today. Please come and participate with the congregation in the continuing adventure and evolution of the “blasted church.”
We have an author in our midst, our very own Kerry Mewhort is the author of a new book. The book is called: Why me? From Pain to Joy: God’s Power in My Life by Katrina Servant To order the book you can contact the author here. Here is a link so you can order …
Join us for a Fundraising Event on Thursday April 13 at 7 PM. You will be entertained by the Vintage Voices singers who will be singing some of your favourite tunes including Bad Bad Leroy Brown Hard Days Night California Dreamin’ Happy Together Unchained Melody Tickets available by phoning 250 460-2560 or 250 497-1171 Bring …
Okanagan Falls United Church will hold their Christmas eve worship service on December 24 at 5 PM in the church sanctuary at 1108 Willow Street. Our Christmas Eve service will be Carols and Readings with candles. The service will be lay led and lots of traditional Christmas hymns. Come one come all! Local and out …