Revitalization of St. Andrew’s Church Cowichan Station

60 MINUTE SAMPLER MOUNTAIN BIKE LESSONS

REVITALIZATION OF ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH AND GROUNDS - COWICHAN STATION

The Cowichan Station Area Association is gathering support to revitalize a historic pillar of the community.

St. Andrew’s Church and cemetery has graced a small rise above the bridge over the Koksilah River for the last one hundred and sixteen years on traditional unceded territory of the Quw’utsun’ people. Now the CSAA is asking for input and support from First Nations, the local community and anyone with a connection to this historical church and property.

In 1903, an acre of land was donated by the local community to the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia for the construction of a church. The community enthusiastically embraced the prospect of a place of worship, with fundraising events and voluntary labour. Businesses contributed as well. The church was named St. Andrew’s and was consecrated in 1906. In 1925, the churchyard was consecrated for burials. In 1956 a church hall was added. St. Andrews continued to reflect events in the lives of the community over many, many years. For example, as a First World War Memorial, the church commissioned an English firm to construct a large stained-glass window, which bears the names of thirteen local men who died in the war. The website of the The Institute for Stained Glass in Canada describes this window, as: “…one of the most precious memorials in BC.” The cemetery holds the remains of many local families and of veterans. In 2010, many churches in BC were decommissioned due to financial difficulties, St Andrew’s was one of those churches.

There has always been a very strong sense of community ownership of the church and grounds and it has always been a gathering place regardless of faith. The Cowichan Station Area Association (home of The HUB) have begun negotiations with the Diocese to take over management of St Andrew’s.

The CSAA is a volunteer-run and community generated charitable organization which has done an exemplary job of revitalizing the nearby Cowichan Station School (1914) and adjacent buildings and grounds, into a place for gatherings, the pursuit of the arts and culture, recreational opportunities and environmental awareness.

The CSAA is inviting community input into visioning for a revitalized St. Andrew’s. We cannot do it without you. The first community consultation will be held on zoom. Express your interest in attending in an email to info@cowichanhub.ca

Toad Hollow Photography

Since 2018 Next Level Riding has helped hundreds of riders of all ages improve their mountain bike skills. Owner Alan Churchill is offering a free 60 minute sampler lesson in February, to improve your bike set up and body position on the bike; spaces are limited (18+). Next Level Riding also offers regular clinics and private lessons throughout the year from beginner to advanced skills. Check out nextlevelriding.ca or @ nextlevelriding for more info. February 13, 60 Minute Sampler Mountain Bike Lessons (18+), 3 time slots available, Fuller Lake Arena Chemainus, FREE- nextlevelriding.ca to register.

Spot The Difference by Merv Bowman

Melanie Watson, Vice President Cowichan Station Area Association