The idea of a church in Vancouver, British Columbia, began as a dream in the minds of some early pioneers of the Gospel. In September of 1945, cottage meetings began on East 20th Avenue. This building was soon outgrown, and the Apostolic Faith group moved to a remodeled building located at Kingsway and Scott Streets.

A few years later, the city wanted to purchase the property for a new roadway, so arrangements were made to trade for a lot at Kingsway and Rupert. The congregation worked diligently for many months constructing a nice church building. At this same time, the missionary vessel, “Lower Light,” was making its annual trip up the West Coast to Alaska. Upon the vessel’s return, the new building was completed enough for the crew to stop in the port city of Vancouver and assist with the dedication of the new church. During this dedication service a young mother was saved, and she still attends today, many years later, at 87 years of age. This was the beginning of over fifty years of fruitful service for the Lord on the corner of Kingsway and Rupert.

In 1945, a landmark sign was erected proclaiming, “Jesus the Light of the World.” This colorful sign drew many lost souls into the Light of the Gospel. It was used as a landmark for many to find their way into the city of Vancouver and also into the arms of the Savior. After the church was sold, this sign was donated to the Vancouver museum for display with other collectable neon signs. There, the message, “Jesus the Light of the World,” will continue to be proclaimed.

A work with the merchant mariners began in the harbor, and hundreds of sailors from all over the world were brought into the Light of the Gospel through this outreach ministry. Faithful workers probed the harbors for hungry souls, and as a result, thousands of contacts were made. Hardly a meeting went by without at least one or more sailors in attendance.

Eventually the building on Kingsway and Rupert was outgrown and in need of repairs. Attempts were made to obtain permits to remodel it. However, the city would not allow the building to be enlarged or remodeled at this site, so a decision was made to sell the old “lighthouse” and relocate. It was sold in 1999, and after more than two years of searching for another location, God miraculously led the group to a new location in Langley. This building is 80' x 80', all on ground level, and is located in the middle of one acre of land which has a lawn and a parking lot lined with pine trees. It had been built as a Baptist church in 1974. In 1990, a handicap rehabilitation group purchased it. After ten years of use they decided to sell and relocate. The purchase was made in August of 2001, and the Apostolic Faith took possession on November 1, 2001.

Remodeling began immediately, with volunteers taking down walls and removing carpets. The lease agreement expired at the Kingsway location and everything had to be out by January 1, 2002. Much work was needed and everyone helped to get things in order to begin holding services at the new location. On December 27, 2001, the first service was held amidst much dust and remodeling tools. The meetings were held in the prayer room for a few weeks before moving into the sanctuary. People sat on kitchen chairs arranged on a dusty cement floor with a strip of our new carpet rolled out under the altars.

Serious carpentry work took place and everything came together, thanks to the many dedicated volunteers who took time from their busy schedules to help. The church was remodeled to allow one to go all around the building into every room without going into the sanctuary, thus setting that area apart as a special place for worship. On February 24, 2002 with new carpets, pews, kitchen cabinets, and many other niceties installed, the new Langley Apostolic Faith Church was dedicated to the service of the Lord.

The nursery is located at the rear of the sanctuary with a large, soundproof double pane window to allow mothers to view the services while attending to their babies. This room is carpeted three feet up the wall to help keep sounds from disturbing the services. A number of new babies in the congregation make good use of this area!

The 16’ x 16’ kitchen is the pride of the ladies. With an abundance of new cupboards for storage, double sinks, a range, dishwasher, double microwaves, and refrigerators, this area is a great place to prepare for church potlucks and other functions.

The restrooms were remodeled and enlarged. With the ladies’ beautiful decorating touches, many folks say they could live at the church!

The spacious library has new plush leather couches and is a favorite place to relax and enjoy reading one of the many books, new and old, that line the shelves. This area is also used for a Chinese Sunday school class.

The 30’ x 40’ sanctuary was also extensively refurbished. A beautiful platform was added along with the chancellor rail and altars. The wood is all finished in a beautiful matching light colored oak. The pews and platform chairs add the finishing touch.

God guided through the remodeling project in many ways. For example, God definitely answered prayer regarding the sanctuary lighting. Weeks earlier it had been mentioned to the kitchen cabinet installer that someone was needed to help with the lights. On Thursday morning before the Friday night combined meeting, a man walked into the church and explained that he owned a lighting company. He opened up his catalog of available lights and showed lighting fixtures that looked perfect. Project supervisors told him that lights were needed quickly and that a purchase would be made if they were installed that day. The man hesitated, then called a Christian electrician who was praying for God to send him work. The lights were in by 10 p.m. that night.

The Langley church is located in a quiet residential neighborhood, about twenty-five miles east of the old Kingsway site. Hundreds of school students pass by the church each week on their way to and from school. Many nice homes are located all around us and the congregation feels this is their new “mission field.”

The Langley congregation is a multi-cultural group with members from China, the Philippines, Korea, Newfoundland, United States, India, Iran, Persia, Borneo, Nigeria and Canada. The Sunday school is growing as the neighborhood children begin attending and inviting their friends.

A number of Apostolic Faith ministers have pastored the Vancouver church since 1950. The present pastor is Reverend Chester King, who was appointed to that position in July 2000. Phil Wong and Shola Akindele are assistant ministers.

With the new location just fifteen minutes north of the U.S. border, the congregation sees frequent visitors from the “States.” They hope to see you soon, so drop by and visit when you are in the Vancouver area!

Contact Information for Langley .