Video: Megan Donoghue-Stanford
Gower Street United Church (formerly Methodist) is the oldest such congregation in St. John's, established in 1815. Opening our doors in 1896, the current building is the fourth for the congregation and the third on the present site. It was built to replace its predecessor which was burned in the conflagration that destroyed much of St. John’s in 1892. The history of Gower, however, is much more than the story of buildings. There has never been any doubt that the bricks, wood, and stone are secondary to the real mission of the church: living the gospel message by responding to the spiritual, social, and personal needs of people.
We are a downtown church with a rich history, a vibrant music history, and an active congregation. Gower’s caring ministry to those in need in our community has a long history. Today, the congregation is committed to stay true to its historical and scriptural roots as it develops new and innovative ways to meet the modern expression of fundamental human needs. In this way it can continue the tradition of being a home to dynamic faith in action.
Architecture
Our church building is of a modified Romanesque style of architecture, designed by Elijah Hoole of England, an architect of many churches and other public structures throughout the British Empire in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Its basic architectural features have remained largely unchanged and include seating on three levels, an impressive hammerbeam roof of pitch pine, and ornate iron grillwork. In recent years, more than 50 stained glass windows have been installed, several by local artists. The largest of these is a rose window containing rich symbolism associated with the church and its social context.
Photo courtesy of Gower St. United Church. Used with permission.
Photo courtesy of Gower St. United Church. Used with permission.
Photo courtesy of Gower St. United Church. Used with permission.
Photo courtesy of Gower St. United Church. Used with permission.
Photo courtesy of Gower St. United Church. Used with permission.
Mission and Service
Mission and Service works in partnership with people and organizations, amplifying their reach and ability by supporting the life-changing work they do within Canada and around the world. Our partners face challenges that may be unimaginable to many of us: conflict, starvation, oppression, forced migration, and lack of health care, among others. We support our partners right away in natural or human-made disasters so they can provide immediate help, and we continue with long-term support to rebuild after loss.
Sharing in the joys and challenges of life, we join in the celebration of what it means to be human together. Through laughter and tears, love and hardship, we grow together.
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Photo courtesy of Gower St. United Church. Used with permission.
Photo courtesy of Gower St. United Church. Used with permission.
Photo courtesy of Gower St. United Church. Used with permission.
Photo courtesy of Gower St. United Church. Used with permission.
Gower Street United Church has been designated as a Registered Historic Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, and is a cornerstone of the St. John’s Ecclesiastical District National Historic Site of Canada.
The people of Gower Street United Church are committed to doing right by Jesus’ teachings: loving, serving, giving generously in local, regional, and global communities. Envisioning a vibrant and evolving community where tradition is honoured, change is embraced, and injustice is challenged, we are dedicated to being welcoming and affirming. With an active effort towards inclusivity, we engage participation of all, including people of any age, colour, race, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, marital status, family composition and social or economic circumstances.
The United Church of Canada
Call and Vision
Called by God, as disciples of Jesus, The United Church of Canada seeks to be a bold, connected, evolving church of diverse, courageous, hope-filled communities united in deep spirituality, inspiring worship, and daring justice.
Deep Spirituality is the joy of those who know God loves and holds them. Deep spirituality is the cornerstone of our identity, not just as a church but also as individuals.
Bold Discipleship is realizing how our lives are a sacred calling and, out of our faith, connecting our gifts with the world’s needs. Let us be bold in claiming every moment of every day and every activity as an expression of how we can help care for God's world.
Daring Justice is how we respond together in faith, not fear, to the call to build a more just world. So, let us be daring as we imagine God’s vision for the world.
