MOOSE JAW — On Sunday, June 1, Zion United Church will host a special centennial cluster service to mark the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada.
The service begins at 7 p.m. and is open to all members of the community. Rev. Lorne Calvert, a former Premier of Saskatchewan and a long-serving United Church minister, emphasized the inclusive nature of the upcoming service.
"(The upcoming service is) absolutely open to anyone who chooses to attend," Calvert said. "United Church members, members of many other Christian denominations, and friends of the church are all welcome."
The evening will feature a variety of music, including a mass choir, a Casavant organ and piano recital, an instrumental ensemble, and a performance by the Zion Church handbell choir. The service will be led by Rev. Janelle Shaw, Rev. Michele Rowe, Rev. Tim Ellis, and Rev. Lorne Calvert, all of whom have served in ministry roles in Moose Jaw or the surrounding areas.
"We really want it to be a celebration of the people," Calvert noted. "Not just (a celebration of) those who are leading, but all of the people who have made the United Church a very vibrant and very serving church over these 100 years."
The United Church of Canada was formed in 1925 through the union of Methodist, Congregationalist, and a majority of Presbyterian congregations. This union was a significant moment in Canadian religious history, with an aim to create a more unified and effective Christian presence in the country.
Zion United Church itself has a rich history, having been established as a Methodist congregation in the early 1900s. The current building, completed in 1907, became Zion United Church in 1925 with the formation of the United Church of Canada.
Reflecting on the significance of the centennial celebration, Calvert also highlighted the Prairie roots of the church union movement, underscoring its deep connection to Saskatchewan’s history.
“The movement that created church union nationally really began on the Prairies. Some could argue — I would argue — that it began here in Saskatchewan,” Calvert said.
The United Church of Canada’s formation was rooted in the challenges of ministering across vast and sparsely populated regions. In response, local congregations in the Prairies began to collaborate, forming the Association of Local Union Churches. This grassroots effort not only laid the foundation for the national church union but also marked a pioneering step toward , Methodist, and Congregationalist traditions.
The first union church that brought Methodist and Presbyterian denominations together was established in Melville, Sask., with the collaborative spirit spreading across the region as these congregations recognized their shared Christian faith and tradition.
Despite changes over the years, Calvert emphasized the ongoing commitment of United Church congregations to faith and community service. "The numbers are smaller, but the faith remains strong, and the commitment to service remains strong," he said.
The service will be followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and reflect on the church's legacy and future.
“Our hope is to have a great celebration of the church with church members, members of the Christian faith in Moose Jaw, and with our friends in the city and beyond,” Calvert shared.
For those interested in participating in the mass choir, rehearsals are being held in the lead-up to the event. Prospective singers are encouraged to contact Zion United Church for more information.
To learn more, visit or call 306-692-3842. Zion United Church is located at 423 Main Street North.
