There’s a strong sense of history at the corner of Maryland and Westminster streets. Wolseley Westminster United Church is one of Manitoba’s architectural treasures and is also a city and provincial heritage site.

The church has been bringing together members of the community for several generations and in June celebrated its centennial anniversary.

"Designed in the Beaux-Arts Gothic style which was popular at the time, the building opened with its first service on June 16, 1912, with 1,300 in attendance," said Carol Latter, chairperson of the Westminster Church worship committee.

From weddings and funerals, to concerts, yard sales, picnics, pageants, study groups, and other events for people of all ages, the church is a vibrant place to be. With stunning stained glass windows, woodwork, and elaborate sanctuary holding 900, the church is a welcoming refuge to a congregation of about 400. It has served as a concert hall for many musical performances, as well as the home of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra since the mid-1970s.  

"The clergy and members of Westminster have dedicated themselves to service through the establishment of Westminster Housing, which provides affordable housing in the immediate vicinity of the church; through the establishment of International Hope, an organization which provides medical supplies to needy communities throughout the world, and through its dedication to refugees throughout its history," Latter explains.

"We also recognized the role that Westminster has played in the artistic and musical life of the city. The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Westminster, as we provide the primary performing venue for their concerts. We present a three-concert season of organ concerts in the Westminster Concert Organ Series, and have been host to numerous groups and organizations including the Winnipeg Music Festival, Canzona, the Winnipeg Singers and many others.

"We host graduation ceremonies, and perform approximately 30 to 35 weddings per year, as our sanctuary still proves to be a most sought-after setting for wedding ceremonies," Latter adds.

The choir is popular and welcomes new members on a weekly basis. Several special events have been held to mark the historical centennial celebration; others will happen throughout the rest of the year.

Visit www.westminsterchurchwinnipeg.ca or find the church on Facebook.

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The Wolseley Farmers’ Market, located at R.A Steen Community Centre, operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m.

The market boasts a variety of homegrown and homespun edible and artistic products as well as a lively schedule of workshops and local Winnipeg musical talent. This market is very kid-friendly with lots of green spaces to lounge in while enjoying locally produced treats.  

Janine LeGal is a community correspondent for Wolseley. You can contact her with story suggestions at janineyvette@hotmail.com.