History

Our Beginnings

Named for seafaring Celtic Saints, the churches of St. Columba and St. Aidan On-The-Hill grew out of the West Coast Mission. This was an Anglican ministry that was formed prior to 1910 to serve the spiritual needs of the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island from Port Renfrew to Kyuquot.

St. Columba

St. Columba Church in Tofino was the first to be built, in 1913. A family from St. Mary’s Church in Portsea, England funded construction of the church, to be built on ‘the most beautiful spot on Vancouver Island’.  St. Mary’s continued to support the church in the early years, supplying two of its curates during the 1920s.

St. Columba Church is named after Columba, who was an abbot in sixth-century Ireland. He oversaw a large network of monasteries and was known for his ability to ‘command the magic of the druids and to bend it to the will of Christ.’  At forty-two, Columba left Ireland as an exile, and with twelve disciples settled on the island of Iona, off Scotland’s rugged west coast. The Community at Iona became a centre for prayer, learning and evangelism. From there, pursuing both the inward pilgrimage of prayer and penance and the outward pilgrimage of evangelism, Columba went on to establish several monasteries throughout Scotland.

St. Aidan

During the same time the ‘smallest church on Vancouver Island’ was being used for worship in Ucluelet.  This was a family home that stood on the present site of St. Aidan Church.  The church was built in 1952, with lumber donated by the Sutton Lumber and Trading Company.

St Aidan Church is named after Aidan, an Irish monk. He joined the Iona community in the early seventh century. After invaders had destroyed churches and Christian ministry had lapsed in northern England, assistance was requested to re-establish the church in Northumbria. Aidan was chosen by his community, and left Iona with twelve monks. They established a monastery on Lindisfarne, or Holy Island. Aidan, referred to by some as the “Apostle of Northumbria’, served as bishop, abbot, evangelist and educator. With the support of the rulers of Northumbria, Aidan and his followers planted the Celtic church in Northern England. 

Shared Ministry

The United Church had its own early mission work along the West Coast, but in the 1970s decided to join with the Anglican ministry to create a stronger Christian presence on the West Coast.  To the United Church, we have become known as the ‘Long Beach Pastoral Charge’.  The Anglican Church continues to refer to our Shared Ministry as the “West Coast Mission’.  But, however we are known, we have become home for Christians from the Anglican, and United Churches as well as many other denominations.  We seek to be a welcoming and inclusive community of faith.

Recent History

Over the past decade our communities and churches have undergone many changes. New opportunities have emerged as our area has changed from primarily fishing and resource economy, to communities with a strong and growing resort and tourism sector. With a small resident population, our two congregations are constantly challenged to meet the expenses of our historic buildings, and a full time minister.  We appreciate the mission support from both the United and Anglican churches that helps us maintain our presence here, and the interest of many tourists.  It is the faithful work and witness of our local members that brings it all together.