History of Woodcliff United Church

Prepared on St. Andrew’s Day – 30 November 2004
By the Rev. Bob Mutlow

Woodcliff United Church was part of the great post-war church building boom in Canada. Calgary was spreading west, and St. Matthew’s United could no longer accommodate the numbers. In the fall of 1954, through the efforts of the Rev. J.V. Howey, a survey determined the growing need for a United Church presence in the then new communities of Spruce Cliff, Rosscarrock, Wildwood and Westgate. The Rev. J.V. Howey conducted the first service in March 1956 in the Spruce Cliff Elementary School. The Calgary Presbytery appointed the Rev. S. Vincent supply minister in October of 1956. On April 7, 1957, a Service of Constitution and The Installation of Elders and Stewards took place at Spruce Cliff School. “Woodcliff United Church” was chosen as the name for the new church. The congregation met in several locations throughout the district until 1960.

Through the generous gift of land by the Edworthy family a Christian Education Building was erected on the former site of the Shaganappi Ranch and at what became the entrance to Edworthy Park. There were over 800 children in the Sunday school. The sod-turning ceremony was held in May 1960, and the dedication of the building took place in December of that year. A special “Mortgage Burning Ceremony” in April 1976 marked the completion of that part of the Woodcliff story.

The first full-time minister of Woodcliff United Church was the Rev. Ed Mullen from (1956 to 1962). Ed Mullen moved on from Woodcliff to establish the Pastoral Institute. The Rev. Norman and Edna Hunter arrived in 1962, and for the next 20 years led a creative pastoral ministry in the multi-purpose space of the Christian Education Building. From 1980 – 82 the Rev. Ron Barnum developed Christian Education programs and church expansion. Rev. Hunter retired in 1982, and after a short break returned to sing in the Woodcliff Choir until June 30, 2002. Norman died on August 26, 2003. Rev. Ron and Karen Jeffrey arrived to begin the transition from Norman’s long term pastorate and started the process of Woodcliff United reaching out into the new developments of Coach Hill and Strathcona. Following Rev. Ron and Karen’s departure to the Interior of British Columbia, the Rev. Don Brown served a year interim position until Rev. Bob and Katie Mutlow were called from Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1988.

There had been a growing perception during the late 1980’s that either a new sanctuary should be built or the facilities renovated. A committee recommended to the congregation on May 31, 1989 that the present facilities be renovated. The architectural firm of Woods Parker designed the reconstruction, and at the same time Cargill Stewardship Consultants were hired to organize a financial campaign. The campaign ran from March to June 1990, with a tremendous response of over $566,000 pledged (over and above regular givings) for a three-year period. The completely renovated facilities were re-dedicated on December 9, 1990 almost 30 years to the day from when the Christian Education Building had been dedicated. A new kitchen was installed in the lower hall in the summer of 1991. A “Mortgage Burning Ceremony” took place on June 6, 1993 culminating the 3-year financial campaign. On July 19, 2001, in conjunction with Rogers Wireless (a Calgary based company) a 25-metre steeple was added to the west side of the church, creating greater visibility for the church to the surrounding area.

With the growth of West-end Calgary and the Woodcliff congregation, it was again felt there was a need to expand our service to the new communities. On April 1, 2000 The Rev. Earl and Michelle Klotz arrived at Woodcliff with the mandate to organize a “Contemporary Praise Worship Service.” In September of 2000 we moved to two services – 9:30 and 11:00. Jeannie Longacre was chosen as the assistant music director with responsibilities for the second service. This was an exciting transition time in the congregation as we installed a screen and power point capabilities. Rev. Earl accepted a call to Gilchrist United Church in Edmonton on July 1, 2001.

Staff Associate Carolyn Rogers, a member of the Congregation, became a Congregational Worker in an interim capacity. It was decided to have one Sunday morning service at 10:00 and a monthly alternative service on the last Saturday of the month. Carolyn qualified to be a United Church Staff Associate and was named as “Staff Associate” supply for the period of the July 1 – December 30, 2004. Carolyn served in a “transition” capacity in a humble and caring manner that served the church well. Carolyn grew in her service here and will bring many gifts to whatever ministry God calls her to in the future.

In June of 2004 the Church Council, on the recommendation of a Congregational Meeting, named a Joint Search Committee to fill the half-time Minister of Christian Development position for January 1, 2005. A special Congregational Meeting on November 28, 2004 accepted the recommendation of the Joint Search Committee that Tracy Robertson be appointed as Staff Associate at Woodcliff United in the Minister of Christian Development position. Tracy comes to us from a Foothills Presbytery position of “Youth Ministry Facilitator.” We welcome Tracy to her new position on February 1, 2005.