Vision Statement
Come join us on the journey as we strive to be a vibrant faith community, nurtured within the rich traditions of the United Church of Canada and guided by love.
We seek to be a safe and inclusive faith community for people of all gender identities, sexual orientation, marital status, family configuration, health and differing abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, beliefs, and socio-economic circumstances, and all others who will be encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of the life and work of our ministry including leadership positions, thereby enriching us all.
- we celebrate God’s presence in praise, prayer and proclamation;
- we encourage one another through mutual care;
- we explore the Way of Jesus as life-long learners; and
- we endeavor to understand and serve the world in word and action.
A Brief History
Until a United church was built in 1872 on Hillview Road, a circuit rider preacher served the Collin’s Bay area. In 1956, David Rankin, generously offered his waterfront property for a new church with the request that the church be named “Edith Rankin Memorial” in memory of his cousin Edith Rankin (1900 – 1940). The cornerstone for Edith Rankin Memorial United Church was laid October 11, 1959 and the congregation of Collins Bay United Church moved into their new church on Sunday, January 17, 1960.
In 1978 the old church property on Hillview Road was sold; and in 1983 the congregation purchased the Byrne property east of the church to allow for additional parking. Continued growth brought the need for an addition, Clark Hall, built in 1986. A second expansion that included a Welcome Centre and an elevator was completed in 2016.
We have been blessed to have exceptional ministers and staff associates serve our needs and lead us forward – the Rev. J.G. (Barry) Armstrong; the Rev. Ray Milley; the Rev. Dr. Albert Burnside; the Rev. Ian Mackay joined subsequently by Sharon Van Nest as Staff Associate; the Rev. Dr. Wayne Soble (interim); the Rev. Dr. Paul Currie teamed first with Sharon Van Nest as Staff Associate, then the Rev. Maggie Coleman, and then with the Rev. Beverley Burlock; the Rev. Mark Fleming (interim); the Rev. George Lavery (interim); the Rev. Dr. Wayne Soble teamed first with the Rev. Micheline Montreuil, then with the Rev. Dr. Jean Stairs; the Rev. Bill Smith and the Rev. Joe Ramsey (interim); and currently the Rev. Michelle Down with Elizabeth Amirault as Pastoral Care Lay Minister until the summer of 2023; presently filled by Alma Barney.
It is good to be God’s people in this place.