From its humble beginning with just four families to a growing community of a few hundred, Tsawwassen Alliance Church has been a part of South Delta for 50 years.
To celebrate this golden anniversary, the church is throwing a big party this Sunday and inviting the whole community.
The church began as a dream of Ron and Faith McMillan, who moved to Tsawwassen in 1962. They felt God leading them to start a new Alliance Church in their new community. In the fall of 1965, they were joined by Stan and Emma Porter, Ted and Cathy Thiessen, and Ed and Hazel Edstrom. The first public service was held at Cliff Drive Elementary.
A few years later as more families began to attend, they were able to purchase the one-acre lot next to Cliff Drive on 12th Avenue for only $8,000. They built a small church on that property in 1969, replacing it with the existing building in 1983.
"We've been active in this community for 50 years and so we want to celebrate with the whole community," explains pastor Steve Kroeker. "Even if you've never attended our church, we'd love for you to come celebrate with us."
The party will kick off with an upbeat celebration service inside at 10 a.m. Afterwards there will be a country fair-style party under tents outside with a plenty of food, a live band, bouncy castles, games, balloons, face-painting, cotton candy and a huge anniversary cake.
Sunday's event is free and open to everyone. Visit www.tachurch.ca for more details.
