The roots of First United Church reach back to the earliest days of White Rock itself.
In 1910, just after the arrival of the railway transformed the area from a small seaside settlement into a growing community, local residents began gathering for worship in homes, gardens, and schoolhouses. One of the earliest recorded Protestant worship services in the area took place that year, laying the foundation for what would become more than a century of ministry and community service.
As White Rock grew, so did the congregation. A Methodist mission church was built on Prospect Avenue in 1913, providing a permanent place for worship and community gatherings. From the beginning, the church was supported by many of White Rock's pioneering families and quickly became an important part of community life.
The history of First United Church mirrors the history of White Rock itself.
As the community expanded, the congregation welcomed new residents, supported local families, and created opportunities for worship, education, fellowship, and service. Community organizations, youth groups, and volunteer initiatives found a home within the church, making it both a spiritual centre and a gathering place for the broader community.
When The United Church of Canada was formed in 1925, the congregation became White Rock United Church and entered a new chapter of ministry while continuing its commitment to serving the growing peninsula.
Throughout its history, First United was shaped by extraordinary volunteer commitment.
As White Rock continued to grow following the Second World War, the congregation recognized the need for a larger facility. Members worked together to purchase property and construct a new church building near Buena Vista Avenue and Centre Street. Volunteers contributed countless hours alongside professional tradespeople, creating a church home that would serve generations to come.
Dedicated in 1958, the new church quickly became a hub of activity. Worship services, music programs, children's ministries, youth groups, educational opportunities, and community events filled the building throughout the week.
First United developed a reputation for vibrant congregational life.
Large choirs, children's programs, family ministries, community dinners, and educational initiatives brought people together and fostered lasting relationships. Generations of residents found friendship, encouragement, and spiritual growth within the congregation.
The church also became a place where future leaders were nurtured, supporting theological students, lay leadership, and individuals discerning calls to ministry.
Throughout its history, First United Church sought to live out its faith beyond its walls.
The congregation supported local outreach initiatives, refugee sponsorship, emergency shelter programs, community meals, and social justice efforts that addressed the needs of both local residents and the wider world.
This commitment to compassion and service became a defining part of the congregation's identity and helped shape its ministry well into the twenty-first century.
In 2010, leaders from First United, Crescent United, Sunnyside United, and other neighbouring congregations began exploring new possibilities for ministry together. These conversations eventually led to the formation of Peninsula United Church.
In 2017, after more than a century of ministry in White Rock, First United Church joined with Crescent United Church and Sunnyside United Church to form Peninsula United Church.
Today, the legacy of First United continues through Peninsula United Church's commitment to worship, community engagement, social justice, hospitality, and compassionate service.
For more than one hundred years, First United Church helped shape the spiritual and community life of White Rock. Its story remains an important part of the ongoing story of Peninsula United Church.