Sunday December 20th 1891, was the Inaugural Service for “The Wee Kirk on the corner” as related in the Columbian Newspaper the following day ‘not withstanding the unpropitious weather and the difficulty in walking through the slush, there was a large turn out’. His report conjures the image of a light dusting of snow on the tower and soaring roof tops.

The building was the work of George William Grant, renowned architect of the day. The structure, although small, was designed on the traditional cruciform shape with soaring columns and arched ceilings (wonderful acoustics), There were four great arched windows, lighted with leaded glass. This little gem was the second church in the area, 3.5 miles from downtown New Westminster on the road, which was originally carved out of the forest by the Royal Engineers (the ‘Sappers’) to be the North Road linking the new colony to Burrard Inlet. The church building was begun in September and completed in December at a cost of $3,350.00.

In Knox’s 115 year history of faithful witness, we have been ministered to by 26 clergy, including our current pastor Rev. Michael Koslowski.

The church buildings included a Manse (complete with stable), adjacent to the church and a Memorial Hall (complete with ‘pot-bellied’ stove and badminton net), located behind the church and dedicated in 1922 to those who served their country in the First World War. This became the centre of many community events, and the home to a group of thespians.

A modern Christian education Centre, a cement block building was added to the complex in 1956. With Sunday School and meeting rooms on the lower level, and a gym and community hall on the main floor, it has continued to this day to become the centre of many community events.

The ‘wee kirk’ received a face lift in 1968,the grey clap-board siding was covered with beige stucco an feature batten boards creating a pseudo Tudor look. The decaying ‘burning bush’ atop the steeple was replaced with a contemporary stainless steel replica. The aging manse was demolished and replaced with a much needed parking lot.

The most significant change came during a celebration of our first 100 years in 1991. During the renovation we almost lost the entire structure to arson.

An extended entrance with wheel chair ramp was added. The architectural style was duplicated and the new expanded facility compliments the original building beautifully while providing much needed amenities.

In subsequent years a ‘passage way’ was devised to connect the Sanctuary with the Hall which has facilitated the general use of the complex, while providing two delightful stained glass windows, memorials to members of the congregation.

Over the years, the church has changed, although the original appearance has been maintained. It is still the ‘wee kirk on the corner’, with the same soaring columns and lofty ceiling.

But more importantly, Knox has maintained its faithful witness to our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s warm and welcoming atmosphere still welcomes all those who come seeking God’s presence in their lives, and it is still a spiritual refuge amidst the ever rushing world around us.

It is still a place where the family of God meets, and today, in 2006, we are looking forward to the rebirth of Sapperton as a vibrant community offering us the opportunity to respond to the needs of those in the community with new programs, and new ideas, that share the timeless and unchanging love of God.