St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church

I worked at the election there in 2011. It was a really long day and the nature of my position was such that I didn’t really have much to do but sit in a chair from 8:00 AM to about 9:00 PM. I asked the caretaker or priest (not sure what his position was) if I could connect to the church’s wifi so I could pass the time browsing the internet on my iPad (my position allowed this), but he said «no». Really? I can’t use your wifi? At basically zero cost to you?
I know this review might seem a bit irrelevant or flippant, but it really didn’t seem very Christian to me. I’m really hoping he just didn’t understand the nature of wifi and assumed allowing me to use it would cost him significantly or be a security risk, but by 2011 I kind of doubt that.
Regardless, he was really rude to me about it, and if this man’s attitude is indicative of the broader attitude of the church, I would look elsewhere.

My sister was visiting from out of town and we spent the day doing touristy things. We walked into this Church and was greeted by 2 volunteers. The stained glass inside was absolutely incredible! We sat down and took in the amazing architecture for a few moments. I would recommend checking it out if you get a chance.

I’ve been here a few times, not to pray but to see some events with friends. One of the oldest churches with character, the stain glass art is amazing. Awesome acoustics for choir. Has been well kept all things considering. It’s actually an awesome music venue. Kinda sad I missed the Sigur Ros show here. I hate S. Ross but his music would’ve sounded amazing against the acoustics.

It does feel a little odd reviewing a church, but if you’re church shopping…
This is an incredibly welcoming but non-​invasive kind of place. You get everyone from folks just out of St Paul’s to the traditional burgher. The service is beautiful — the organist is one of the best music directors in town, and brings in all kinds of fantastic talent to enhance the musical aspect of worship, from the in-​house Gospel Choir to visiting soloists, trumpeters, you name it. They have great programming for kids courtesy of the perennially sunny children’s minister. The minister here was named to the head of the entire United Church of Canada last year. The acting minister brings an unusual depth of Biblical scholarship to her role — if you’re interested in learning more about the faith, she’s an incredible resource. Lots of opportunities for additional engagement if you’re gay, young, senior, have a preschool child and so on. Their weekly Parent and Tot drop-​in on Wednesdays at 10 is a small-​scale riot, and their monthly Seniors’ Lunch a great way to connect with other elders in the neighbourhood. Lots of volunteer opportunities too. The stained glass is beautiful. In summer, the church opens on weekdays for looky-​loos.

It feels funny a) reviewing a church on Unilocal,b) suggesting this house of worship also be classified as a «music venue», c) and recalling my fond, non-​religious connections to this old Vancouver cathedral. I felt to urge to write about St Andrew’s Wesley because I would strongly urge anyone to see a gig here, even if you aren’t in love with the band. I saw Sigur Ros here in 2001 and then Joanna Newsom in 2006, and while these concerts were forever ago, they are still among the best I have seen in Vancouver. Not only are the acoustics rich and haunting in this stone structure, the interior elements– pews, dark wood, stained glass — provide the space with an intimacy that beats even the smallest venues in town. This church isn’t used very often for secular events, but if you see a mainstream band/​musician playing here, I highly recommend grabbing a ticket or two!

A lovely old stone church with stunning stained-​glass windows and a magnificent pipe organ, St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church is a friendly and welcoming church in downtown Vancouver, on Nelson Street right at Burrard (near St. Paul’s Hospital, The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre and Robson square).
Well known for its wonderful music, St. Andrew’s offers Jazz Vespers on Sunday afternoons which are well worth attending. I have also attended a Celtic Christmas concert here and the acoustics sent shivers up and down my spine.
Because my parents were married here after World War II and both my sister and I were christened at St. Andrew’s Wesley, admittedly I am biased, but if you’re going to be in Vancouver anyway and would like to attend a friendly service in Vancouver’s West End, I recommend St. Andrew’s Wesley. Close to hotels, shopping, Stanley Park, English Bay, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Art Gallery and much more.

Beautiful old church with plenty of stained glass, an amazing pipe organ, exceptional music, and great preaching. It’s a United Church, so you won’t get hellfire and brimstone. Definitely welcoming and accepting regardless of who you are.
Check out the Jazz Vespers Sunday afternoons.
Tours of the church, with descriptions of the history of the church and the beaufiful stained glass, are available after the Sunday morning service.

Great organ music! Interesting preaching. Gay-​friendly. Large.
Coffee tea after service at times.
Super stained glass windows and architecture. Stone building. Free tours after service.
Parking available below church with coupon.
Good church website:
Jazz by local acclaimed musicians quite often. By donation. Sermon.
This is a United Church.