In 1950, the expansion of west River Heights led to the formation of a new congregation. Initially the fledgling church met in a pre-fab building located on what is now a small parking lot at the west end of the building. The new congregation wanted to honour its first minister, Dr. H.B. Duckworth, by naming the church after him. But Dr. Duckworth rejected the idea, saying that he wasn’t all that fond of the name himself! In the end the name was formed from “West” — referring to west River Heights where it is located — and “worth” from “Duckworth”.
In 1954, the temporary building was replaced by the gymnasium, which provided space for worship and a burgeoning Sunday school. In 1959 the beautiful sanctuary — with stained glass windows by Leo Mol — was opened for worship. Rev. Allan Simpson, who had succeeded Dr. Duckworth in 1951, concluded his ministry in 1971. Ministers in the ’70s was the team ministry of Dr. Fred McNally and Rev. Ian Macdonald. In 1979, Rev. Dr. Eleanor Geib began a 20-year pastorate during which she worked with (among others), Rev. Terry Hidichuk and Jackie Stark. Rev. Clark Saunders became the minister in 1999, and was joined by Rev. Mona Denton in 2001. After the departure of Rev. Saunders, Rev. Denton was joined by Rev. Geza Szemok in 2012 as a supply minister. Rev. Dr. Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd was the minister from 2013 until 2023. The present minister is Rev. Tricia Gerhard.
The ministry of music has always been extremely important in the life of Westworth. Throughout the years there have been a variety of choirs; senior, junior, cherub, intermediate, chancellor, and handbell. The first choir was organized in 1952 by Dr Roy Martin as director and Bessie Williams as organist. Ross Vasey took over in 1953 and Charles Gardner became both music director and organist in 1956. Winnifred Sim took over in 1965. In 1975 John Standing became music director, and Dorcas Windsor became the organist; a position she held for the next 48 years. In 1986 Ruth Wiwchar became music director; a position she held for 25 years. Stuart Sladden was music director from 2011-2014, Debbie McLeod from 2014-2021, Bill Quinn from 2021-2022, Ruth Wiwchar 2022-2023, followed by Valdine Anderson. Megan Dufrat became the organist and collaborative accompanist in 2023. In 1988 Morna June Morrow organised a Handbell choir which she led for the next 25 years. The Westworth Winds under the leadership of Ray McClelland was formed in 1994. Ray also leads Rockers United and Haskin Street Band.
In 2002, extensive renovations were undertaken. The sanctuary (worship centre) and narthex (lobby) were remodelled, new washrooms and an elevator were added, and many fire-safety upgrades were installed. The addition of an excellent Yamaha C7 grand piano and improved acoustics has led to Westworth’s being a much sought after venue for concerts and recitals. In 2014 a new Allan organ was installed.
Westworth has long had a strong commitment to supporting the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church. This funds mission work both in Canada and overseas. Westworth also supports 1JustCity’s West Broadway Community Outreach program with volunteers and donations. It has supported community initiatives and has sponsored refugee families over the years.
The congregation has shown its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by taking part in learning sessions, other shared events, and having a special service each year recognizing Orange Shirt Day. A Star Quilt made by Marion McKay, symbolizing the four directions, hangs in our sanctuary.
Westworth congregation rewrote their mission statement in 2014. The mission of Westworth is, “To be the hands and feet of Christ within Westworth and beyond”. In February 2021, the Community of Faith accepted the motion to become an Affirming Ministry. We then added “We Honour Human Diversity” to our public statement of values.
Westworth United Church History Timeline
1950 – 10th December 1950 fist service of Westworth United Church in a prefab building. (Westworth – West from west River Heights and Worth from Rev. H.B. Duckworth, the first minister).
1951 – Reverand Allan Simpson takes over as minister from Dr Duckworth.
1951-52 The ministry of music began with the formation of a senior choir at Westworth. Dr Roy Martin was the director and Bessie Williams the organist. Throughout the years there have been a variety of other choirs established at Westworth; Cherub, Junior, Intermediate, Chancellor mostly led by volunteers.
1954 – 12th December 1954, opening and dedication of the Christian Education Auditorium.
1956 – Charles Gardner became both music director and organist.
1959 – March 1, 1959, service of dedication for the new sanctuary. At the east end of the A frame there was a stained-glass window depicting the Last Supper. This was created by Leo Mol. The eight panels in the chapel were also created by Leo Mol.
1965- Winnifred Sim became music director and organist.
1971– Rev Allan Simpson retires. Rev. Dr Fred McNally and Rev. Ian McDonald were the ministers in the 70’s.
1975 – John Standing became the music director and Dorcas Windsor the organist, a position she held for 48 years.
1979 –Rev. Dr Eleanor Geib began a 20-year pastorate in which she worked with (among others) Rev Terry Hidichuk and Jackie Stark.
1986 – Ruth Wiwchar became music director, a position she held for the next 25 years.
1988- Morna June Morrow organized a handbell choir, which she led for the next 25 years.
1994– Ray McClelland formed the Westworth Winds, which he still leads today. Ray also leads Rockers United and the Haskin Street Band.
1999- Rev Clark Saunders became minister.
2001- Rev Mona Denton joined Rev Saunders as minister.
2002– Extensive renovations to the sanctuary, and narthex. New washrooms and elevator added. Addition of a Yamaha C7 Grand Piano and improved acoustics led to Westworth being a much sought after venue for concerts and recitals.
2011 – Stuart Sladden became music director.
2012- Rev. Geza Szemok joined Rev Denton as supply minister.
2013- Rev. Dr. Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd became minster.
2014 – Westworth congregation rewrote their mission statement. Their mission is to be “the hands and feet of Christ within Westworth and beyond”. Debbie McLeod became the music director and a new Allan organ was installed.
2016- The congregation showed its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by taking part in learning sessions, other shared events, a special service recognizing Orange Shirt Day each year. A Star Quilt, made by Marion McKay, symbolizing the four directions, hangs in our sanctuary.
2021– The Community of Faith accepted the motion to become an Affirming Ministry at the AGM in February. ”We Honour Human Diversity” was added to our mission statement. Bill Quinn became music director.
2022- Ruth Wiwchar became interim Choir Director.
2023 -Rev Tricia Gerhard became the minster. Valdine Anderson became the music director and Megan Dufrat the pianist and collaborative accompanist.
2025 -Westworth congregation updated their mission statement. Their mission is to be “the hands, feet and heart of Christ within Westworth and beyond”.
