In 1845, Brigham Young noted there were “many good locations for settlement on the Pacific, especially Vancouver's Island near the mouth of the Columbia' (Times and Seasons, Nov. 1, 1845, 1019). And so, 150 years ago, there were quiet beginnings establishing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Vancouver Island. One lone-member family, William and Marie Copley, moved from San Francisco to the Shawnigan Lake area in 1875.
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Twelve years later, Anthony Stenhouse, a member of the British Columbia legislature, announced publicly that he was going to “join up with the Mormons” (Roy A. Prete and others, Canadian Mormons: A History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada [2017], 180.) Stenhouse resigned his government seat and moved to Cardston, Alberta, where Church membership was stronger.
The First Seeds are Planted
The first missionaries arrived on Vancouver Island in 1903, and since then, many thousands have served to enlarge the borders of Zion. During WWII, membership in the Church surged as the Canadian Forces base and war-related industries on the island drew more people. As more member families arrived, the Church sent additional missionaries to serve on the island, resulting in a slow but steady growth.
About 1945, the Victoria branch was established in a rented hall. Congregations were subsequently organized in Port Alberni (1953), Duncan (1959), Comox (1962), Sidney (1972), Campbell River (1976), Port McNeill (1977) and Sooke (2015). Vancouver Island is 460 km long, so over time, other small branches and Sunday Schools were made available to members living in remote communities. A young single adult branch was also established in 1990 to serve the 19-to 30-year-old single members of the Greater Victoria area.
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The Seedling Branches Grow into a Stake
Gradually, branches grew into wards in Greater Victoria. This growth culminated in the organization of the Victoria British Columbia Stake on February 9, 1975, by Elder Boyd K. Packer. Now in its 50th year, the Victoria Stake continues to flourish, having a membership of approximately 1900. With growth becoming more consistent on the entire island, some members moved north with their families to strengthen Nanaimo and the upper island communities. This led to the creation of another stake in Nanaimo, BC, on October 26, 1997.
Brother Dale Ruttan of Victoria, BC, describes the excitement and blessings that accompanied the creation of a new stake in Victoria in 1975 and then the Nanaimo Stake in 1997:
“As a life-long member, born in Port Alberni to local Church member pioneers, I can tell you that the northern Saints were thrilled about this new Stake creation. During this time, another ward was created in Nanaimo and northern island branches were made into wards. The Island Saints were thrilled with this opportunity for growth, and to have a stake centre in the central part of the island instead of in the south end of Vancouver Island (some 7 hours away for many saints to travel) was an exciting time. Prior to the creation of the Nanaimo Stake, the northern part of Vancouver Island was a district, and having local Stake priesthood leadership was a thrilling milestone for the island saints. Still, for years to come, both Stakes would combine many activities and gatherings (such as Bi-Stake Youth Conferences) given their long and loving history together.”
The Fruits of the Tree Bless the Island and the World
Hundreds of young and senior missionaries from both stakes have served at home and in various places throughout the world, including Jamaica, Russia, Myanmar, England, the USA, Haiti, Mongolia, France, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and many more. They have taught the gospel, provided leadership and given humanitarian service.
Fifty years of Latter-day Saint's presence has greatly blessed the Greater Victoria communities. Stake members have organized the annual BC Thanksgiving Food Drive, bringing thousands of tons of food to local food banks during the past 17 years. The Church has organized scout troops, created and donated quilts, supported Days for Girls supplies, and provided humanitarian packages and hospital newborn gifts. The free food program donated by local suppliers has fed the hungry. Thanks to the Victoria Saints, a trailer was purchased and fully stocked for the Municipality of Langford Emergency Support Services. Community immigrants enjoy free English classes offered weekly.
Members of the Victoria Stake have participated in Greater Victoria Interfaith Committees. Thousands have been taught and helped to research their family at the family history centre. The Stake’s annual outdoor Christmas Nativity Pageant and the Sidney ward’s annual Creche Display have drawn thousands each year, celebrating the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The stake has sponsored conferences to develop and uplift members and non-members alike to bring people closer to Christ. Saints in the Victoria Stake sang with heavenly choirs when President Gordon B. Hinckley visited on July 31, 1998.
Local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serve in all walks of life: medicine, government, business, legal, education, finance, public service, sport, recreation, construction, and much more.
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The Tree Bears the Most Precious Fruit of all
Over the years, Victoria stake members have travelled to their assigned temple, first in Cardston, Alberta, followed by the Seattle Washington Temple and then the Vancouver British Columbia Temple. All required long and costly road trips. Their commitment has paid off: soon, there will be a temple in Victoria, British Columbia, as announced by President Russell M. Nelson at the April 2024 General Conference. This most precious anniversary gift comes after many years of Island Saints praying fervently for a temple of their own. They are overjoyed by this forthcoming blessing!
Dedicated service has strengthened the members of the Victoria BC Stake who strive to live Christ-like lives and help enlarge the borders of Zion. The Saints of Vancouver Island look forward to the next 50 years and reiterate Brigham Young’s exclamation, “many good locations, especially Vancouver Island.”
Bibliography
McCue, Robert J. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Vancouver Island: The Establishment and Growth of the Mormon Community. BC Studies Journal. 1979
McCue, Robert J. The Restoration in British Columbia: The LDS and RLDS Churches on Canada’s West Coast. Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. 1989