St Andrew’s - in the heart of Cowichan Station
A project many years in the making, The Heart at Cowichan Station has finally found its home in St. Andrew’s Church.
Painting by Jen TinsleySt. Andrew’s is The Heart at Cowichan Station
The Church Committee (now The Heart Committee) is made up of the CSAA and community members and has been working closely with the Anglican Diocese of BC for the last 4 (or you could say 14!) years to bring about the transfer of the title of this community property to the CSAA, all the while dreaming of restoring this important and cherished part of Cowichan Station back as a secular place that we can gather in once again. The Hub & The Heart, a wonderful combination.
Marking Our History
The original St. Andrew’s Church committee was formed in Cowichan Station in 1905. The committee held dances and concerts to raise money to build the community a church, and the Mearns brothers (William and Jim who were of Indigenous and Settler birth) were commissioned to build it using local labourers (like the Norie twins who built the roof). Many community members volunteered their time and skills. The land was donated by Arthur Parry and Ada Cook, the stone was donated by the Koksilah Quarry Co and the bell was donated by crewmen of the E&N Railroad. The new church was consecrated on February 8, 1906
The building was enlarged in 1912 to accommodate the growing community, and it was expanded again with construction of the church hall in 1956 and the kitchen in 1963.
The Anglican Diocese of BC made the decision to close and decommission the church in 2010.
The cemetery is still consecrated ground and will always be known as St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Cowichan Station. The CSAA is honoured to hold the cemetery licence.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Cowichan Station and St. Andrew’s you can purchase a copy of local historian Jenny Balme’s book, “ Hidden Vale”.
Find a copy at the HUB Cafe on Fridays or contact Erin at operations@cowichanstation.org .
Volunteer with us!
Help to organize events, fundraise, educate, more! Email theheart@cowichanstation.org to connect with us, or fill out our volunteer application form.