Knox United Church marks 120 years in Taber

Times Photo Submitted by Knox United Church

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As the United Church of Canada celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, Knox United Church will reach its own milestone: 120 years of Christian witness in Taber and the MD. Taber’s Geri Reti recounted the history of Knox United and the Times found supplemental material courtesy of the Tank 77 Museum.

 In 1905, the superintendent of Presbyterian Missions in Lethbridge came to Taber to conduct services in the Canada West Mine bunkhouse. According to the Tank 77 Museum, “Chairs were provided, but some, of various nationalities and creeds, just lay on their bunks during the service. Others would sit on their bunks, smoking and playing cards…still others would kneel on the floor, earnest in worship. The more serious minded realized a ‘church’ was needed, especially since some of their wives and families were arriving in the community.”

 Meetings were held in the bunkhouse until Knox Presbyterian Church, a small frame building, was completed in 1906. The little church eventually became too small for the growing congregation, and by 1912 Knox Presbyterian Church church was built on the lots donated by W.W. Douglas at the corner of 50 St. & 50 Ave.

 Reti reported that many outstanding donations were made by individuals, including the large window on the east end of the building facing 50 St., made entirely by David Williams. The window was recently restored in the renovation of the old church, now being used as a fellowship hall.

 Similarly, the local Methodist Church began with services organized by the district superintendent of Methodist missions in southern Alberta and conducted by ministry students during the summer of 1909.

 The Taber Methodist Church was established in the fall of 1910, and held services first in the Miners’ Hall and then in the Palm Theatre. Construction of a new church began in the summer of 1912, and the congregation held its first service there on October 6, 1912.

 At the end of the First World War, the influenza epidemic of 1918 stunted the economy, and the financial situation in the community prompted the two congregations to unite as one. The Presbyterian and Methodist churches merged on July 1, 1921 as Knox United Church, just four years prior to the official establishment of the United Church of Canada in 1925.

 The Knox United congregation used the Presbyterian church and manse building and the old Methodist church building was moved onto the grounds to be used as a recreation hall, though it was sold to the Lutheran Church in 1953.

 Following the Second World War, the town went through a period of rapid expansion. According to Reti, capacity crowds at the morning services and lack of Sunday school space made the existing church building inadequate to meet the needs of the congregation.

 Taber received a fresh influx of residents when the federal government recruited Japanese Canadian families from the west coast to assist with the local sugar beet industry. Japanese and Hungarian congregations used the Knox facility and gave generously of their time and money to support its growth, Reti said.

 Work on a beautiful new sanctuary began on June 24, 1954, with a tower joining the new building and the original church. The building was dedicated on Sunday, May 15, 1955.

   During the years since 1942, Knox United Church has played a significant role in the faith journey of families who have made an impact in both the church and the community at large.

 Knox United, on the corner of 50th & 50th, has always been an important part of the Taber community and welcoming to all. The United Church of Canada represents the strong faith of their founders: the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregationalist churches.

 The church welcomes everyone to celebrate its 120th anniversary on the weekend of June 14 and 15. A banquet with program and entertainment is planned for Sat., June 14 in the lower hall. Tickets are $15 and are available at Johnson’s, Pharmasave, or the church office. A special worship service will be held on Sun., June 15 at 10:30 a.m. and will conclude with refreshments in the Fellowship Hall.