History of Olivet United Church
47 Onward Avenue, Kitchener Ontario

Originally, Olivet was a member of the Evangelical Church, which joined the United Church in 1968.

In the mid-1920s, there were two Evangelical churches in Kitchener. Zion, the mother church, had been around since 1841, and Calvary was established in 1921 to serve the area to the northwest.

In 1925, a Zion committee decided to explore possible sites for a church in the East Ward of Kitchener. At the time, Onward Avenue was the outer limits of a residential growth spurt, and there was talk of a large scale housing developments in the fields beyond. By mid-1931, the committee had selected and purchased a site at the corner of Onward Avenue and Crescent Street.

However, the members weren't about to rush into anything. First, a nearby house at the corner of what is now Dane and Crescent street was rented for their "East Ward Mission" and as a Sunday School site.

The district was canvassed for children and, in the first year of operation, attendance averaged about 50 children. By 1932, two things had happened: the mission was officially named Olivet, which is another name for the Mount of Olives, one of the mountains that was associated with Jesus' ministry around Jerusalem. As well, a "parsonage church" was constructed and opened.

This gave Olivet a preaching service as well a Sunday School.

Once again the Mission Committee met with success, and by 1934 a congregation was formally established with 54 charter members and a Sunday School of more then 100 children.

Olivet had its congregation; now it needed a church.

Funding was arranged through church grants and loans, as well as through pledges from congregation and other sources. The corner stone for our building was laid Sept. 1, 1935, with dedication services held March 8 and 9, 1936.

In 1969, Olivet, along with other congregations of its denomination, faced a great change with the Evangelical decision to join the United Church of Canada.

Once again, the Olivet congregation turned change into success with new members and traditions serving to strengthen its already firm foundation.

47 Onward Avenue, Kitchener Ontario N2H 3J8
Tel: 519-742-7291  Fax: 519-742-2141