Our Story in Images

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Pastor George Takashima remembers, at only eight, being excited to leave Vancouver for a new place called New Denver. At his school in Vancouver there were no Japanese children — so he was fascinated to meet new friends who looked like him. It didn’t take long for the town of 500 to welcome the 1,000 Japanese, whose presence led to booming business for local merchants. George’s father was a physiotherapist and the local hospital was keen to have his expertise. “The United Church was there for Japanese Canadians during the internment period. In New Denver, the WMS workers went out of their way to ensure Japanese women felt secure and could be creative. They offered cooking and craft classes. Since I was born and baptized at the Powell Street Church in Vancouver, we went to the United Church in New Denver and were warmly welcomed by the congregation.”

— Pastor George Takashima