With no say, the Japanese United congregation loses its home
In early 1953, Welfare Industries made an offer of $16,000 on the Powell Street property, which had been valued at $25,000. Dr. Percy Bunt, in a letter to Dr. George Dorey of Home Missions in Toronto, advised:
“I think that the offer should be accepted without delay, for several reasons, one of which is that it will clear the air as far as its use by the Japanese groups are concerned. They can make other arrangements for their school, etc., as at May 1st. Their presence in the building this winter has not been an unmixed blessing.”[34]
On April 24, 1953, the Board of Home Missions agreed to sell the Powell Street property to Welfare Industries for $16,000 and had the title transferred.
It was understood that the proceeds were used to build a social centre at First United, where the Japanese congregation could also meet. The congregation was able to use the centre, but their worship had to be held at 2 pm on Sundays. Within a few years, the new social centre and old church were demolished to make way for a new First United Church facility.
Meanwhile, in 1955, Welfare Industries sold the Powell Street property for $25,000 to the Vancouver Buddhist Temple. The sale took place without the consent of Vancouver Presbytery or the Board of Home Missions.
