Vancouver Japanese United Church and the Pacific Mountain Regional Council Archives are pleased to announce the launch of our new website:Â
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Enduring Faith… Through hardship and joy, the story of Vancouver’s Japanese United Church
Although many of the images have faded with time, this story is a powerful testament to the strength of a faith community in times of adversity. It is an example of the joy and goodness that shine, even through the dark times.
During the Spanish influenza of 1918, the Great Depression of the 1930s and the devastating internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War, prejudice increased the challenges for Japanese Canadians. But working together to support one another, they persevered with love, dignity and hope.
Because of the federal government’s policy of dispersal following the war, so many British Columbians of Japanese descent were scattered throughout the rest of Canada. One of the aims of the Vancouver Japanese United Church Archive website is to reach out to Canadians whose roots trace back to the Vancouver congregation; we want to encourage viewers to learn about their past, help identify people in the images and share stories.
Enjoying exploring historical photographs, documents and interviews about the story of this remarkable community of faith.
Be sure to check out our study guide too.Â
Please share widely!
In peace,
Blair Galston
PMRC Regional Archivist