The "Four Churches Project" is a collaborative formed in 2002 between four churches that serve downtown Kitchener:
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Trinity United Church
Zion United Church
The Four Churches Project arose as a result of the recognition among the churches that there were long-term challenges associated with remaining in Downtown Kitchener. Since these challenges were common to all churches, it made sense to join together collaboratively.
On Friday May 23, representatives from the four congregations attended a presentation that was held in the Council Chambers of Waterloo Region Headquarters. The purpose of this all-day presentation was to provide information on a variety of projects that had been successfully completed by a variety of other churches and housing initiatives. Speakers and presenters included:
Ken Seiling, Chair, Regional Municipality of Waterloo Dick Parker, Emcee Gary Schlueter, Four Churches Project Robert Joustra, Work Research Foundation John Joseph Mastandra, Metropolitan United Church Brian Kinsley & Gay Richardson, Multifaith Housing Initiative Bill Teron, President, Teron International Stephen Kemp, Enermodal Engineering Roberto Chiotti, Larkin Architects Limited Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning, City of Kitchener Prof. Rick Haldenby, University of Waterloo, School of ArchitectureAs documents are made available from this May 23 meeting, we will add them to this web site. Please check here regularly
On Saturday May 24, representatives from the four congregations again met for the day, this time we were hosted by St. Andrews Presbyterian. Fourteen members from Trinity United attended this all-day meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to review (for the first time) the Land Use Planning Feasibility Study that had been created. This document is the culmination of an investigation that was undertaken by GSP Group and The Walter Fedy Partnership. This document is a thorough but high-level conclusion of how the land and building facilities owned by the Four Churches could be best used.
Please Click Here to View The Land Use Feasibility Study Document
Here is a document that outlines the Church's possible role in urban renewal
Where Do We Go From Here?
As mentioned above, fourteen members from Trinity United attended the May 24 meeting. To a person, everyone agreed that the outcome of the Land Use Feasibility Study can offer Trinity a possible means of resolving ongoing challenges that we face, while providing an exciting opportunity to remain stewards of The United Church in Downtown Kitchener. After a bit more discussion that we wish to have as a group, it is our desire to bring this opportunity forward to the entire congregation for reflection and prayerful consideration. Again, please check here regularly for updates and additional material.