Description du lieu patrimonial

The Youbou Community Church is a two-story building with arched windows and an architecturally appealing peaked-roof design. The church is nestled amongst the trees overlooking Cowichan Lake in British Columbia, and has stood at 10648 Youbou Road, Youbou, B.C. for over 80 years. This historic place is marked by the Y-shaped intersection located at the north end of the building front.

Valeur patrimoniale

Constructed in 1938, the Youbou Community Church remains a significant structure in the West Cowichan area. The Church has aesthetic value for its authentic Craftsman-style architecture and gothic design. Architectural features include an original wood-beamed ceiling and peaked-roof. The two-storey addition, constructed in 1948, added an extra 2,000 square-feet to the original building and provides a large space for community events.

The Youbou Community Church has religious value being a multi-denominational place of worship for the evolving community, serving a variety of religious groups including the Anglicans, Church of the Latter-Day Saints, Lutherans, Roman Catholics and United Church. Worship services are still held each Sunday by the Community of Peace Congregation led by Brother John Brutch. When a worship service is taking place inside the sanctuary, there is a pervasive sense of peace, comfort, and community as the sound of the choir filters through the surrounding trees and across the lake.

The Youbou Community Church has significant social value in its association with the development of the Youbou community and has served as the heart of the community for many years. The building has been home to many community organizations including, but not limited to, a group of women sewing for the Red Cross during the war, a polling station for elections, the Kaatza Art Group, Arbutus Glee Club, Guides, Brownies, Scouts and Cubs, and many youth groups. The building has accommodated health nurse visits for new mothers. In addition, the Youbou Old Age Pensioners Association held Charity Bingos to raise funds for the maintenance and administration of the Church building until November 2012. The church has also hosted many weddings, baby showers and memorial services over the years.

Éléments caractéristiques

Key elements that define the heritage character of the Youbou Community Church include its:

- Lakeside location.
- Continued use as a community gathering space
- 30-foot tower with a steeple roof.
- All elements of the church building itself including the pews, the original wood-stained front door and working bell tower.
- All historic materials dating to the time of construction including the original wood beamed ceiling, gothic style arched windows and hand-carved artwork.