Revitalizing A Historic Church

St. Andrew’s Wesley Church, a historic cathedral in Vancouver’s West End, faced two major challenges. The first was a two-year closure for renovations. The second was the disconnect that followed during the pandemic. Feeling out of touch with their community, the church turned to us for help..

For Parker and Jarren, this project carried personal significance. As West End residents who walked past the cathedral daily—and as creatives who’ve navigated complex relationships with religious institutions—they knew this project needed heart and intentionality.

Transforming Space and Building Trust

We began by deeply listening to congregants, newcomers, and community organizations to understand how the church could bridge its past and future. Through these conversations, a clear vision emerged: the church needed to be a space where everyone felt seen and welcomed, no matter their background or identity. This became our north star for the work ahead.

One of the most transformative moments came when we helped the church leadership reimagine the physical space itself. St. Andrew’s Wesley is a grand, hundred-year-old cathedral, and from the street, it can feel imposing. We saw an opportunity to turn the building’s architecture into an invitation rather than a barrier. The result? A vibrant rainbow-coloured wrap-around on the grand staircase, boldly bearing the church’s new brand promise:

“No matter who you are, no matter who you love, all of you is welcome here.”

This simple yet powerful message was a visual representation of the church’s renewed commitment to inclusivity.

Inside the church, we guided leadership through workshops and coaching sessions that encouraged cohesive decision-making and fostered trust. These sessions were critical in aligning their values with their actions, helping them reconnect with their community in authentic, meaningful ways. As Diane, the Executive Director, shared:

Harc didn’t come with a ‘solution in a box’—they guided us to find our own solutions, making sure we stayed true to who we are.

A Space for Everyone

The result of this transformation extended far beyond aesthetics. St. Andrew’s Wesley is now a space where people of all backgrounds—2SLGBTQIA+ folks, those of other faiths, and even those who’ve felt alienated by religion—feel a sense of belonging.

It’s a space that not only honors its history but also boldly steps into the future with open arms. For us, watching the church rediscover its place in the community has been an incredibly rewarding journey.