Our History

Westside is a church planted by the Baptist Union of Western Canada (BUWC). In the late 80s, the denomination saw the need of the gospel for Chinese immigrants coming to Vancouver. They, therefore, commissioned Gladys Tsang in September, 1990 to plant an ethnic church in the west side of Vancouver.

Westside, as a cold plant, was first established as the Chinese Christian Ministry of Fairview Baptist Church. This sponsorship by a sister church in terms of facilities and other resources greatly enhanced its ministry especially at the pre-natal stage. By gathering three other committed Christians as the core, Gladys and her husband started to meet weekly for prayer meeting, Bible study and Sunday worship in a small room at Fairview. One year later, many came to know the Lord and Westside grew from 5 to a congregation of over 40. In May,1992, Westside was chartered as an independent congregation. By 1994, the church outgrew the facility provided and had to relocate to a larger space for continued growth. After much searching and prayers, God provided a non-conventional meeting place, Columbus Centre, which marked a turning point in the history of Westside.

Columbus Centre is located on the 2nd floor of a commercial complex in south Granville. The neighborhood is well populated with Chinese and has high visibility. The relocation allowed God to reshape the ministries of Westside and thus moved the church to a new phase of development. In 1998, the church started an Education Centre in a storefront. It is set up as an arm reaching out to the local community by offering tutorial services in academic, interdisciplinary and music courses. Although Westside has to meet on rented facility with limited resources, God continues to bless the church in numerous ways. New converts were added regularly and the congregation continues to grow.

In June 2003, with a leap of faith, Westside purchased 8506 Ash Street as its own property. It is located in a commercial industrial community of SW Marine Drive. The facility not only doubles the seating capacity, but fits into the ministry style of the church. It also provides the much needed space for continued growth at all levels in the days ahead. With much fear and excitement the church is looking forward to another new phase of development and growth. Though Westside has gone through relocations and transitions, God is still the same and faithful forever. No matter what the changes are, the Great Commission will still be the mission of Westside.

May His Kingdom come and His glory be seen at Westside - 8506 Ash Street.