"No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and God's love is perfected in us." – I John 4:12
In May 1948, a small group of Capilano Highlands residents came together to discuss the possibility of establishing an Anglican church in the area. That simple meeting marked the beginning of St. Catherine’s Capilano. Just a month later, 50 people gathered for the first service, held before a rough-hewn log altar on what is now the church parking lot.
By September of that same year, a modest 24x48 tarpaper building—initially intended to serve for only a year—was erected on the site. Three years later, St. Catherine's would see its first permanent church building dedicated. The congregation grew quickly, and the need for more space became evident, especially as the Sunday School expanded to over 1,000 children.
For many years, rectors from St. John’s Church supported the parish. In 1951, Archdeacon H. J. Greig became St. Catherine’s first rector and Archdeacon of Capilano. Under his leadership, the parish thrived. After his departure in 1956, the Reverend John Godkin took over, overseeing the construction of our current church building, which was completed in 1962.
In 1970, the Reverend Ian Grant became the third rector of St. Catherine's. He was followed by the Reverend William Pike in 1987, and the Reverend John Mash, who was inducted in 1993. When John retired in 2007, the Reverend Christine Rowe became St. Catherine’s first female rector, a role she still holds today. Under her leadership, our parish has been a vital part of a wider collaboration with other Anglican and Lutheran churches in North Vancouver, strengthening God’s mission in the region.
In July 2018, we welcomed the Reverend Sharon Smith as the parish’s Vicar. Originally from South Africa, Sharon had served as Curate at St. Agnes, North Vancouver, before joining St. Catherine's. With a background in Occupational Therapy and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences focusing on spirituality and mental health, Sharon brings a wealth of experience in both ministry and holistic wellness.
As we celebrate 76 years of ministry, we continue to welcome people from all walks of life. St. Catherine’s is a rare community where people of all generations can come together to worship, grow spiritually, and build connections. We are proud to be a place where diversity is embraced, offering a welcoming environment for spiritual development, care, outreach, and community, while honoring the traditions of our Anglican heritage and the vibrant energy of contemporary life.
