Holy Trinity Anglican Church in White Rock stands as both a spiritual and community hub, with a rich 100-year history with a forward-looking approach that welcomes people from all walks of life. With its robust liturgical practices and community outreach programs, the church is a vibrant centre of connection in White Rock.
“Our church is active and growing,” says The Rev. Joseph Dirbas, rector of Holy Trinity. “We’re doing a lot to connect with the community and expand our programs, especially for children, youth and families. It’s exciting to see how much we can do together.”
Music at the heart of worship
One of the church’s notable recent steps has been hiring a music director to elevate Holy Trinity’s music ministry. This new director leads the choir, prepares anthems and performs special pieces, including solos, during services.
“It’s a big step in making music a more central part of our worship and community events,” says Dirbas, noting the new music director, Maria Golas, is also a member of the Vancouver Chamber Choir, bringing added expertise to the role.
Tradition meet progress
Holy Trinity has long been known for its commitment to Anglican liturgy, offering worship grounded in tradition, scripture, reason and community connection. However, the church is socially progressive, welcoming members of the LGBTQ+ community and others who may have felt excluded elsewhere.
“We balance being liturgically traditional with being inclusive and socially progressive,” Dirbas says. “People can come and be accepted as they are while learning about scripture and discipleship. We engage deeply with the community and strive to embody Christ’s example of loving all people.”
Beyond Sunday services, Holy Trinity Anglican Church opens its doors to the broader community. It hosts an array of activities such as yoga classes, Seniors Lunches, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, food bank collections and Bible studies.
“We host many events like neighbourhood gatherings, a monthly Evensong service, and even a Christmas Market coming up on Nov. 30,” Dirbas says. “It’s all part of living out our mission statement: “In Christ, we are a growing community, welcoming others to join us on our faith journey."
The church is also a local resource hub that provides support for homeless individuals and families. “We share our space with Sources because it’s about putting the gospel into action,” Dirbas explains. “We respect the dignity of all people and want to share the joy and love of Christ with everyone.”
Dirbas, who immigrated to Canada with his wife – a fellow Anglican priest – and their five children in late 2021, feels deeply connected to Holy Trinity’s mission. “I love seeing the gospel put into action,” he says. “It’s a joy to guide this community, working together to live out our faith and make a difference.”
For more information on The Church of the Holy y Trinity’s programs and events, visit holytrinitywhiterock.ca or vancouver.anglican.ca.