About the Chilcotin log church

The Story of the Chilcotin Log Church: A Journey of Faith

In the rugged wilderness of British Columbia, nestled between the forests and mountains, a small church stood quietly for years, abandoned and forgotten. The building, erected in the late 1960s, had witnessed many seasons, from the bustling energy of its early years to the quiet solitude it endured through the 1980s. The little church, once full of life, had become a mere shell of its former self as time and neglect took their toll.

But as the saying goes, sometimes things must be forgotten to make room for something new—and so it was with this church. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that the seeds of a new beginning were planted, though not in the way anyone could have predicted.

Art Joyce, a man who had worked for years as a district manager in Fort Nelson, BC, had faced a turning point in his life. After losing his job in forestry during a period of hardship, Art began to reflect on his priorities. He had, perhaps, put his work ahead of God and family, and now, with the loss of his job, he saw it as a sign that something needed to change. He began to seek a new path, and soon, through a friend, Art learned of a job opening in Alexis Creek, BC—a new opportunity that would change his life.

In 1989, Art and his family moved to Alexis Creek, but God had bigger plans than just a job. While Art was settling into his new life, the old abandoned church in Hanceville, a short distance away, went up for sale. It was a chance for revival, a chance to restore what had been forgotten. And so, New Life Christian Fellowship Church in Williams Lake stepped in, purchasing the old building with the dream of breathing life back into it.

For a time, as the church worked on restoring the old building, the congregation gathered at Art's home in Alexis Creek. The fellowship was small but strong, united by a shared faith and a vision for the future.

In 1990, after much hard work and dedication, the doors of the church were reopened, and the Chilcotin Log Church was born. The small congregation grew steadily, and with growth came new challenges. As the years passed, the church was repurchased, and the Chilcotin Log Church Society was officially created—a reflection of the church's expanding role in the community.

Even though Art didn’t feel called to be a pastor, he couldn’t deny the stirring in his heart. Through a program with the ACOP, Art was mentored by a pastor he deeply admired. Under his guidance, Art completed the program and, in 1995, was ordained as a pastor—a role he embraced humbly, knowing it was part of God's greater plan.

For decades, Art led the congregation with passion and care, preaching the gospel and guiding the community through life's many challenges. The Chilcotin Log Church became more than a building—it became a symbol of faith, resilience, and hope in a remote and often difficult place.

But in February 2024, disaster struck. The church building, which had weathered so many storms, was tragically destroyed by fire. The community was heartbroken, but in the midst of loss, God's provision was evident. The congregation found a temporary home at the Tl’etinqox First Nation Elders Centre, where they could continue to worship, gather, and support one another through this difficult time.

Though the flames had taken their beloved church building, the spirit of the Chilcotin Log Church remains unburned. The congregation, united by years of shared history and faith, continues to press forward, trusting in God’s plan for their future. Their story, one of hardship and hope, is a testament to the power of faith, community, and the unwavering belief that God always has a way of making all things new.