The Calgary First Spiritualist Church

Overview

The Calgary First Spiritualist Church is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to spiritual development through mediumship, energy healing, and community support. It is part of the broader Spiritualist movement, which has a long history in Canada dating back to the 19th century.

History

Spiritualism in Canada gained momentum in the early 20th century, with the Calgary First Spiritualist Church being established around 1920[5]. This period coincided with a significant rise in Spiritualism across Canada, partly due to World War I, which led many to seek connections with lost loved ones[5]. The church's original property was expropriated by the City of Calgary in 1972 for use by the Calgary Police Service, which necessitated relocation[1].

Activities and Doctrine

The Calgary First Spiritualist Church practices the Spiritualist doctrine, focusing on spiritual growth through mediums, séances, and healing practices[3][5]. The organization offers a non-denominational community space for those interested in exploring these areas of spirituality.

Legal Status

The church is registered as a nonprofit organization with the Canadian government, indicating its commitment to providing services for the public good without profit motive.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the decline of the Spiritualist movement since its peak in the 1930s, the church remains active, contributing to the diverse religious and spiritual landscape of Calgary. It participates in preserving and spreading the principles of Spiritualism while adapting to modern spiritual needs and interests.

[1] https://calgarypubliclibrary.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p280501coll7/id/800/ [2] https://digitalcollections.ucalgary.ca/archive/First-Spiritualist-Church---a-short-account-of-Spiritualism-in-Calgary-2R3BF1ODNP46J.html [3] https://www.calgaryfirstspiritualistchurch.ca [4] https://archivaria.ca/index.php/archivaria/article/download/11665/12613/ [5] https://albertashistoricplaces.com/2018/10/31/hello-from-the-other-side-the-occult-phenomena-of-spiritualism-in-central-canada/