The History of The Menno Simons Centre

• Who are Mennonites and why is the Centre named after Menno Simons?
• What does the Centre's facility offer to students and the Fellowship?
• Where is the Menno Simons Centre and how do I get there?
• When did the Menno Simons Centre start and who runs it?
• Why does the Menno Simons Centre exist?

Specific Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do I contact the Residence Coordinators or residents by mail, phone or e-mail?
• How much does it cost to live at the Centre?
• What is new or planned for the Centre in the coming year?
• How can I apply to reside at the Centre for either the summer or an academic year?
• How can I volunteer to help the Centre improve its facilities with ongoing renovations?
• When is the next Abendmusik Vesper Choir concert?
• How can I donate money directly to the work of the Centre?
• I'm an Alumni -- how can I participate in the work of the Alumni Committee?
• What is the PCDA and what does it have to do with the Menno Simons Centre?

And now, the answers ...

• Who are Mennonites and why is the Centre named after Menno Simons?

  Believers in the Anabaptist  Christian tradition of Menno Simons are known as Mennonites. Mennonites are also identified with various Dutch, Swiss, German and Russian ethnic groups, but their dispersion and evangelism around the world have made majority of Mennonites identified as such because of their faith, not their ethnicity. The Centre was named after Menno Simons' in recognition of its purpose to be a place where Christian, and particularly Anabaptist, practice and thought are explored through dialogue between students and with visiting speakers and church workers.

• What does the Centre's facility offer to students and the Fellowship?

  The Centre has 20 small single and three larger double rooms. Each room is furnished with a bed, closet and bookshelf; many also have a sink. In order to keep costs low and build a sense of community, it is expected that residents share in weekly tasks of cleaning the Centre. A guestroom is also available free of charge for any overnight visitors residents might have. There are two kitchens which contain pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc. for students to do their own cooking. In addition, there is a large dining room, a study lounge, a small chapel, a recreation/TV lounge, laundry facilities and a bike storage room.

   

• Where is the Menno Simons Centre and how do I get there?

  The Centre is located at the corner of Crown Street and West 11th Avenue, on a slight rise in a quiet, beautiful tree-lined residential area in the Point Grey neighbourhood (near Alma Street and West 10th Avenue). A bus stop is located one block from the Centre and it takes about 10 minutes to take the bus to UBC. Residents can also bike to campus in about 15 minutes. Click here to get driving directions to the Centre.

   

• When did the Menno Simons Centre start and who runs it?

  The Menno Simons Centre opened in 1986. It is owned and operated by the Pacific Centre for Discipleship Association. The Centre's facility was purchased from a Catholic convent, who was glad to see it used to continue God's work. More details about the history of the Centre and the people involved with making it what it is today will explained here soon.  The picture here is an example of a "community meal" on a Tuesday evening, where the students exchange ideas with each other after a guest speaker has made a presentation, or they may share their celebration of a significant event or holiday.

   

• Why does the Menno Simons Centre exist?

  Members of the Pacific Centre for Discipleship Association recognized a need for a place where Christian students either in or interested in the Mennonite community of dialogue could live together while attending the University of B.C. or Regent College.

• What is the PCDA and what does it have to do with the Menno Simons Centre?

  The Pacific Centre for Discipleship Association (PCDA) is the B.C. Society formed in 1986 which operates the Menno Simons Centre and the Abendmusik Vesper Choir. More details can be found on our About page.