We are located at 755 Harmston Ave in Courtenay, BC
Courtenay’s Old Church Theatre has a new name.
Courtenay’s Old Church Theatre Society are very pleased to announce the re-naming of their iconic building to, The Regier Theatre – Home of the Arts.
Located downtown, the building was designed by a local architect William Hagarty. The ivy covered, steep roof and steeple are recognizable features of this building that was built in 1938.
As a measure to preserve the church from demolition, a society was formed to purchase the building from the Catholic church and create an intimate venue for people to enjoy theatre, music, as well as community gatherings and special events.
Gene Regier, who passed away in 2010, was a respected teacher, loving father and grandfather, and tireless advocate for the theatre. He spearheaded the Society, oversaw the purchase of the building, His oversight and leadership in the renovation process transformed the building to what it is today.
Beryl Regier has made a massive contribution to the musical theatre in the Comox Valley. Her tireless leadership to the Theatre as well as her performance group CoVal Choristers found her playing the role of director, technical director, set designer, teacher, mentor and arts administrator.
The Regiers both dedicated a lifetime to this beloved building, instrumental in the founding of the Society in 1992, the purchase of the building, and the renovations needed to create a functioning theatre. They both contributed and immense amount of love and energy to both the Theatre and to the arts within the Comox Valley and are pioneers of the arts here on Vancouver Island.
Innumerable people have attended events at the Theatre, shared laughs and tears, companionship and community.
We are proud to recognize Beryl and Gene Regier and their contribution to keeping this jewel of the Comox Valley, The Regier Theatre – Home of the Arts, alive and prospering towards the future.
History
The Old Church Theatre Society, was formed in 1992 to purchase the Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Church to preserve it from imminent destruction. Built in 1938, it had become the spiritual home of thousands of Comox Valley residents, as well as a landmark in the community. Parishioners and many other community residents felt a strong desire to have the old church building preserved as a part of the Comox Valley heritage.
Objectives
Educate and raise the artistic awareness of the public-at-large through the medium of theatrical, musical, and literary presentations and artistic displays;
Train and educate young people and adults in the various disciplines of the performing, literary and visual arts;
Make the facilities of the Society available to artists and other organizations to educate and/or to raise the artistic flavour of the community;
Preserve the historical integrity and to restore the exterior of the former Canadian Martyrs Church.
The inscription on the cornerstone of The Old Church reads: “D.O.M.-1938”. The letters “D.O.M.” represent the Latin phrase, “Deo Optima Maxima” which means “to God, the Best, and the Greatest”.
On May 16, 1998, this building was rededicated with a paraphrase of the original cornerstone inscription: “The Old Church Theatre – Pursuing the Best and The Greatest of Our Cultural Arts.”