about us

History

BC’s oldest continuously operating non-profit society

April 1st, 1855

Pioneers of Victoria

Edward and Mary Cridge arrived at Fort Victoria after Edward Cridge was hired as
chaplain by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Their voyage from England took over six months.  Rev. Edward Cridge opened Christ Church, the first Anglican church in BC and later became its Dean. After some internal conflict, he left the Anglican church and opened Church of Our Lord, a Reformed Episcopal church and later became its bishop.

 

 

April 1st, 1855

November 8th, 1873

Commitment to social causes

Bishop Cridge is sometimes described as Victoria’s first social worker. Along with his wife Mary, he helped spearhead the initiative that led to the creation of the Royal Jubilee Hospital. An anti-racist and champion of education, Edward Cridge served as the first superintendent of education and Mary Cridge taught the first Sunday school. Mary Cridge, with others, took in orphan children which led to the founding of the BC Protestant Orphan’s Home. Its first location on Rae Street (now Courtney Street).

November 8th, 1873

1874-1876

The Church of our lord

The Bishop opened Christ Church, the first Anglican church in B.C., and later becoming its Dean. In 1874, with a large number of Victoria pioneers, he formed The Church of Our Lord, which opened its doors in January 1876, Cridge having become a bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church.

1874-1876

November 18, 1893

a compassionate spirit

The British Columbia Protestant Orphans’ Home new building was formally opened. A purpose built 100-bed orphanage was made possible through a generous bequest that enabled the organization to buy a beautiful property. John George Taylor, a retired policeman and former gold prospector, demonstrated his spirit of compassion by leaving his entire fortune ($32,500) to the Home when he died on April 19, 1891.

November 18, 1893

1904-1913

the cridge family legacy

Bishop and Mary Cridge celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1904. Together they had 9 children, 5 of whom survived to adulthood and settled in the Victoria area. Descendants of this remarkable and much-loved couple continue to play a vital role in the organization to this day. On December 18th, 1905, Mary Cridge passed away at the age of 78. On May 6th, 1913, Bishop Cridge passed away at the age of 96.

1904-1913

1969 - 1970

A new name, and new direction

In 1969, the B.C. Protestant Orphans’ Home underwent a radical change. It took a new name, The Bishop Cridge Centre for the Family (later altered to The Cridge Centre for the Family in the early 1980’s) – and completely changed its program of activities. From being an institution that cared for children without families, it became an organization offering support for families. The orphanage building was converted into a day care centre and new townhouses were built for families in economic crisis. The goal was to provide a range of community support services that would give single parents a better chance in life. 

1969 - 1970

1979

Expansion of Child care

The orphanage building was converted into a day care centre with infant care, kindergarten, afterschool care, and residence for children with disabilities.

1979

1991

New buildings for new beginnings

The Cridge Transition House for Women and The Cridge Brain Injury Program’s Macdonald House were opened.

 

1991

1998-2000

rest and relief

The Cridge Respite program was established in 1998 and The Cridge Respitality program was opened in 2000.

1998-2000

2005 - 2006

hillside Expansion

The Cridge Child Care building was opened in 2005. The following year, our grand old building was again reinvented as The Cridge Village Seniors’ Centre.

2005 - 2006

2009

Increased Specialized Support and Outreach

Mary Cridge Manor was established in 2009 to support brain injury survivors and women escaping violence. The Cridge Young Parent Outreach Program was established in 2010.

2009

October 1, 2016

The Royal Visit

His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine of Wales (then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) unveiled a monument as part of their royal tour of Victoria.

October 1, 2016

2018

Comprehensive Support for a Complex issue

The Cridge Centre’s Intimate Partner Violence & Brain Injury program begins.

2018

2021

walking in our truth

The Cridge acknowledges our organization was formed during colonial times and has undoubtedly caused harm to Indigenous people. With the belief that true service requires a foundation of care and trust with Indigenous peoples, The Cridge affirms our commitment to building a relationship of reconciliation and reciprocity with Indigenous communities. 

2021

September 16, 2023

Celebrating 150 years

September 16, 2023

A Heritage Of Friendship & Patronage

Operated under the distinguished patronage of Her Honour, The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Throughout its 150-year history, The Cridge Centre for the Family has had a proud association with the Lieutenant Governors of British Columbia. The Honourable James Douglas, a particular friend of our founders Bishop Edward and Mrs. Mary Cridge, established a connection that has extended through the decades.

Past events include orphans’ Christmas parties at Government House, The Honourable David Lam visiting our childcare centre and speaking at an annual general meeting, The Honourable Iona Campagnolo opening The Cridge Village assisted living for seniors, and The Honourable Stephen Point having lunch with our seniors and staff. The Honourable Judith Guichon regularly attended events and participated in Cridge life, as has Her Honour Janet Austen.

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