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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1991
New buildings for new beginnings
The Cridge Transition House for Women and The Cridge Brain Injury Program’s Macdonald House were opened.
1998-2000
rest and relief
The Cridge Respite program was established in 1998 and The Cridge Respitality program was opened in 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.
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.
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.
2018
Comprehensive Support for a Complex issue
The Cridge Centre’s Intimate Partner Violence & Brain Injury program begins.
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.
September 16, 2023
Celebrating 150 years
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.