Rooted in Community. Building What’s Next.
Since 1986, the Pacific Centre for Discipleship Association (PCDA) has created spaces where students can live, learn, and grow in community. Located near the University of British Columbia, the Menno Simons Centre became a gathering place for students and academics, hosting community events that encouraged thoughtful engagement with faith and learning. Today, that legacy continues through Pax House Society. Though the programs and spaces have evolved, the core belief remains the same: meaningful community plays a vital role in how students grow, learn, and navigate the world.
A New Chapter: Pax House Society
Today, that work is entering a new phase—expanding from programs into a fully integrated living and learning environment.
Menno Simons Centre
A student community close to UBC Campus
Pax House at Menno Hall
An intentional community at the gates to UBC Campus
“For me, living in this community was about feeling like a part of a ‘crew' that would laugh, play, and study together. I loved how much of a social experience it was living at Menno Simons Centre. There was always someone around that would hang out or just talk with you. Living at Menno Simons Centre taught me many valuable lessons about co-living and maintaining a home together. Important values instilled in me from Menno include eating together, openly communicating, and treating chores as an act of giving to the community. Living at Menno has certainly shaped who I am today and how I imagine living with a community should look like.”
Key Moments in Our History
Explore the milestones, people, and places that have shaped Pax House Society’s work from its beginnings in 1986 to today.
1950
S
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1980
S
Ministry to Mennonite University Students in British Columbia (which culminated in the founding of the PCDA)
To learn more about the history leading up to the founding of the Pacific Centre for Discipleship Association in 1986, and the early years of the Menno Simons Centre, see the following papers:
- Ministry to Mennonite University Students in British Columbia, 1950-2006 by John D. Friesen, Ph.D. in Direction Journal (Spring 2008, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 122–131)
- Ministry to Mennonite University Students in British Columbia (53KB PDF) written in April 2006 by John D. Friesen, Ph.D.
1986
Residence Coordinators: Walter & Janet Bergen
- 1986 - The PCDA is created and 4000 West 11th Ave is purchased to create Menno Simons Centre
- 1987 - The first Abendmusik concert is held
1988
Residence Coordinators: Ardys & Palmer Becker
- 1988 - Major renovations are completed at the Menno Simons Centre
- 1990 - Student Ministry Symposium
1991
Residence Coordinators: Doug & Peggy Brown
- 1991 - Anabaptist Lecture Series
- 1993 - Anabaptist Chair at Regent College created
1994
Residence Coordinators: Calvin & Anna Dueck
- 1994 - Abendmusik begins performing at Knox United Church
- 1995 - Purpose and Planning Committee begins organization evaluation
1996
Residence Coordinators: Paul & Candace Martens
- 1996-99 - St. Petersburg Christian College Project conducted
- 1998-99 - Anabaptist in Dialogue lecture series
2000
Residence Coordinators: Mark & Jen Goerzen
- 2000 - Renovations are completed on the Centre washrooms
- 2002 - The Sun Room addition is completed at the Centre
2002
Residence Coordinators: Stacy Folk & Bob Delamar
2004
Residence Coordinators: Chris Schmidt & Kathryn Koslowsky
2006
Residence Coordinators: Wes & Jodie Smith
- 2006 - Faith and Life Integration Program begins
- 2007 - Abendmusik performs 150th concert
- 2008 - Urban Gardening begins at Menno Simons Centre
2010
Residence Coordinators: Morgan & Benjamin Tipton
2014
Residence Coordinators: Thomas & Cara Bergen
- 2016 - The PCDA celebrates 30 years
- 2017 - Deposit made on the property at 2026 Wesbrook Mall (Gerard House) for a future new student residence
- 2018 - Completed purchase of the Gerard House, leased back to the University Christian Ministries (Pentecostal)
2019
Residence Coordinators: Adam & Bethany Parsons
- 2019 - Purchased 2076 Wesbrook Mall (Lutheran Campus Centre) in collaboration with MCC Legacy Trust (now known as HyLand Properties). Sold 4000 West 11th Avenue
- 2020 - Completed one-year lease-back of the Menno Simons Centre and moved out in May after celebrating 34 years of ministry
2021
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2025
Menno Hall Proposal
- 2021 - UEL Official Community Plan was updated in April to reflect the Area D Neighbourhood Plan (including 2026 & 2076 Wesbrook Mall)
- 2022 - Menno Hall proposal public consultation period in May & June for Change of Land Use District Application #3/21 (rezoning)
- 2023 - Menno Hall rezoning approved and amalgamation of 2026 & 2076 Wesbrook Mall completed (Lot 5 & 6 became Lot A)
- 2024 - Menno Hall development permit approved and construction begins, in collaboration with HyLand Properties
- 2025 - Construction continues; celebrated the “Topping Off” ceremony on October 14th. First hire: Director of Pax House at Menno Hall, Wanda Froese
2026
Renamed to Pax House Society
- Second hire: Director of Student Life, Holly Bishu.
- Pax House at Menno Hall is opening in September!