Chilliwack – After over 100 years in Chilliwack, the Atchelitz Farmers Institute made the extraordinary decision to gift property, including Atchelitz Hall, to the City of Chilliwack.
According to the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, the hall’s history dates back to 1912, when the community hosted a “bee” to help clear grounds to build the first Atchelitz Hall. The hall, governed by the Atchelitz Union Sunday School, held its official opening meeting on January 6, 1913. At that time, halls, such as Atchelitz Hall, served as the core of each unique community within the Chilliwack area, allowing people to gather, hold major meetings and social activities, including school activities. Today, over 100 years later, Atchelitz Hall is still utilized for after-school athletic activities and rented out for special events.
The three properties donated to the City, located at 6542 Lickman Road, were assessed in 2021 at $2.5M. As part of the donation agreement, the Atchelitz Women’s Institute will continue to operate the hall and the nearby school will continue using part of the hall for their athletic activities.
On October 5, 2021, members of the Atchelitz Farmers Institute were presented with a plaque by Chilliwack City Council in recognition of this thoughtful and generous gift to all Chilliwack residents.
“This land gift demonstrates the continued commitment of the Atchelitz Farmers Institute to our community,” said Mayor Ken Popove. “We are pleased the public can continue to use the hall, and hope the creation of a commemorative plaque will honour the group and serve as a reminder of the importance agriculture played in the development of Chilliwack.”
To learn more about the fascinating history of the Hall, including the fire that destroyed the original hall on Friday, October 13, 1933, visit the Chilliwack Museum and Archives online at chilliwackmuseum.ca.
