Two Worlds History
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Two Worlds Spiritualist Centre of Nanaimo was formed in 2008 by a small group of Spiritualists who found the confides of the existing churches did not match their desires for a more modern centre. The founding members included Dr. Paul Biscop, Wendy Knoch, Anne Woodward , all of whom spent many years as board members building Two Worlds .
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Two Worlds Spiritualist Centre of Nanaimo was originally a member of the Canadian Organization (SNU) , but determined that more autonomy was desired and thus separated within a couple of years and has operated as a separate organization since.
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Dr. Paul Biscop (Dr. Paul as he was known) was not only one of the founding members of Two Worlds Spiritualist Centre of Nanaimo in 2008, he was its spiritual leader and resident medium from its inception until his passing in 2016. From the beginning he dove into the business of building the centre and it soon became the community the founding members envisioned -upbeat and welcoming.
Dr. Paul developed a reputation for offering services that left people inspired, enlightened and educated in the ways of spiritualism. He also brought a steady stream of laughter and joy to the services and centre. |
Dr. Paul was a prolific writer and artist and in addition to authoring many articles and poems, he modernized the language of the "7 Principles" of Spiritualism, and also designed the first logo ( hand drawn ) for Two Worlds. Soon after the group decided to drop the words Church and used centre so it would be clear this was not a traditional church.
It was with heavy hearts that we said goodbye to Dr. Paul in 2016; however, as spiritualists, we know we will see him again, and we know he shares our space from time to time, particularly when there is a lot of laughter.
Board members, including then-president Elizabeth Menard, kept the centre running with a roster of visiting mediums while seeking a new minister to lead the centre.
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In 2018, Reverend Dianne Burrough became the Reverend of Two Worlds Spiritualist Centre after retiring from her role leading the Oceanside Spiritualist Centre of Light in Nanoose Bay. She had been a frequent medium at Two Worlds through the years and it was an inspired match as she delighted the members and guests.
She also mentored our current Reverend Nicole from 2019 until Nicole's ordination as Reverend in May 2021. |
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Following Reverend Nicole’s ordination, Reverend Dianne retired from leading Two Worlds and it was with great joy Two Worlds welcomed Nicole in her new role as Ordained Spiritualist Reverend and spiritual leader, which she holds to this day.
Nicole is truly a world class medium and is able to receive and share evidence and messages that are so detailed and thorough that you can't help but be amazed and moved. |
After holding services in the Masonic Hall in Nanaimo since 2008 in 2020 Board member Dawn Menard found Two Worlds a new home - the banquet hall at the Moose Lodge in south Nanaimo. The first service in the new hall was held on Easter 2022 and the ability to watch a service via Zoom was incorporated a year later.
In 2023 we were thrilled to have member Phillisean Byers design a fresh new logo.
Her logo incorporates two symbols important to Two Worlds and Spiritualism.
A mountain range from the first Two Worlds logo, shimmering with energy flowing around it. This is a symbolic of the of the material and spirit world co-existing, and a reminder that the energy of spirits and of the souls who have passed are with us still.
Below is the sunflower. Since around 1892 the sunflower has been an important symbol in Spiritualism as it always turns toward the light as it grows. It serves as a reminder that as spiritualists we are also being called to turn to the light of spirit to grow.
In 2024 Two Worlds honoured founding member Wendy Knoch with a "Lifetime Membership Award" for her extraordinary service in helping run Two Worlds every year since helping form the centre in 2008.