Over the years, there has been an interest in the revival of past architectural styles. The most prominent being the Gothic Revival Style. During the 19th century, the Gothic Revival had a profound effect on buildings in Canada. Churches were the most common buildings to carry on the architectural characteristics of this style. The Church of the Holy Cross on the Skookumchuck Reserve in British Columbia, is just one example that holds true to the Canadian interest in the architecture of the Gothic Revival.

The Church of the Holy Cross is located on the Skookumchuck Indian Reserve, between the high mountain ridges near the south end of the Lillooet River and the Lillooet Lake (Rudi Danglemaier. Pioneer Buildings of British Columbia. p. 124) . As the Chinook name translates to, Skookumchuck is near "turbulent river". Originally the Skookumchuck Indian Band was formally part of the Lillooet River Band.

The Indian village of Skookumchuck was an important stopping point on the wagon trail (John Veillette and Gary White. Early Indian Village Churches, Wooden Frontier Architecture in British Columbia. p. 96) . And it was a popular location for the festive activities of the Harrison-Pemberton Indians (John Veillette and Gary White. Early Indian Village Churches, Wooden Frontier Architecture in British Columbia. p. 96).

Although the Church of the Holy Cross was built in the wilderness, it epitomizes the Gothic Revival style. It is a Roman Catholic Church that was built from 1905 to 1906 (John Veillette and Gary White. Early Indian Village Churches, Wooden Frontier Architecture in British Columbia. p. 117) . It was built by Indian artisans under the direction of the Oblate Fathers (Rudi Danglemaier. Pioneer Buildings of British Columbia. p. 124) which is distinguished in its French influence in the style and execution of the building.

The most dominating revival feature is the three-spired facade which symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ. The strong upward thrusting motion of the octagonal towers further emphasizes this symbolism. Architecturally, the scalloped and pointed shingles add a variation of texture to the building. In addition, the scalloped bargeboards contribute to this feeling, which is also echoed around the towers, above their many lancet windows.

The most common feature found throughout the exterior of the church is the use of windows. Whether they be a lancet window or a rose one, both types add to the Gothic feel of the building. The rose window placed on the facade of the church and the one in the portal above the door are main sources of natural light for the entire church, along with the windows along the length of the building. Although the exterior presentation of the Church of the Holy Cross is impressive, it does not prepare the visitor for the the highly ornate interior.

Upon entrance, a feeling of disconnection with the exterior of the church may occur as the visitor is overwhelmed with articulate carvings and elaborate decoration.The altar is raised by a series of steps and a platform. The congregational area is separated from the altar by a colonnade. This is a common feature found in the early churches of Quebec.

In the workmanship, great attention has been paid to details and decoration. The pews alone show the unique combination of turned wood with carved decoration (John Veillette and Gary White. Early Indian Village Churches, Wooden Frontier Architecture in British Columbia. p. 118) . And at the end of each pew is a fleur-de-lis, the symbol of Quebec.

The Church of the Holy Cross is a significant example of Gothic Revival architecture in the Lillooet-Brigade Trail area of B.C. In the 1980's it was restored and has been holding services once a month, by Father Bob Haggarty of Mount Currie (Rudi Danglemaier. Pioneer Buildings of British Columbia. p. 124).