Denomination: UNITED CHURCH |
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Denomination: UNITED CHURCH |
Photo: C. Turmel |
he present St. James Church is the fourth home of the St. James congregation. It was built
to be the principle Methodist Church in Montreal. Because of its impressive size and
architecture, St. James was known as the Cathedral Church of Methodism.
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Photo: C. Turmel |
Photo: C. Turmel |
Photo: D. Stiebeling |
he present St. James Church, designed by Montreal architect Alexander F. Dunlop, was completed
in June 1889. The church, flanked by its two towers, has an architectural expression that
is reminiscent on the exterior of the great French Gothic cathedral.
Photo: C. Turmel |
Photo: C. Turmel |
Photo: C. Turmel |
he exterior masonry walls are comprised primarily of red sandstone with gray and green sandstone trim, all of which was supplied by local limestone. Pilasters are used to support the side elevations rather that the traditional use of flying buttresses. They also serve as primary columns since the wood trusses supporting the
slate-covered roofs effectively neutralize any lateral force.
adly, St. James is presently dependant on the income of the commercial buildings which almost totally obscure the view of the
church to most people passing on St. Catherine Street. The people of St. James are proud of and committed to their 190 year-old heritage. They have a vision of what St. James should and can be to the heart of Montreal. This vision is based on the restoration and preservation of this heritage. This restoration work will permit the church to develop new relationships, not only with the people of the community but also with tourists like never before.
Photo: D. Stiebeling |
Photo: D. Stiebeling |
he vision's objectives include creating awareness in the community of the church's architecture and heritage as well as acknowledging those who helped build it. The desire to increase interest in the church and make it more welcoming to visitors is an integral part of this vision. The church is also looking into other alternatives for financial support other than that received from the commercial buildings that hide the church's façade from the thousands of people who walk by the street each year. The possible displacement of these buildings within the next five years will reveal the imposing structure currently hidden behind them and create a significantly large area of green space which will contribute to the quality of life for inhabitants of the downtown area. The end result will be the further enrichment of the downtown core of the city as a centre of worship, history and tourism.
Photo: D. Stiebeling |
t. James has a very active community outreach program. Part of that program is to provide facilities for other community help groups. Programs operated by St. James include a volunteer program, counselling, a drop-in centre for people with special needs, a Christmas fund, a clothing and food depot. In addition, St. James also provides assistance to a hospice and organizes a monthly women's luncheon. Programs which make use of St. James facilities include groups such as Alcoholics Anon., Cocaine Anon., Overeaters Anon., volunteer choirs, an interdenominational fellowship luncheon, a service committee of Rotary International, Canadian War Brides and Lodge #6 of IOOF.
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 Text: St. James United Church |
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