Unitarian Church of Montreal

In 1842, a flame of faith was ignited in Montreal. The Unitarian Church of Montreal, the first of its kind in Canada, opened its doors. This church, a beacon of radical inclusivity, welcomes everyone regardless of background or belief. The Unitarian Church of Montreal stands as a testament to the enduring human quest for spiritual growth and understanding. At 5035 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, the Unitarian Church of Montreal isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to a community’s journey. A journey marked by both triumph and tragedy. The current building is a relatively new home. The congregation’s previous church, the Church of the Messiah, stood proudly on Sherbrooke Street. It was a grand Tudor Gothic structure, filled with treasures like stained glass from England and Tiffany lanterns. A unique piece of the church’s history is a wooden angel, a survivor of a devastating fire that destroyed the Church of the Messiah in 1987. This “Burnt Angel” once adorned the pulpit, a silent witness to sermons and ceremonies. Rescued from the ashes, it now watches over the children’s area in the new church, its downcast eyes a poignant reminder of the past. The Unitarian Church of Montreal has always been a place of resilience and change. From its early days in a bustling port area to its current location near Vendôme Metro station, the congregation has adapted and evolved. It embraces diversity, welcoming members from all walks of life. The church’s story is not just about bricks and mortar, but about the people who have shaped its identity. People like James Morgan, who commissioned the church’s ornate pulpit. Or Robert Weir, the Unitarian poet who penned the English lyrics to “O Canada.” Even Hollywood royalty graced its presence, with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton choosing the Church of the Messiah for their 1964 wedding. Today, the Unitarian Church of Montreal continues to foster a spirit of open inquiry and social justice. It’s a place where questions are encouraged, and differences are celebrated. It’s a community that has found strength in adversity, symbolized by the watchful gaze of the Burnt Angel.