Isn’t St. George’s Anglican Church a sight to behold? It stands here as a testament to time. This church is more than just a building. It is a designated National Historic Site of Canada.
St. George’s Anglican Church is located on Stanley Street. It sits on the corner of De la Gauchetière Street. The church faces Peel Street and Place du Canada. It is named after Saint George. He is the patron saint of England.
Let’s journey back to the origins of St. George’s Anglican Church. The original church opened in 1843. It was located on Notre-Dame Street. Back then, it was called Saint Joseph Street. It stood just outside Montreal’s walls. This was Montreal’s second Anglican congregation. It was built to handle the growing number of worshippers from Christ Church Cathedral.
As Montreal expanded westward, so did St. George’s congregation. The church needed more space. A new location was chosen at Peel Street and De la Gauchetière Street. This land once served as a Jewish cemetery from 1775 to 1854. Architect William Tutin Thomas designed the new St. George’s. Construction began in 1869. The doors opened on October 9, 1870. The only item moved from the old church was the pulpit.
St. George’s Anglican Church exemplifies English Gothic Revival architecture. It draws inspiration from 13th-century religious buildings in medieval England. Look for pointed arches and pinnacles. The bell tower was completed in 1894. Alexander Francis Dunlop was the architect.
The exterior is made of carved sandstone. Stained glass windows add to its beauty. The interior is free of pillars. Traditional English woodwork decorates the chapel. The ceiling beams are among the largest in the world. The exposed double-beam hammer roof is second only to Westminster Hall in span. A tapestry from Westminster Abbey hangs here. It was used at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
Take a moment to appreciate the war memorial window. It depicts angels holding shields. These represent the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Each panel has a meaningful inscription. These quotations offer comfort and remembrance.
St. George’s Anglican Church stands as a proud landmark. It is a blend of history and architectural grandeur. Its doors are open. It welcomes all to admire its beauty. It is a spiritual haven in bustling downtown Montreal.