Is it just me or does the air around Chapel of St. James-the-Less feel different somehow? It is a place of reflection. It is also a testament to Toronto’s rich history. Today we will explore this High Victorian Gothic Revival style chapel. It stands within the St. James Cemetery grounds.
The Chapel of St. James-the-Less has a story that goes back to the mid-19th century. It was designed by Cumberland and Storm. They were prominent Toronto architects. The chapel exemplifies small chapels built in the High Victorian Gothic Revival style. Notice how the chapel maintains a liturgically correct interior. It has a steep roof and a prominent tower, all hallmarks of earlier Gothic Revival designs.
The Chapel of St. James-the-Less was built in 1860 and opened in 1861. The building is made from Georgetown grey sandstone. You can see the white brick and Ohio stone trim. Slate covers the roof. Take a moment to appreciate the picturesque setting of St. James Cemetery. John G. Howard laid it out in 1842. The chapel’s elevated site enhances its beauty.
Many key elements define the heritage value of the Chapel of St. James-the-Less. The rectangular plan is typical of small parish churches. Note the clear articulation of its component parts. There is the nave, porch, tower, and transept. The steeply pitched roof has deep caves and low sidewalls. Gothic-arched openings are often paired. Buttresses and pinnacles add to the Gothic Revival style.
Look closely at the deep entrance porch. Admire its steeply pitched roof, low eaves, and intricate woodwork. The short, square bell tower is set to the side. It is topped by a tall, thin broach spire with triangular dormers. The fenestration patterns and windows are also quite unique. The deep-set trefoil side windows feature stained glass. Stained-glass chancel windows add to the chapel’s beauty.
Inside the Chapel of St. James-the-Less, the exposed timbers of the roof structure catch the eye. The wood paneling also adds warmth. In 2002, a major refurbishment took place. The stonework was cleaned. The woodwork was re-varnished. The stained glass and furniture were repaired and cleaned.
Edward, Prince of Wales planted a peach tree at the entrance to the Chapel of St. James-the-Less during a visit in 1919. In 1990, the city declared the Chapel of St. James-the-Less a National Historic Site. It is a non-denominational chapel that serves as a consecrated mortuary chapel. The Chapel of St. James-the-Less offers a picturesque view of the adjacent cemetery due to its slight elevation. The cemetery was built in 1844. It holds about 20 historic burials.
Today the Chapel of St. James-the-Less collects revenue and invests it in its own development and maintenance. A regular life-cycle program takes care of the building’s maintenance and repairs.
As we conclude our visit to the Chapel of St. James-the-Less, remember its harmonious composition. The chapel stands as a testament to Victorian Gothic design. Its strength and spirituality come from the contrast of stone walls, enveloping roofs, and soaring spire.