Saint John the Evangelist Anglican Church
226-228 Pearl Street
Year Built: 1884
Architect: R.J. Edwards
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
Notable Features: Stained glass windows, some nearly as old as the building itself.
Small lancet windows, without tracery, very characteristic of the Gothic Revival style.
Description:
The long history of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Port Arthur has
earned it the title of “mother church of the Anglican community.” Originally built in
1872 with only eighteen members in the congregation, the structure was
“modest…finished with rough lumber.” Unfortunately this building was destroyed by fire
in 1881, after the rector of the church, Reverend McMorine set flame to a pile of leaves
in the yard and neglected to supervise the blaze. Only the bell and a recently purchased
organ survived the fire. The organ was heroically rescued by Mr. N.N. Stewart, a
neighbour of the church. The Reverend immediately set about organizing a committee to
rebuild the church, although it would be three years before adequate funds were available
to do so.
In 1883, work began on construction of the new church. This was possible only
through the generosity of the members of the congregation and community. One “poor
family” actually sold one of their pigs and donated the entire proceeds to the construction
of the church. A number of prominent Port Arthur men were also involved, including
Thomas Marks (first mayor of Port Arthur in 1884) who donated the bricks needed for
the project. Funds for lighting and glazing were provided by Anglican supporters in
England.
The new building received mixed reviews; while some believed the church
presented “a very pretty appearance internally,” others felt “the alcove was too large in
proportion to the body of the church.” However, the large size of the structure was felt to
be necessary, as people assumed the economic prosperity of Port Arthur would continue
to attract newcomers. The building had to be large so as to “accommodate the increasing
population.”
The church building has since undergone extensive internal renovations and has
received a handful of additions. Perhaps most startling are the changes that have occurred
in the area surrounding the church. Situated to the East and South of the church is the
Thunder Bay Casino, and the juxtaposition of the two buildings creates a stark contrast.
Car dealerships and apartment buildings also surround the church, and these relatively
modern buildings allow one to appreciate the uniqueness of the church structure.
A tour of the inside of the Church will reveal many beautiful and unique features,
such as the arched oak double front doors and several memorial plaques, such as the Sons
of England memorial plaques for World War II, a memorial plaque designed and
illustrated by A. J. Casson from the Canadian Group of Seven, dedicated to the church
members who served and died in World War II, and the Buchanan memorial plaque,
dedicated to two sons who perished in the Lake Superior shipping disaster of the S. S.
Algoma.
Other items of historical interest are the 1896 brass eagle lectern, cast by Chadwill
Brothers of Hamilton, the 1915 ornately carved oak pulpit, the working pipe organ with
848 pipes, and the original granite font for the baptistry.
St. John’s was designated the regimental church of the Lakehead Scottish
Regiment. Accordingly, displayed prominently in the chancel, are the regimental
colours. Tradition requires that the colours are never to be cleaned or repaired, even if in
tatters.
Architecture:
Built of red brick in the Gothic Revival architectural style, St. John the Evangelist
Anglican Church is characteristic of many Anglican churches built after the 1840’s. The
more intricate features of this style were simplified due to lack of specialized
workmanship and adapted for the harsh Canadian winter environment. The structure was
designed by Robert J. Edwards. The Archbishop of Algoma, who consecrated the church,
was so impressed that he asked to be presented with the plans for the building “in order
that he could recommend a similar style of work in other parts of the district.”
The four buttresses of the church are constructed of the same red brick as the
walls, which are seemingly low and end with the high gabled roof which is steeply
pitched. The projecting eaves and verges are plain with exposed rafters; these are made of
wood and painted green. The small lancet windows, without tracery, that are found along
each side of the nave are characteristic of the Gothic Revival style. The windows are
stained glass, some dating back to the late 1800’s, and have been covered with a
specialized type of glass for protection.
The church has received many additions throughout its nearly 125 years in
existence. Originally, the main entrance to the church was found at the side, but this was
bricked over so the porch can be used as a baptistery. A new main entrance, which is now
at the West end of the church was built in 1934 and is sympathetic to the Gothic Revival
style. There have since been two additions to this entrance, and each one has a lower
roofline, giving the entry a stepped appearance. A church office, choir room and seating
gallery for 75 people have also been added.