First Presbyterian Church (Edmonton) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Presbyterian Church |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Presbyterian Church in Canada |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Church |
| Location | |
| Location | 10025 105 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1C8 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Wilson and Herrald |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1912 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | >300 |
| Materials | Red brick, Sandstone |
First Presbyterian Church is a beautiful old church building in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It belongs to the Presbyterian Church in Canada. This church has a long history. It celebrated its 125th birthday in November 2006. That means it is now over 140 years old! The building itself is designed in a style called Gothic Revival, which looks a bit like old castles or cathedrals.
A Look Back in Time
The First Presbyterian Church started a long time ago. Its first official meeting was held on November 3, 1881. Just one year later, in 1882, their first church building opened. It was located at 104 Street and 99 Avenue in Edmonton.
As the church grew, they needed a bigger space. A second building was finished in July 1902. This one was at 103 Street and Jasper Avenue. The church building you see today was completed in November 1912. It has been standing for over 110 years! Because of its importance, the building was named a Provincial Historic Resource in September 1978. This means it is a special place that needs to be protected.
Important Leaders
Many important people have served as ministers at First Presbyterian Church. One very notable minister was Reverend David George McQueen. He worked at the church for 43 years, starting in 1887. He helped create many other church groups in the area.
Reverend McQueen was also chosen as the "Moderator of the General Assembly" in 1912. This is a very important leadership role for the entire Presbyterian Church in Canada. The meeting where he was chosen happened right in the second church building.
Before Reverend McQueen, the church's first minister was Reverend Andrew Browning Baird. He came to Edmonton even before the railway arrived! Like Reverend McQueen, he also became a Moderator for the church in 1916.
Reverend McQueen was known for strongly disagreeing with a big change in 1925. At that time, many Presbyterian churches decided to join with other churches to form the United Church of Canada. However, Reverend McQueen and about one-third of the Presbyterian Church chose to remain separate. First Presbyterian Church in Edmonton was a key place for those who wanted to continue as Presbyterians.
Find Out More
- First Presbyterian Church of Edmonton
