St. Paul's Anglican Church (Dawson City) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Paul's Anglican Church |
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| 64°03′32″N 139°26′18″W / 64.0588°N 139.4382°W | |
| Location | Dawson City, Yukon |
| Country | Canada |
| Denomination | Anglican Church of Canada |
| Website | anglican.yukon.net |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Saint Paul |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Operational seasonally (summer only) |
| Designated | 1989 |
| Architect(s) | James G. Purden |
| Architectural type | Wood Frame |
| Style | Carpenter Gothic |
| Completed | 1902 |
| Construction cost | $15,000 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St. Paul's |
| Diocese | Yukon |
| Province | British Columbia and Yukon |
St. Paul's Anglican Church is a famous old church in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada. It's known for its unique wooden design and its important role in the town's history. The church is part of the Anglican Church of Canada, a branch of Christianity.
Because of its history and special architecture, St. Paul's was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. This means it is a protected place of great importance to the country.
Contents
History of the Church
Built During the Gold Rush Era
St. Paul's was built in 1902, right after the famous Klondike Gold Rush. Thousands of people had moved to Dawson City hoping to find gold. The church was built to serve this growing community. It was constructed entirely out of wood, which was a common building material in the area at the time.
From Cathedral to Parish Church
For many years, St. Paul's was not just a regular church. It was the cathedral for the Anglican Diocese of Yukon. A cathedral is the main church for a large church region, called a diocese.
In 1953, the main church center for the Yukon's Anglican diocese was moved to the city of Whitehorse. After this, St. Paul's became a parish church, which means it mainly serves the local community in Dawson City.
Architectural Style
St. Paul's is a perfect example of the Carpenter Gothic style. This style was popular in North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Builders used wood to copy the look of grand stone Gothic cathedrals from Europe.
Key features of St. Paul's design include:
- Steep Roof: The roof is very steep, which helps snow slide off easily in the winter.
- Pointed Arches: The main entrance is a tall, pointed arch, which is a classic feature of Gothic style. This entrance is located in the church's bell tower, also known as a belfry.
- Lancet Windows: The church has long, narrow windows that come to a sharp point at the top. These are called lancet windows and are also typical of Gothic architecture.
The Church Today
St. Paul's is still an active church in the Diocese of Yukon. It holds services, but usually only during the summer months when Dawson City has more visitors. The church is led by a team of priests and lay ministers who serve the local congregation.
