St. James United Church, Gothic Revival church in Downtown Montreal, Canada
St. James United Church is a Gothic Revival church in downtown Montreal with distinctive towers of contrasting heights. The exterior showcases polychromatic stonework that blends grey limestone with red sandstone, creating a striking visual pattern across its facade.
The building was constructed between 1887 and 1889 as a Methodist house of worship designed by architect Alexander Francis Dunlop. Its institutional role shifted when the denomination merged with others to form the United Church of Canada in 1925.
The church community shaped social movements in Montreal during its early years. Members used this place to organize programs that reflected their values about community welfare and neighborhood improvement.
The church sits on Saint Catherine Street West close to McGill metro station, making it easy to reach by public transport. Visitors should note that wheelchair accessibility is limited, so plan your visit accordingly.
A commercial building concealed the church's front for several decades, leaving only a neon sign to reveal its hidden presence on the busy street. This cover-up lasted until the early 2000s, when the facade was finally exposed again.
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