St. James on-the-Lines, Anglican garrison church in Penetanguishene, Canada
St. James on-the-Lines is a wood-framed clapboard church on a rubble foundation in Penetanguishene, built in the Greek Revival style with Gothic Revival elements added from 1840. Bishop Strachan of Toronto had the entrance changed and a small belfry with Gothic arches and quatrefoils added at the west end. A chancel, sanctuary and vestry came later; the main west door has ornate wrought iron hinges made by a military establishment artisan.
Construction began in 1836 under Colonel James Keating's direction to create a place of worship for the stationed troops. The church became an important part of the garrison community that developed here.
The interior shows pews that soldiers built themselves, each featuring different designs and personal decorative touches. These hand-crafted benches reflect the skill and personality of the military members who worshiped here.
St. James on-the-Lines stands between the former military base and the town of Penetanguishene, in a cemetery where Colonel James Keating, Captain John Moberly and Rev. George Hallen are buried. Services are held from Easter to Thanksgiving; in winter the congregation worships at All Saints. The church is protected by a heritage conservation easement under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The central aisle is unusually wide to allow four soldiers to walk side by side during services. This design choice reflects how military needs shaped the building's layout from the start.
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