Another spot in Sandy Hill that returned to the Doors Open circuit again this year is a former church, All Saints Anglican. A historic church that dated to the dawn of the 20th century, it was the site of Robert Borden's state funeral in 1937. The parish merged with another Anglican church in 2014, and the church building has found new life as allsaints, an event space that hosts weddings, music, art, and other uses. Organized from within the community, the endeavour is still a work in progress, and will also serve as an interpretive centre for Prime Minister's Row, a fitting concept as the building stands across from Laurier House. Here we have views from outside.
The sanctuary is still used for weddings, but on this day was being prepared for art lessons by the resident artist here. A church service was actually being held in Bate Hall, the old church hall from the parish days.
The stained glass windows in the sanctuary remain in place. This first one is in commemoration of Prime Minister Borden, who worshiped here.
Downstairs, a table was set up to showcase the building's use for receptions. A full time chef has come on board, and plans are well underway to establish a restaurant in this space. He had prepared some samples of his cuisine.
This view looks into what in the parish days may have been a small chapel. Allsaints has found new life as it continues to evolve, saved by the initiative of those in the area. I look forward to seeing more of what they can do.
Aqueles vitrais são espectaculares.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e continuação de boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
I like the colourful stained glass windows.
ReplyDelete...this seems like a fitting use of this grand old church.
ReplyDeletelove the rounded area. so fancy. all dressed up and no one to eat there? or party? ( ;
ReplyDeleteGreat ways to use a wonderful building!
ReplyDeleteAlways good to see churches and other old buildings get a new destination.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful church! I love the table setting and the stained glass windows. :-)
ReplyDelete@Francisco: thank you!
ReplyDelete@Nancy: so do I.
@Tom: I think so.
@Beth: no, but the chef had made samples of his work for tasting! And I did stop in the cafe space for a bite to eat too.
@Marie: yes, it is.
@Jan: it's a good use.
@DJan: so do I.
Your photos make the church look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHello, pretty church. It is different but nice to have art lesson in the church. The windows are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thursday, enjoy your day!
A great use of the space. Good that they have an artist in resience to help people use the space for art work and exhibitions:)
ReplyDeleteGosh art lessons in the sanctuary.. that would have to be inspiring ✨
ReplyDeleteI hope they are successful in their efforts, William!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing this building being used for events. Good for them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful space for a reception.
ReplyDeleteThat's a completely different use for the building. That's much better than tearing it down.
ReplyDelete@Maywyn: it's a grand space.
ReplyDelete@Eileen: I think it's wonderful that the church has found this new use.
@Rosie: indeed!
@Grace: especially with those windows.
@RedPat: I get the sense that the organization is doing well with their direction.
@Sharon: it is a terrific initiative.
@Janey: that it certainly is.
@Red: that's true.
How wonderful that this beautiful building has been repurposed ~ delightful!
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Love the stained glass windows and it's lovely that the hall can be used for functions.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully appointed and photographed, William
ReplyDeleteI love that they have resident artists. What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteStill a beautiful place for a wedding!
ReplyDelete@Carol: it is ideal.
ReplyDelete@Sami: I love the stained glass too.
@Cloudia: thanks!
@Jeanie: it is!
@Norma: indeed!
What a beautiful place and those stained glass windows are gorgeous. Great photos, William.
ReplyDeleteWonderful stained Glass Windows! Pretty table setting!
ReplyDeleteA resident artist! What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I could get inspired there...
I would like to have a meal there as well.
: )
I think I remember this from another years' Doors Open. It looks like a wonderful space for many uses.
ReplyDeleteAlways lovely to hear these places have been given tender loving care to keep them going. Another great post, thank you William.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great space for an event! The outside is very similar to an Anglican Church right near my office, I have been meaning to take a picture of it for years lol!
ReplyDeleteIt is excellent that they are repurposing churches. Such architecture and beautiful buildings.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely looking church, I love the stained glass windows.
ReplyDeleteI would imagine it would be nice to sit and enjoy a meal, the table setting does look nice.
All the best Jan
That's quite a lovely story .... saving the building by evolving .... I would eat there for sure.
ReplyDeleteIt wouldn't happen in Poland....
ReplyDelete@Bill: thanks!
ReplyDelete@Lea: it is quite a place.
@Catarina: I did have a bite to eat in the cafe, which is in a section between the old church and the former church hall.
@Kay: yes, I have featured it before.
@Denise: this place is in good hands.
@Jenn: you should!
@Jennifer: this is a great use of a historic building.
@Jan: I'll have to look in sometime when the restaurant's up and running.
@Sallie: I think the organization has done right by it.
@Klara: I wonder why.