Monday, July 10, 2023

First Baptist Church

I departed from the Heritage Building at City Hall, but paused on the grounds to photograph this.


Just up the street is First Baptist Church, with the current building dating to 1877, but the roots of the congregation go back further in time. Among those who worshipped here was Alexander Mackenzie, the second prime minister of Canada.


The church is a regular participant in Doors Open.


Here we have the stained glass inside the main entrance.


The sanctuary is open, with a lightness about it.


Most of the sanctuary's stained glass is like this- imagery inlaid in coloured glass.


A look back at the organ loft, with a dramatic stained glass window there.


The cornerstone of the preceding home of the church is displayed here; that building was relatively close by to its current home.


Plaques honouring those members of the church who have fought and died in the wars are seen here.


A ceremonial silver trowel is in a display case at the back of the sanctuary. This was presented to Prime Minister Mackenzie, who had laid the cornerstone of the present church. He had a background as a stonemason; his family willed it back to the church.


A look at the church from the outside. In a city with no shortage of Gothic Revival architecture, this one is a jewel.

46 comments:

  1. I like the stained glasses and classic windows.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful with the stained glass.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Siempre que entro en una iglesia, me fijo en sus bonitas vidrieras. Buena arquitectura y todo lo que muestrs en su interior.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stained glass never fails to add distinctive charm.

    ReplyDelete
  5. ...the windows are a delight.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful church, I love the stained glass windows. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It is lovely. I didn’t know that about MacKenzie. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the wooden ceiling, William.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm surprised by the space in the sanctuary. It's a beautiful and well kept church.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lovely photos of the Baptist Church ~

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a beautiful church. i love the stained glass windows.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The stained glass is beautiful in this church.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I do like those stained glass windows, people who make them are so clever.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beautiful church. Love the stained glass windows.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It looks a very nice Church.
    I always enjoy seeing stained glass windows.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love old churches. That looks much like the church I grew up in and was built around the same time. THey have a lovely elegance.

    ReplyDelete
  17. You have captured the essence of the church beautifully.

    ReplyDelete
  18. A great country lives comfortably in its history!

    ReplyDelete
  19. We've churches here in Perth as old as this. There are a lot of old congregations here. We've some fundamentalist ones, as well. I have to tell them that my grandie is gay, and it makes them think.

    ReplyDelete