Repurposing Calgary’s Historic Places of Faith

April is an important month for religious observance with the occurrence of Easter, Passover and Ramadan.

Calgary’s historic communities of the pre–World War 1 building boom were built around modest wood frame and grand sandstone or brick churches of various Christian denominations (Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox). The first Jewish synagogue was established in 1911. Suburbia exploded with Alberta’s mid-century oil boom and places of faith continued to figure prominently in urban design. In 1960, an old Anglican Church in Forest Lawn was converted to Calgary’s first Masjid (mosque). These structures serve the spiritual, cultural and social needs of the community.

Many faith-based organizations are experiencing dwindling attendance and on-line worship may continue post-covid. The National Trust for Canada estimates that of some 27,000 places of faith in Canada, 30% will disappear within 10 years. What will this mean for the loss of Calgary’s heritage buildings, community character and sense of place? How can these buildings be repurposed and sustained to continue to fulfill vital community needs?

Fewer than 60 religious structures have been documented on Heritage Calgary’s Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources. Of these, only 10 are protected (designated) by the City and/or the Province and some have already been demolished. Designation offers grants to help with building conservation.

Here are some examples of how Calgary’s places of faith are being preserved and repurposed:

Knox United Church (1912, Gothic Revival) a Provincial and Municipal Designated Historic Resource -506 4 ST SW