South Granville Landmark celebrates 100 years

Holy Trinity Anglican Church Centennial

The Chalmers’ Building at the southwest corner of 12th Avenue and Hemlock (1440 West 12th Ave.) also known as Holy Trinity Anglican Church is celebrating 100 years as a landmark in the South Granville neighbourhood.

Pictured: Chalmers Presbyterian Church [at 2801 Hemlock Street] Circa 1923. Vancouver Archives, CVA 99-3495. Photo by Stuart Thomson

It was back in October 1911, that a group of Fairview Presbyterians laid the cornerstone for Chalmers Presbyterian (later United) Church.  In 1926 it became Chalmers United Church and served that congregation until 1991, when it was acquired by Holy Trinity Anglican Church to serve the growing needs of its congregation.

This impressive Neo-Classical church was built in response to the rapid pre-war expansion of Fairview and Shaughnessy. The design is highlighted by pediments and massive columns, a dome centred at the crossing, extensive use of stained glass, fine brickwork and pre-cast concrete ornamentation.

From the very beginning, the building was designed to be what it remains – a community centre where people can not only gather for worship, but much more besides.   The church now provides a home for the South Granville Seniors Centre and the 126 seat Pacific Theatre.  Holy Trinity is a vital part of our community and we join with them in celebrating this beautiful landmark.

From October 12th to 16th, 2011 the Holy Trinity community invites you to come mark this centennial with a week of special events and activities. The indoor swimming pool may be long gone, but there are many scheduled activities to enjoy. 

The first event in the week long festivities to mark Holy Trinity’s Centennial and to celebrate this grand South Granville landmark, is a concert on October 12th, 2011 at 7:30pm by acclaimed singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph with guest Stewart Henderson in support of World Vision Canada. Click here to enjoy a song by Martyn Joseph in one of his videos on YouTube.

The second event is Testament of a Naked Man on October 13th, 2011 at 7:30pm. The Reverend Angus Stuart presents a dramatic performance of Mark’s Gospel.

The third event is Organ Blaster, an organ recital by Holy Trinity’s Organist Michael Dirk on October 14th, 2011 at 7:30pm. This performance will include a Charlie Chaplin movie and Michael will provide the background score just like the movie houses of the early 20th Century.

Come to explore the heritage building yourself during the Building Open House from 10am-3pm on Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Join Holy Trinity to celebrate Communion at 10:30am on Sunday, October 16th, 2011. The week wraps up October 16th, 2011 with a 1911 Festal Evensong at 7pm.

For tickets and information please contact the Parish Office by phone at 604-731-3321 or by email at administrator@holytrinityvancouver.org.

All are welcome to celebrate the centennial, and, as always, all are welcome to share and participate in worship or Holy Trinity’s other offerings any week.

For more information contact or visit:

Holy Trinity Anglican Church
1440 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, V6H 1M8
Phone 604-731-3221
Email: reception@holytrinityvancouver.org
www.holytrinityvancouver.org