The Squamish Historical Society is seeking donations and talking to the local MP hoping to save a piece of Squamish history.
The Anglican Church on Sixth Avenue in Downtown Squamish is up for sale for $1,189,000.
The church was constructed between May 15 and July 1, 1913 and was officially opened and dedicated on July 20, 1913 by the Right Reverend A.U. DePencier, Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster, according to the Squamish Public Library.
It was the only church north of Gibson’s Landing for many years, and served the needs of the entire Christian community from the earliest days when pioneer William Mashiter alternated his Anglican Sunday services with Presbyterian Minister Dr. Robert Young.
The church on Sixth Avenue served the Anglican community for several years before it moved to a bigger location in Garibaldi Estates.
For a brief period in the early 1920’s, the church boasted fine stained-glass windows until the stone-throwing enthusiasm of local children forced their removal.
Bianca Peters of the Squamish Historical Society says as the district doesn’t currently have a heritage policy, the historic and iconic building could potentially be lost.
The former church could be an ideal candidate to house the Squamish Historical Society, she says.
The Squamish Historical Society is currently operating from 400 square feet in two storage units with an annual fee of $14,000 that is paid for by Woodfibre LNG.
“With its location downtown, this could be a perfect home to store and display the artifacts of our community. As the SHS is a not for profit, the taxes would be manageable,” Peters says.
The society has reached out to the local MP, Patrick Weiler, to see if there is a Canadian Heritage capital grant available to offset costs.
The SHS is also looking for donations to purchase the property. The society can be contacted at info@squamishhistory.ca.
Moira Biggin-Pound says
Would it be possible to have the Anglican church moved to the railway museum to join other rescued buildings ? Squamish has so many new buildings going up we should try and keep some of our history .
James Picard says
“The church on Sixth Avenue served the Anglican community for several years before it moved to a bigger location in Garibaldi Estates.”
“Several” years? I was baptised there (the Sixth Ave location) in 1975, so that seems like slightly longer than several….