Calgary Churches, cathedrals, temples, mosques, etc

[Blue 24]

I thought it might be interesting to show images of different Calgary and alberta in general, or canada if you want, Churches, cathedrals, temples, mosques, old ones and new ones. This is my first thread so please people post:tup:

[Jimby]

I don't have very many pictures of houses of worship, but here's a start to your thread...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/500488900_fc1fdec0e3_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/500408080_a9e736fb58_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1186/1165447315_0d65447d97_b.jpg

former Wesley United Church, now Calgary Opera
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/1425389615_4493bee959_b.jpg

First Baptist
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/436162250_a408f36ae6_b.jpg
________
WENDIE 99 (http://www.lovelywendie99.com/)

[NumberFive]

What are the "old classic" churches in Calgary? (as a non-religious man, I don't know many churches). What's our Notre Dame?

[Calgarian]

Probably Knox or St Mary's (new church on the site of an old one)

[Xelebes]

Are we allowed to post the other grand churches in Alberta for the sake of comparison?

[DizzyEdge]

The two oldest** churches are both from 1904, and both on 7th avenue, Cathedral Church of the Redeemer near Olympic Plaza,
http://ww2.glenbow.org/dbimages/arc8/j/na-5610-74.jpg
and Central Methodist Church at 7th ave and 1st street across from The Bay.
http://ww2.glenbow.org/dbimages/arcpd/e/pd-348-237.jpg

As was mentioned the current St Mary's in the early 50's replaced the original 1880s one, so I would it's the 'notre dame' equivalent.
http://ww2.glenbow.org/dbimages/arcpa/1/z/pa-3319-2.jpg
http://ww2.glenbow.org/dbimages/arc7/z/na-5093-305.jpg


** the oldest church in Calgary's current city limits is actually St Pauls down in midnapore from the 1880s but it was a ways outta town when it was built.
http://ww2.glenbow.org/dbimages/arc2/l/na-754-2.jpg

[freeweed]

Knox United is a pretty nice old church, for Calgary. I've been inside a few times when large corporate function space has been hard to find - very surreal to do a company meeting in a church.

Fortunately, I haven't burst into flames when crossing the threshold... *yet*. :jester:

[DizzyEdge]

Knox United is a pretty nice old church, for Calgary. I've been inside a few times when large corporate function space has been hard to find - very surreal to do a company meeting in a church.

Fortunately, I haven't burst into flames when crossing the threshold... *yet*. :jester:

I saw a Hawksley Workman gig there, very nice venue.

[Calgarian]

the original St Mars was a real gem, what happened to it? fire?

[Boris2k7]

Some more pics of the various versions of St. Mary's Cathedral

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2863/na17531nn4.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9674/na56154qs3.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7175/na35509eb6.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9770/na14978rj7.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1961/na36439ac3.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1983/na29685yf4.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8397/nd8304sf4.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9397/nd8306jv7.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6882/pa34161oo4.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/2043/pa3689180uk3.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/2430/pa353816qz8.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3172/na14921kw6.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/323/na548919dw0.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/2189/na355011qn9.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9103/na286422126hw8.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/7501/na5093436qy5.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3136/na2399116ea2.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3360/na31785tm6.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4543/na56006501ava3.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5628/na56008478axo8.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/8408/na56007043axn1.jpg

Note: Not all are chronologically ordered, particularly towards the end.

[Calgarian]

What a nice church, too bad it's gone. Does anyone have pictures of the inside of the new one?

[Boris2k7]

St. Luke's Anglican Church, converted to a mosque in 1973
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5000/na264536ep4.jpg

Another Mosque (built 1978)
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/3223/na286430806hj6.jpg
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/8774/pa1599122b93no9.jpg

Al Azhar Shriner's Temple, sat at 17th Ave and 4th Street S.W.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/9329/na44415hb7.jpg
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/8711/nc2414hy1.jpg

Moravian Church... sat and 7th Ave and 3rd Street S.W. Demolished for a parkade in the 70's
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5607/na21912dl3.jpg

First Baptist Church... stood opposite from the Central United Church. Went up in flames once, was rebuilt and then later demolished for the Southam Building in 1913 (which in turn was demolished)
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2210/na23726ty2.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9964/na44261nv4.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8427/na933uz1.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8171/lib31dm6.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4778/na14371wb5.jpg

Different First Baptist Church on 4th St SW... this one is still around of course
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/3709/na1604117zb3.jpg
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/4681/na40441vh0.jpg

Knox United Church
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/1579/na64416mf5.jpg

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/8531/na32743or2.jpg

First Lutheran Church... 6th Ave and 2nd Street SW
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5196/na29941kw5.jpg

Extra shot... 1972... Southam Building on the left, Central United in the back... the Southam Building was demolished the very same year
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/477/na55165by8.jpg

And looking through the archives, there were SO many more structures of such use built in Calgary, and SO many lost. It's depressing, actually. :(

[Arch26]

the original St Mars was a real gem, what happened to it? fire?

Foundation problems.

Not sure how many people know this, but St. Mary's Hall, which is the building adjacent to the cathedral on 17th Ave (built in 1905) was turned into the city's CN railway depot (CN never did built a "grand" station in Calgary). The building is still there and is occupied by the Alberta Ballet. The railway yard that supported the station was where Lindsay Park is now.

[Mille Sabords]

Woow. Some stunning pictures of Old Calgary there. Nice to see the history of what we take to be such a young city. That shot with the mosque's minaret and the Calgary Tower is a Canadian classic - they should make a postcard out of it. :tup:

[entheosfog]

Foundation problems.

Not sure how many people know this, but St. Mary's Hall, which is the building adjacent to the cathedral on 17th Ave (built in 1905) was turned into the city's CN railway depot (CN never did built a "grand" station in Calgary). The building is still there and is occupied by the Alberta Ballet. The railway yard that supported the station was where Lindsay Park is now.

Here's a pic of it, taken by me:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/130424800_f41b459dac_b.jpg?t=1196477977

[entheosfog]

Here's a few from my archives. I never realized how many religious/formerly religious structures I've taken pictures of.

Anyway, these were all taken by me over the last few years. (Sorry for the crappy quality on some. My picture stash is inaccessible and these were all downloaded from my flickr site...)

This one is on 4th Street, already pictured above:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/02.jpg?t=1196480455

Former Baptist Church now the Victory Outreach Centre. Not sure if it will be moved or torn down because of Stampede expansion:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/01.jpg?t=1196480499

Former House of Israel, now condos:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/03.jpg?t=1196480576

Sacred Heart Convent:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/04.jpg?t=1196480611

Detail:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/05.jpg?t=1196480725

St. Mary's Cathedral:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/06.jpg?t=1196480811

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/07.jpg?t=1196480837

St. Stephen's in between 11th and 10th Streets on 14th Ave SW:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/08.jpg?t=1196480856

The Hall portion of St. Stephens:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/09.jpg?t=1196480900

This Mosque was torn down last spring. It was on Mission Rd:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/10.jpg?t=1196480966

Cathedral Church of the Redeemer:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/11.jpg?t=1196481002

Knox United:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/12-1.jpg?t=1196482976

Christian Science Reading Room. This was after a fire in 2003 (or '02??) and it was torn down. I can't remember what the name of the development that is proposed for the site. I was living in an a apartment nine floors up across the alley when the fire occurred:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/13-1.jpg?t=1196483009

A church in Bridgeland:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/14-1.jpg?t=1196483042

Former church in Hillhurst now retail:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/15.jpg?t=1196482416

Former Wesley United, now Calgary Opera:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/16.jpg?t=1196482452

Unitarian Church on 16th Ave:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/17.jpg?t=1196482490

And, while we're on the subject:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/18-1.jpg?t=1196483070

[freeweed]

Woow. Some stunning pictures of Old Calgary there. Nice to see the history of what we take to be such a young city. That shot with the mosque's minaret and the Calgary Tower is a Canadian classic - they should make a postcard out of it. :tup:

Wow, so right. Thanks for pointing that one out, I never would have noticed otherwise. :tup:

[freeweed]

St. Stephen's in between 11th and 10th Streets on 14th Ave SW:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/08.jpg?t=1196480856


Well it may not be a CANADIAN classic, but it sure as hell is a CALGARY classic! :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha: :haha:

[DizzyEdge]

Here's a pic of it, taken by me:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/130424800_f41b459dac_b.jpg?t=1196477977

Until someone replaces this with a current photo, the east side with the train platform (looks pretty much the same to this day)

http://ww2.glenbow.org/dbimages/arcnd/1/h/nd-8-308.jpg

This thread is screaming for some 'then & now' photos...

[Rusty van Reddick]

Unitarian =/ United Church!!! But thanks for the pics.

[Arch26]

Until someone replaces this with a current photo, the east side with the train platform (looks pretty much the same to this day)

Really? The platform is still there? Or just that part of the building?

[freeweed]

Unitarian =/ United Church!!! But thanks for the pics.

Don't see where anyone claimed that... they're all insane anyway. ;)

[DizzyEdge]

Really? The platform is still there? Or just that part of the building?

The platform is still there, as is the awning over it.
also a small portion of track remains, the rest of the 'track' area being a pathway.

[DizzyEdge]

Extra shot... 1972... Southam Building on the left, Central United in the back... the Southam Building was demolished the very same year
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/477/na55165by8.jpg

:(

:hell:

[You Need A Thneed]

Don't see where anyone claimed that... they're all insane anyway. ;)

The pic is labelled "United", but the sign on the church in the picture says "unitarian."

[jeffwhit]

And, while we're on the subject:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc300/whereismymind2007/18-1.jpg?t=1196483070

When these were appearing last winter a few friends of mine from work and I hatched this plan to add exclamation points after "Jesus" to the big one in Rotary Park overlooking the Centre Street Bridge. Unfortunately, when we got there the churchies were there, seemingly guardung it.

[M II A II R II K]

Quite a variety there.

[Wigs]

Being new to Calgary, I haven't noticed any real impressive churches. However some of the photos shown in this thread show some nice churches in the area.

If anyone is interested in seeing some impressive churches check out the interiors of these located in Buffalo, NY:
http://www.pbase.com/kjosker/lofty_photos&page=all
I assure you that they are very European and cathedral-like in quality.

Most are of Catholic affiliation and some are in danger of closing due to church membership declining.

[korzym]

No Catholics here? Just these religions made up by kings that wanted multiple wives?

[korzym]

How about some Catholic church pictures for easter?..

[You Need A Thneed]

It appears that the Sikh Dashmesh Centre is undergoing some kind of expansion, if anyone is interested. They've removed all of the stucco and the roof overhang on the south side - something that suggests expansion in that direction.

[Radley77]

While driving back from a hiking trip in Waterton I came across this striking building in the small town of Cardston. I thought the use of white granite from Kootenay region, octagonal shape, and well groomed landscape was very visually appealing.

Cardston Temple
Built: 1923
Developer: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Designated national historic site in 1992
Materials: White granite from Kootenay, BC

After returning home, I did some more research, and Abbarch Architecture has applied for land use amendment (as of August 7, 2009) with the City of Calgary for a place of worship for a Calgary temple at 81 Royal Elm DR NW. This will be a major asset to the Mormon community in Calgary. It would be exciting to see a similarily sexy structure in Calgary. As I understand it, temples are reserved for specific kinds of worship and only members in good standing may enter.

Up to date information can be found at: http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/calgary/

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/2620/waterton337.jpg

Larger version here (http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2620/waterton337.jpg)

[lubicon]

The temple in Cardston is quite striking. I took a 'tour' a number of years ago when I was in the area. The building is open to the public, but only certain parts. You have to be Morman to gain access to the rest of it.

Interestingly the person I was talking to at the temple pegged me as being from Northern Alberta (which I originally am) due to my accent.

[Jimby]

I wouldn't use the word "sexy" to describe a Mormon temple!

[freeweed]

I wouldn't use the word "sexy" to describe a Mormon temple!

I'd go with "striking". Take a drive down through Montana/Idaho/Utah sometime, and these buildings really stand out.

The Mormons sure took a page from the Catholic church in terms of very ostentatious places of worship.

[YYCguys]

So this new temple will obviously be drawing thousands of people from outside the community who will only be able to access it via Royal Oak Drive from CHB or via north Rocky Ridge Road via CHB once RRR closes at Crowchild. This should be interesting! Added traffic measures will obviously be needed such as lights at RRR and ROD! I hope the planning commission takes all this into consideration!

[mersar]

So this new temple will obviously be drawing thousands of people from outside the community who will only be able to access it via Royal Oak Drive from CHB or via north Rocky Ridge Road via CHB once RRR closes at Crowchild. This should be interesting! Added traffic measures will obviously be needed such as lights at RRR and ROD! I hope the planning commission takes all this into consideration!

The additional traffic from the temple was accounted for in the work being done for the XRT project, at least in design (they've been very slow to build them so far). Realistically the temple won't actually draw huge numbers only at one specific time of the week like their church next door does, as its used more for special services (weddings, etc) that tend to be spread out more. The church leadership are also very supportive of the LRT extension to Tuscany as it could also provide good access for their members

[freeweed]

I bet the Wal-Mart sees more people than a church ever does. And that Wal-Mart is clustered with dozens of other stores.

[Calgarian]

I wouldn't use the word "sexy" to describe a Mormon temple!

I would use stunning to describe the temple and crazy to describe the people who worship in it.

[Radley77]

The temple in Cardston is quite striking. I took a 'tour' a number of years ago when I was in the area. The building is open to the public, but only certain parts. You have to be Morman to gain access to the rest of it.

Interestingly the person I was talking to at the temple pegged me as being from Northern Alberta (which I originally am) due to my accent.

I would be really interested in checkin' this building out and doing a tour. I was entirely unaware that non-Mormons could visit. It may not be the Notre-Dame, but I'd bet the interiors would be very unique from other Christian denomination cathedrals.

[Distill3d]

Christ Church in Millarville (Anglican)

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j155/starfcuk/random%20southern%20alberta/100_1038.jpg

Inside:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j155/starfcuk/random%20southern%20alberta/100_1036.jpg

Of note, this church is a log cabin church, but the logs were placed vertically instead of horizontally. Also, it is one of the (if not the) oldest churches in Southern Alberta. Its doors opened May 6, 1896. Service is every Sunday at 10 am.

[Calgarian]

One think I have to do before I die is go to Europe and see all the Gothic, Byzantine and Baroque Cathedrals and Mosques. It's amazing those buildings were built with the very limited technology they had in those days, and it's even more amazing that they are still standing.

[polishavenger]

One think I have to do before I die is go to Europe and see all the Gothic, Byzantine and Baroque Cathedrals and Mosques. It's amazing those buildings were built with the very limited technology they had in those days, and it's even more amazing that they are still standing.

I can attest to how amazing these places are. I havent seen much of western europe, but I have travelled extensively through Poland (as the name implies) and have been to London, Prague and Venice on seperate excursions. Oddly enough, Venice had the most underwhelming churches.

[frinkprof]

News on the Mormon Temple in NW Calgary. It has broken ground.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/Mormons+break+ground+long+awaited+temple/3034075/story.html

Rendering:

http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/calgary/gallery/images/calgary_lds_mormon_temple1-thumb.jpg
ldschurchtemples.com

[Wentworth]

Expect the WalMart up there to be perpetually sold out of backpacks, ties and white shirts.

[Wooster]

Whatever. I don't mind a few crazy large religious structures of any kind. Adds something to the city's landscape I think.

Hindus recently built this Temple in Toronto
http://image24.webshots.com/565/7/47/91/2465747910101453251TPHhXF_ph.jpg
http://image24.webshots.com/565/7/47/91/2465747910101453251TPHhXF_ph.jpg