Ongoing work by local residents and heritage advocates to save St. Giles — a century-old architectural gem in Hamilton’s Ward 3 — made the front of today’s Local section of the Hamilton Spectator.
Thanks to Teviah Moro for his story about residents’ efforts to save the former St. Giles United Church from demolition. Members of the Friends of St. Giles delegated to the Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee on March 26th, 2021.
About St. Giles:
- Designed in 1912 by prestigious Hamilton architects Stewart & Witton
- Built to the highest standards and with the highest quality materials, for what would be over $1 million today
- It is a WWI church, with connections to the battle at Vimy Ridge through its architect and first pastor
- For 100+ years, it has been a cherished part of the neighbourhood & a community hub
- There is a huge environmental impact of demolition, even if it is replaced with the most sustainable development — plus the mature trees on the property would be destroyed
- There are numerous local and international examples of adaptively reusing churches as affordable housing, libraries, and community spaces
Video of Friday’s heritage committee meeting can be viewed on YouTube. NB: discussion of St. Giles resumes at 2:22.
Spectator print edition: “Heritage fans plot next steps to save St. Giles” (Mar. 29, 2021, A3) | online: “Hamilton heritage enthusiasts plot next steps to save St. Giles United Church” (Mar. 29, 2021)
/https://www.thespec.com/content/dam/thespec/news/hamilton-region/2021/03/29/hamilton-heritage-enthusiasts-plot-next-steps-to-save-st-giles-united-church/st_giles_7.jpg)
The Hamilton Spectator (est. 1846) is published by Metroland Media Group, a division of Torstar.
Photos: Cathie Coward
Sarah Sheehan 