December 5, 2022
St. Luke’s Anglican Church, one of Edmonton’s first churches to veer away from the influence of medieval ecclesiastical design of stone and soaring ceilings to a more modern take that reflected the young community around it, has been designated as a historic resource.
St. Luke’s was built in 1958 in the Holyrood neighbourhood. The Early Modern Ecclesiastical design of the church features an exposed, precast concrete structure forming the roof of the sanctuary, and concrete block masonry laid out in symmetrical patterns for the walls. The church also features a concrete block bell tower and an added parish hall which was constructed in the early 1970s.
“The post-war years changed how people lived in Edmonton,” said Heritage Planner Scott Ashe. “They had survived war and the depression. They had jobs and cars and wanted their families to spread out in the suburbs. They wanted to live away from where they worked, but still worship in their own communities. St. Luke’s is indicative of the kind of modern church built in those times.”
The church was designed by Edmonton architect Kelvin Crawford Stanley who practiced in the city between 1948 and 1964. He designed the former Edmonton Post Office and the Paramount Theatre on Jasper Avenue. After leaving Edmonton, he worked as the Director of Structures for Expo 67 in Montreal and then served as Chief Architect with the federal department of public works. Stanley died in 1995 in Sidney, British Columbia.
St. Luke’s Anglican Church will receive a grant of $50,375.77 for rehabilitation of the building.
“Today the St. Luke's building is home to three separate faith communities, a small Indigenous owned and operated business, community league events, a weekly food bank depot, and many other groups and events,” said Rev. Nick Trussell, Rector of St. Luke’s Anglican Church. “Historical designation protects the unique story and beauty of the building, its design and construction. Funding for restoration and maintenance with this non-profit partner means that it continues to be available to the public for the flourishing of the neighbourhood.”
The City’s Historic Resource Management Plan outlines the City’s mission to identify, protect and promote the preservation and use of historic resources. The Plan contains 24 policies and 88 action items that direct how Edmonton’s heritage should be preserved and celebrated. Since the plan was initiated in 1985, 176 properties have been designated, with more designations planned in the future.
