Familiarly known as the Kirk, St. James Presbyterian Church is in Charlottetown, the capital city of Canada’s smallest province. A year after construction started in 1877, the church began welcoming worshippers. The stone building with its tall spire was the first dedicated church for Presbyterians since their initial arrival about a century earlier. Imagine their gratitude for having a permanent building after having to previously use various structures in the area to practice their faith.
Initial services used the Established Church of Scotland and the Established Church of England. In winter, the structure was often so cold inside that worship had to be held in homes. Eventually Presbyterians established their own congregation in 1825 and raised money to build a church. By 1831 the first Presbyterian church constructed from wood was completed. The tradition of conducting two services, one in Gaelic and the other in English, was continued.
When the current stone church was built, a main portion of the older church was moved and incorporated into a structure that still stands in the city. Look up at the church’s intricate pale blue and wood ceiling that replaced the original when it was damaged by fire in 1898.
In the area known as Queens Square, where St. James is located, you’ll also find another impressive church. Twin-spired St. Dunstan’s Basilica Cathedral is similarly built from stone and was also damaged by fire in 1913. Observe this historic building as an excellent example of the High Victorian Gothic Revival style of architecture. Look for other older buildings in Queens Square such as Province House National Historic Site, where the Canadian confederation was formed.
Find St. James Presbyterian Church and other historic buildings in the central part of Charlottetown. Reach Prince Edward Island by air via Charlottetown airport, by road from the neighboring province of New Brunswick across Confederation Bridge or by water on the ferry service running from Nova Scotia.
