Amid the clatter of a busy downtown city sits a haven of peace and sanctity — St. Paul’s, an English Gothic stone structure designed by the renowned architect William Thomas and built in 1857. Its tower and octagonal spire is believed to be the tallest stone spire in Canada.
“God’s Acre” refers to the burial ground surrounding the church building where many early worshippers are buried. When additions were made to the current church, it was necessary to remove some of the remains and re-inter them beneath the chancel. The commemorative tablets were incorporated in the walls of the church extension.
The church bell was used in the original white frame church built in 1833 on the same spot. It was replaced by the current chimes in 1906, but still hangs in a belfry over the chapel door.
The woodcarvings in the sanctuary create a sense of warmth and awe. Small doors are located on the ends of the pews. The carved pulpit sits in the centre of the chancel. Looking down on this is a stained glass window, one of many in the sanctuary, depicting Christ at the Last Supper.
A large Celtic cross, counted one of the most beautiful war memorials in Canada, was erected to commemorate fallen church members from the great wars. Carved in Scotland, it is similar to the ancient Iona crosses. The column tapers from its base to the apex, with the truncated arms of the cross encircled with a symbolic crown or wreath.
