Key Number:	HS 29592
Site Name:	Knox Presbyterian Church
Other Names:
Site Type:	1603 - Religious: Church, Cathedral or Chapel

Location

ATS Legal Description:

			Twp	Rge	Mer
			30	1	5

Address:	1138 Nanton Street
Number:	38
Street:	Nanton
Avenue:	11
Other:
Town:	Carstairs
Near Town:

Media

Type	Number	Date	View	Source

Architectural

Style:	Gothic Revival
Plan Shape:	Rectangular
Storeys:	Storeys: 1
Foundation:	Basement/Foundation Wall Material: Concrete
Superstructure:	Nailed Frame
Superstructure Cover:
Roof Structure:	Medium Gable
Roof Cover:
Exterior Codes:
Exterior:	Knox Presbyterian Church is a one storey stucco structure which has been used as a church sice its construction in 1901. Dimensions: 26' x 30', plus entry 10'6' x 10'. Stucco on storey church - 84 years old; Roof: green tonw vinyl - over 20 years old. Covering: black and white stucco Windows and Frames: cathedral type with sturdy wooden frames. New type inside storm windows - plexi glass, easy to remove for cleaning.
Interior:	Beautiful oak wood wainscotting all around the santuary and base. The wood grain was applied by long time member painter by trade, Mr. J. Harnack. The original grain and finish has never been changed.
Environment:	It is located in a residential area southwest of the central business district of Carstairs. The landscaping consists of a lawn, a hedge running around the front portion of the lot and various large trees and shrubs. The larger trees may date from the original construction of the church. Very visual excellent location. Proximity to other churches one block away, one block to Main Street. Across the road on two sides, parks, playground, legion cenotaph, ball diamonds, tennis courts, overnight camping, lots of parking, Boy Scout Hall and hiking path.
Condition:	Structure: Good. Repair: Good. 11 JUN 1980.
Alterations:	The original building has been significantly altered by two post-World War II additions and the application of stucco to the original wood siding. Two additions - one in 1958 large frame social 22 x 40 on north east side of property attached to church. Later a second addition north end of church proper 32 x 26 and entering into social hall. This addition includes two washrooms, kitchen, hallway, fireproof furnace room, storage and west entrance. 1983 and 1984 - plexi glass windows. 1984 - entry insulated.

Historical

Construction:	Construction Date:
Approximate construction year.	1901/01/01
Usage:	Usage Date:
Church	1901/01/01
Owner:	Owner Date:
Angeline McBain, Herold O. Winger, Alister Groundwater Carstairs and District Historical Society.	1982/03/23 1989/02/24

Architect:	Local church workmen
Builder:	Carpenter - Albert Klitzke - local citizen.
Craftsman:	N/A
History:	Albert Klitzke family were long time supporters of Knox Church. Three children also attended Sunday School. A bell tower had to be removed for safety precautions. The huge bell is now stored on a local farm and available for display. Land donated by Sir Augustus Meredith Nanton, land broker of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Nanton Street so named after Sir Nanton. First church in Carstairs - Presbyterian Minister held the services before the building was erected. He preached many places - station house, livery stable, outside and even once in the bar room. All local people attended regardless of religion. For a few years Knox was the only church building. Giving spiritual guidance and care and comfort to many early settlers gives this building a very important position in early growth of Carstairs. Many important people first worshipped in Knox. Dr. Henry Wise Wood, founder of the Alberta wheat Pool was the fist S. school Superintendant. Many others could be named: Mr. Herb Yake, early settler, served in boer war, First Great War, Second World War. Women's Missionary Society was formed in very early years and provided unlimited means to assist in home and foreign missions to east the suffering and spread the gospel. * * * Carstairs was originally established as a siding on the Calgary and Edmonton railway during construction of the Calgary to Red Deer section of the railway during the fall of 1890. A small station and section house was constructed at this time. The surveying of a townsite, however, did not take place until September 1900. The new townsite immediately attracted a number of businessmen including E.W. Stone who established the town's first general store. Other pioneer businessmen included A.R. Shantz who established a lumber yard and Robert Scott who established a general store. The social development of the townsite also began at this time with the creation of Knox Presbyterian Church. The congregation was established by T.J.S. Ferguson a student from Queen's University who responded to a call for volunteers by Dr. Robertson Superintendent of Missions. The first services were held in the railway station prior to the construction of the church in July 1901. The first service was held on July 15, 1901. Significant individuals associated with the church included Henry Wise Wood, leader of the United Farmers of Alberta in the 1920s. Knox Presbyterian church is an example of Carpenter's Gothic church architecture. These buidings were modelled after Gothic Revival structures in England which were constructed of brick or stone. The lack of materials and financial resources forced the majority of Alberta's communities during the settlement period to construct gothic-inspired buildings of wood. Capenter's Gothic churches made up the majority of church construction prior to the Second World War. Features of this style reflected in Knox Presbyterian Church include a step-gable roof, lancet nave windows and a central square tower which served as both an entry porch and bell tower. * * * Knox Presbyterian Church was built in 1901. The building has been in constant use for church services since that time. Last service was held June 30, 1985. The building is in good conditions because of carefull upkeep through the years. Town of Carstairs Council are very interested in the Church as a Historical Site with a view to keeping the Church proper, as it is, to be used for any cultural purpose, weddings, baptisms, etc. ...

Internal

Designation Status:	Designation Date:

Register:

Links

Internet:
Alberta Register of Historic Places: