When going to a new city, or being a tourist in your own hometown, churches are always something worthwhile to put on your sightseeing bucket list. Churches of every possible domination are a part of the cultural and community character of Vancouver, that sadly includes a darker history with mission churches tied to residential schools.
As a kid I never went to church, but always loved when movies and TV showed city churches open at night, where you could go in and light a candle, and find a peaceful sanctuary. With some churches losing congregations, if they are not torn down, churches have been repurposed as luxury condominiums, or housing, it’s hard to know how permanent a churches history will be. For people that don’t believe in what is taught in the church, the buildings are cool to check out, to vibe on a different frequency of peace and silence, and to admire different styes of architecture.
The Vancouver Archives are full of fascinating churches from rough hewn ones that look like they were build by hand, to ones with simple A frame structures and crosses, some that look vaguely haunted, to ornate downtown show stoppers. How many Vancouver churches have you visited?
For more old photographs be sure to check out the Vancouver Archives.
To check out the Vancouver Archives and their incredible gallery of old photographs and documents, visit their website HERE.
