St. George’s-In-The-Pines Anglican Church has taken the first step towards legal recognition and protection as one of Banff’s greatest heritage properties.
At a meeting Monday (March 26), council authorized administration to issue a notice of intention to designate the local landmark as a municipal historic resource.
“The intent is to both recognize the significance of an historic resource and protect it,” said Claire Wilkinson, a planner with the Town of Banff.
“Serving a notice of intent to designate is a proactive step towards the Town’s mandate of protection and preservation of historic resources.”
The church, at the corner of Buffalo Street and Beaver Street, is an A-ranked property, signifying it is one of Banff’s most important heritage buildings.
St. George’s-In-The-Pines, designed in the Gothic Revival-style by English architect F.P. Oakley, is also the oldest active church in Banff, with Anglican services being held as early as 1887.
It was built on a “pay as we go” basis in several stages. The chancel was completed in 1897 and the tower and spire were completed in 1926.
It is currently one of only two churches in Canada to have a set of 11 peal bells which, in Banff’s case, were shipped here via the Panama Canal from England.
The local landmark has also had many distinguished guests over the years.
In 1897, The Duke and Duchess of York attended services; in 1901, the future Queen Mary worshipped here, followed by Edward, Prince of Wales in 1926.
In 1939, King George VI and the future Queen Elizabeth II attended services, too, where they presented the church with sterling silver altar candlesticks as a memento.
The first vicar of the church was Rev. F. G. Christmas.
Owners seeking protection through municipal designation are eligible for financial incentives, including a tax break and a matching restoration or rehabilitation grant.
St. George’s is not eligible for a tax break, as places of worship are exempt from municipal taxation, but as an A-ranked non-residential heritage property, a matching restoration grant of up to $50,000 is being considered.
After a minimum of 60 days following a notice of intent, council may pass a bylaw to permanently designate the building as a municipal historic resource.
Councillor Leslie Taylor voiced support.
“This is a prominent and beautiful heritage resource in our town,” she said.
“I am thrilled to hear you are taking this step and happy to support it 100 per cent.”
To date, there are a total of nine municipal designations in the Town of Banff. On the heritage inventory are 39 A-ranked properties, 10 B-ranked and three C-ranked properties.
