Christian Science Society Building
20 Chapel Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R, Canada
Formally Recognized:
2002/10/07
Other Name(s)
n/a
Links and documents
Construction Date(s)
1900/01/01 to 1910/01/01
Listed on the Canadian Register:
2004/07/30
Statement of Significance
Description of Historic Place
The Christian Science Society Building is a modest, one-storey, Classical Period Revival style building located in downtown Nanaimo. The historic place is confined to the building footprint.
Heritage Value
Renovated in 1932, the Christian Science Society Building is a very good example of Classical Period Revival architecture. Typically monumental in scale and often featuring massive order columns and other oversize elements, this style was very popular for churches and public buildings during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Christian Science Society Building is, however, a very modest rendition of the style, more appropriate to the small congregation it served in Nanaimo and the financial constraints of its construction during the Depression.
A good example of early adaptive re-use, the building, originally a residence, was substantially renovated in 1932. Renovations included removing the interior partitions, setting the house on a concrete foundation and covering the outside in stucco. Since that time, the building has remained remarkably unchanged and continues to serve the function for which it was renovated.
The Christian Science Society Building is part of a significant grouping of historic buildings.
Source: City of Nanaimo, Development Services Department, file #6800-20-H01-02/20 Chapel Street
Character-Defining Elements
Character-defining elements of the Christian Science Society building include:
-all of the elements of a modest version of the Classical Period Revival style including the symmetrical facade, triangular pediment over the front entry and minimal projecting elements.
-the location within a grouping of historic buildings.
Recognition
Jurisdiction
British Columbia
Recognition Authority
Local Governments (BC)
Recognition Statute
Local Government Act, s.954
Recognition Type
Community Heritage Register
Recognition Date
2002/10/07
Historical Information
Significant Date(s)
1932/01/01 to 1932/01/01
Theme - Category and Type
- Building Social and Community Life
- Religious Institutions
Function - Category and Type
Current
- Religion, Ritual and Funeral
- Religious Facility or Place of Worship
Historic
- Residence
- Single Dwelling
Architect / Designer
n/a
Builder
n/a
Additional Information
Location of Supporting Documentation
City of Nanaimo, Development Services Department, file #6800-20-H01-02/20 Chapel Street.
See also: Nanaimo Community Archives Building Plans Collection.
Cross-Reference to Collection
Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier
DhRx-70
Status
Published
Related Places
n/a