ST. PAUL'S CHURCH
360 NICOLA ST.jpg The Anglican parish of Kamloops built a new wood frame church, St. Paul's in 1889 in order to accommodate a growing congregation. The church suffered a few setbacks when a gale in 1890 knocked the bell tower down and it took until 1892 to build a new belfry. A fire also badly damaged the floor in 1891 and it was only saved by the fire brigade's quick response.

The church was both a religious and cultural centre. Bishop Sillitoe on a visit to the city presented the first lantern slide show in the community. Summer picnics, Christmas parties and concerts for various celebrations were popular. In 1912 three artistic stained glass windows made in Montreal representing Faith, Hope and Charity were also installed in memory of local pioneers.

Starting in 1911 the parish discussed moving out of the crowded West Victoria area. In 1924 the church and hall were cut into sections and moved by a horse drawn six wheel trolley to its new site at Fourth Avenue and Nicola Street where it was redesigned in a Tudor style. The original wood structures remain embedded within the existing enlarged Cathedral.

Source: Kamloops Heritage Commission