Opening Event

We propose a rich and colorful inaugural evening, in a mythical place: Dawson Hall, behind St James United Church (1887-1889, Alexander Francis Dunlop, arch.), known as the "Montreal Methodist Cathedral" - with 2000 seats, it was the largest Methodist church in Canada when it was built. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1996, it escaped demolition in 1980 when it was classified as a historic monument, and then escaped extinction thanks to an ambitious restoration project, instigated by Reverend Arlen Bonnar, which cleared its façade and a opened it to a new square designed by landscape architect Claude Cormier.

In the first segment of the evening, Taïka Baillargeon, Assistant Director of policy at Héritage Montréal, will present a review of the history of this organization, which has been instrumental in preserving Montréal's built landscape and is a virtual twin of the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada, having been founded in 1975.

The second segment of the evening will give way to a tour of the church, led by Luc Noppen.

This will follow a re-launch, in "real life" this time, of the two books published in honor of Malcolm Thurlby (A Medieval legacy) and Luc Noppen (The Architecture of identity). A few short readings and funny videos will enhance these moments.

All of this will be accompanied by cocktails, appetizers, and the beautiful music of the Duo Cordoba who will be with us for the evening.