• In 1912, the Methodist congregation of Athabasca coordinated construction of the church building at a cost of $14,000.
• The structure is beautiful Gothic architecture with a bell tower.
• The church plan included seating for 300 people with an adjacent Sunday school section that could accommodate 150 more with a view of the pulpit.
• The upstairs also housed a ladies parlour, two classrooms and a minister’s vestry.
• The basement housed a men’s club, which could be turned into a “splendid dining room” for 125 people, gymnasium, shower, cloakroom and kitchen.
• Lighting was by natural gas lamps.
• Two balconies were included in the original drawings but were not built.
• Athabasca United Church building escaped the fire that swept through downtown Athabasca in August 1913.
• It is believed that the church is the largest wooden frame structure still in daily use in Northern Alberta.
• In 1925, Methodists joined with the Congregationalists and 70% of the Presbyterian denominations to establish the United Church of Canada.
• The building has been used continuously for 104 years.

SIGNIFICANT DATES

May 18, 1913 – original dedication

August 5, 1913 – downtown Athabasca fire

May 31, 1985 – designated a Provincial Historic Resource

May 18, 1986 – building rededication

May 18, 2013 – centennial celebration (100 years)

• In 1985, deficiencies in the struts and weight-bearing beams had caused the walls to move away from the roof and a major renovation was undertaken.
• The walls were pulled back into squares using steel cables and the roof was stabilized with steel beams.
• Many discoveries were made during the restoration process.  An 1882 embossed leather bible in prime condition was found, the brass fixtures for the natural gas lighting were discovered and a hidden stairway leading from the minister’s study to the basement was uncovered.
• From 2012 to 2015, renewal continued with exterior repairs and the addition of accessibility features, including a front ramp, inside lift and accessible washroom. The kitchen was renovated and a dishwasher added from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, the downstairs flooring was replaced.

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

• With phenomenal acoustics, the building has been the centre for many concerts and community events.

• The church has always been a meeting place for many community groups.  Current users include: AA, Al Anon, Women’s Willingness into Sobriety, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Athabasca Community Handbell Ringers, Brownies and Girl Guides.