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Vancouver Heritage Foundation Weekly: Grandview Places of Worship Walking Tour

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

resized Sooz Klinkhamer- East Hastings 14

When strolling around the vibrant neighbourhood of Grandview, you’ll notice a number of historic places of worship. Some of these heritage sites have stayed true to their religious roots while others have met with change. The churches of Grandview are like many other significant properties around the city where they have been adapted and in some cases, given a fresh identity. Our first walking tour of 2016 offers the chance to explore at least five spots that are at various stages of their historical Timeline. And the always engaging Maurice Guibord, your trusted tour guide, has made special arrangements to enter some of them!

resized.Gina Gverster.2025-2035 Napier [St

Included on the tour is St. Francis of Assisi on Napier, an enduring Catholic church that you may not have visited before. This 77-year-old building was designed by architect Harold Cullerne, also known for his design work on Broadway’s famous Rio Theatre. Aside from some of the church’s incredible exterior features, such as the adjacent 1920 Craftsman house, there are some interesting relics inside that are not to be missed.

resized. the cultch1895-Venables-St-3-Christine.Allen

Then, not too far away, Maurice will take you to one of Grandview’s most beloved cultural spaces, The Cultch. You’ll get to go inside and learn all about how this 1909 Methodist Church building has served many different purposes over the years, including as the Vancouver Free University in the 1970s. From place of worship to cultural hub, The Cultch is a great example of adaptive reuse and shows the evolving needs of the community—you’ll see why it was named one of our Places That Matter. Each stop will make you eager for the next, all of them carrying invaluable meaning to the Grandview community.

GRANDVIEW: PLACES OF WORSHIP

Saturday April 23 & Friday August 19

REGISTER HERE

$15 (inc. tax)

All walks begin at 10 am.

Photo credits: Sooz Klinkhamer (top), Gina Gverster (middle), Christine Allen (bottom)