First Church of Christ, Scientist (Ottawa)

• Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

• Architect: John Pritchard MacLaren

• Style: Neo-classical / Palladian

• Completed in: 1913

• Denomination: Christian Science

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Ottawa, is located in downtown Ottawa near Parliament Hill. It is situated in the Centretown neighborhood, an area known for its mix of urban development and historic buildings featuring Ottawa's architectural heritage.

The building was completed in 1913 designed by John P. MacLaren, in the style of a Neo-classical / Palladian architecture.

"Designed in Neo-classical / Palladian style"

The architectural style of the buildings for the First Church of Christ, Scientist in North America during this era had some similarities .

"Providence, Rhode Island" Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

"Cambridge, Massachusetts" Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

"Atlanta, GA" Warren LeMay, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

"Rock Island, Illinois" Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Neo-classical / Palladian architectural style can be seen in the elements such as a portico with a pediment supported by Corinthian columns and a symmetrical facade. The ashlar is made of Ohio sandstone.

"Pediment supported by Corinthian columns"

"Ashlar and its quoin with freeze-thaw damage"

The limestone columns have some discoloration at the bottom of their shafts, most likely due to alkali from deicing salts (it seems that the paint coatings have been applied to the first bottom section of shafts).

"Coating treatment at the bottom of the columns"

The interior of the building is characterized by its serene and refined design, emphasizing simplicity and spirituality. The large, open sanctuary features wooden pews arranged for clear views of the Readers' platform, with designed acoustics for readings and teachings. Tall windows skylight allow natural light to fill the space, creating a calm and contemplative atmosphere. Subtle decorative elements and neutral tones materials like wood and stone contribute to a dignified yet understated aesthetic, reflecting the church's focus on functionality and worship.

"Skylight-lit auditorium with 750 seating capacity"

"Readers' platform"

References:

First Church of Christ, Scientist. (n.d.). History. Christian Science Ottawa. Retrieved June 14, 2024, from https://christianscienceottawa.ca/history/

Urbsite. (2023, May). John Pritchard MacLaren, architect (1865–1923). Urbsite. Retrieved June 14, 2024, from https://urbsite.blogspot.com/2023/05/john-pritchard-maclaren-architect-1865.html

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). First Church of Christ, Scientist (Ottawa). In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 14, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Church_of_Christ,Scientist(Ottawa)