Saint-James United Church

St James United Church, a Methodist jewel

The Montreal audio-guided tour stops you before the fine St James United Church, approached with quiet respect. The second largest Protestant church in Quebec, it was, at the time of its construction at the end of the nineteenth century, the largest Methodist church in Canada.

From Methodism to the United Church of Canada

Built in 1889, the church was originally Methodist. Methodism, a movement stemming from Anglicanism, emphasises social questions and the personal experience of faith. St James church now belongs to the United Church of Canada, born of the merger of the Methodist Church with other Reformed Churches, which has become the largest Protestant denomination in the country.

What there is to see

The church stands out for its neo-Gothic architecture and its imposing façade, long partly hidden by shops before being cleared. With respect for silence, you appreciate the scale of the nave and the atmosphere of the place. Located on Sainte-Catherine Street, it also hosts concerts, reflecting its both spiritual and cultural vocation.

Practical information

St James United Church is at 463 Sainte-Catherine Street West, in downtown Montreal. An active Protestant place of worship, it can be visited with respect for silence and services; opening times may vary with celebrations and concerts. Access is on the level.

When was St James church built?

It was built in 1889. At the time, it was the largest Methodist church in Canada; it is today the second largest Protestant church in Quebec.

Which Church does it belong to today?

It belongs to the United Church of Canada, born of the merger of the Methodist Church with other Reformed Churches, the largest Protestant denomination in the country.