
“St James Anglican Church is an exotic jewel of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. In the midst of the area’s notorious poverty, its endurance, magnificent architecture and history of service make it a symbol of hope” (The Canadian Encyclopedia). Designed in 1935 by Adrian Gilbert Scott, a member of the architecturally renowned Scott family of England, the church is an octagon rising from a Greek Cross plan. Massive walls, tipped with Art Deco-influenced neo-Gothic, step up like a ziggurat to a pyramid belfry. Join PJ Janson for a guided tour of the historic St. James’ Anglican Church to discover the fascinating architecture and beauty of this unique building, which famed Canadian architect Arthur Erickson has called the ‘best building in the city.’