Built in two stages, with the foundation laid in 1927 and the upper church added in 1937, the former Noranda-Rouyn United Church, now occupied by the Noranda Golden Age Club, was originally a place of worship for the United Church, designed by engineer Charles H. Hughes. This wooden building, clad in stucco and brick, has a rectangular plan articulated by three wings, with the main entrance occupying the annex adjoining the gable wall.
The street-facing facade features a single opening, a vertical oriel window that spans its entire height. The side facades, punctuated by buttresses, have two levels of windows, rectangular at the base and ogival on the upper floor, while those of the annexes are treated as curtain walls.
Photo credit: Paul Trépanier
Charles H. Hughes, designer of the former Noranda-Rouyn United Church, was one of those Noranda mine professionals whose expertise has greatly served the community. While the mining company generously provided land for the construction of places of worship, few congregations could count on a construction specialist such as 'Charlie' Hughes among their faithful.
Thanks to him, the United community was the first to acquire a Protestant building with such an elaborate style, and above all, one that was clearly distinct from the Catholic church of Notre-Dame-de-Protection, its neighbour completed five years earlier.
On the left in the photo is the rectory, which has since been demolished.
Photo credit: BAnQ
Here you can see the church as it was in 1939. Definitely neo-Tudor style!
Photo credit: Charles Ladouceur
Construction of the upper church in 1937, built on the foundation dating from 1927. To its right, you can see the former Masonic temple, now a private residence. Note the wooden sidewalks!
Here you can see the interior of the church in 1937. Notice all the neo-Tudor details such as the woodwork and pointed arches.
Photo taken from the former parish's souvenir book.
Compare this photo of the interior taken in 1959 with the previous one. Notice how the neo-Tudor details have given way to a more stripped-down, modern decor. Also note the mid-century style pendant lights!
The exterior, just after the renovations that brought the church into the modern era!
- 1927 Construction of the foundation
- 1929 Construction of the rectory
- 1937 Construction of the upper church
- 1951 Construction of the Christian Education Wing
- 1959 Expansion of the church
- 1979 Desecration
- Around 1980 Demolition of the rectory
- 2013 Renovation
Due to several alterations over the years, this church now has only moderate heritage value, although its history is most interesting!
Indeed, the removal of most of its neo-Tudor features, as well as its typical modern features, leaves this place rather stripped of architectural appeal.