Young United Church
222 Furby Street

Originally Young Methodist, this large brick church is an important landmark. It began as a Sunday School in the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Breen and was eventually expanded between 1892 and 1911 in many phases. Architect John H. G. Russell was the dominant Protestant church architect that designed the additions; a strong indication of the growth of the city and determination of church members. This design of the church established a suitable tension between the angular and the curved as the windows and doors softened the geometrical shapes of the towers, flat walls and gabled rooflines. Upon the dedication of the new church in 1911, approximately nine hundred people gathered in worship.

The thoughtful design, clear span and quality materials of this fine old church have allowed the building to change with the times while maintaining a considerable degree of integrity. The exterior of the church complex shows very little alteration, as does the sanctuary. The complex continues to be a hive of activity each day.

At the 2000 Heritage Day Awards ceremony, Young United Church congregation and supporters, Prairie Architects Inc. and A. F. Eshmade & Associates Ltd. won an Institutional Conservation Award for the retention and restoration of the tower element of the Young United Church.