Gothic Revival

The Gothic Revival style in Edmonton is most commonly seen in churches, such as St. Joachim's or Robertson-Wesley.

Gothic Revival was popular in Edmonton from the 1890s to the start of WWI. Gothic Revival was often used for churches, where high style elements such as castle-like towers, parapets, and tracery windows were common. The most recognizable feature is the pointed Gothic arched windows and entries. Influenced from various European Gothic ideas, the style in Edmonton was used mostly for institutional buildings but some gothic elements, such as pointed windows and tracery, were used to ornament houses. Today the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture can be seen in some of Edmonton's grand early churches.

Characteristics

Steeply pitched gable or cross gable roof
Vaulted Ceiling
Heavier appearance to structures
Pointed arches as decorative element and as window shape
Front facing gables with decorative tracery
Gables often topped with finials or cross-bracing
Decorative medieval-inspired detailing
Buttresses or pilasters

Related Items

First Presbyterian Church

This 1912Gothic Revival building is the largestPresbyterian churchin Edmonton.

Masonic Temple- Saskatchewan Lodge #92

Completed in 1931, this Freemasons Hall was designed by WIlliam G. Blakey in the Gothic Revival style.

Northwest Mounted Police Barracks

The N.W.M.P. Barracks complex contains two important Gothic buildings, which are among Canada's few remaining major pre-1950 structures designed for police purposes.

Robertson-wesley United Church

Robertson-Wesley United Church was built in 1913 in the Gothic Revival style.

St. Joachim's Roman Catholic Church

Built in 1899 this Gothic Revival style church was the heart of Edmonton's early francophone community.