St. Giles Presbyterian Church

St. Giles Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, Ontario, was established in 1925 by non-concurring Presbyterians from several Ottawa churches. The congregation started by opening a Sunday school on January 18, 1925, with 57 pupils. Soon after, they began holding worship services in the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Fifth Street. The Rev. Archibald G. Cameron was appointed by the Presbytery to guide the new congregation. On June 30, 1925, St. Giles was granted full congregational status. In February of 1928, the Rev. Archibald Cameron was inducted as the first minister.

A new church building was constructed and dedicated on May 5, 1929. The congregation built a Christian Education Centre in 1955. Cushman Memorial Presbyterian Church (Hull, Quebec) amalgamated with St. Giles in June 1995. The current St. Giles Presbyterian Church building, found at 181 First Avenue, was designed by architect John Pritchard MacLaren from 1927 to 1929. A hall and offices are found across the street from the church at 174 First Avenue, with a plaque naming it Logan-Vencta Hall. The building belonged to the church but was sold when it became surplus to needs. Erected by the church, a bronze plaque is dedicated to the members of the congregation who were killed or served during the Second World War.  

Location and contact

In-person visiting hours

*Follow building health protocols.

  • Saturday, June 7 2025
    10am to 4pm

Virtual and 3D Tours

This building does not offer virtual or 3D tours.

The exterior view of St. Giles Presbyterian Church, from the corner of Bank Street and First Avenue.
Exterior View of St. Giles Presbyterian Church  

Architecture

Architect/Builder on record
John Pritchard MacLaren
Construction date or date range
1929
Category
Religious buildings

Amenities and features

  • New participant building
  • Public washrooms
  • Accessible access
  • Free parking
  • Bike parking
  • Metered/paid parking
  • Family friendly
  • OC Transpo nearby