Silver Heights United Church

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In 1965, architects Doug Gillmor and Alan Waisman designed Silver Heights United Church at 199 Garrioch Avenue. The church was an extension of the Christian Education Centre, built previously in 1957, and was the second structure in Winnipeg composed of precast concrete accented by limestone aggregate.

Rectangular in form, the structure’s north and south walls gently converge in plan, tightening toward the chancel on the east wall, below the projecting semi circular tower. A similar effect occurs within the structure, where there is a dramatic shift of light from the dimly lit entrance vestibule and narthex towards the upswept, skylight lit chancel. The tower is a modern reprise of the spires of Gothic Cathedrals in the past.

Natural materials, such as cork walls and red oak for fixtures and furnishings, were chosen for Silver Heights United Church to enhance the liturgical experience. For the architects, the goal was to, “design a church which focuses attention to the central activity there: the worship of God.... If it stimulates [the worshipper] and heightens his participation in the service, it will have fulfilled our purpose for it.”