Brockville United Church

Churches built in the early 20th century often had a second life, and in Brockville one of them has become a place for the arts. The building at 32 Park Street, long known as a United Church, is a historic landmark in the town centre, and in recent years it has been adapted as a community arts venue called the Brock Arts Hub. It keeps the solid, serious presence of a church, with a pitched roof, stained glass and a large sanctuary, but its use has widened to include concerts, exhibitions and community gatherings.

The United Church of Canada was formed in 1925 by the union of the Methodist, Congregational and most Presbyterian churches, and many Ontario towns, Brockville among them, ended up with a United congregation using one of the older Protestant buildings. Brockville is an old St. Lawrence River town of Loyalist origin, with a long history in shipping, railways and manufacturing, and its churches, banks and houses reflect the confidence of the Victorian and Edwardian years. The Park Street church belongs to that built heritage. It is described as Gothic Revival in style, with pointed arch windows and a tall, well-proportioned interior, and it was affectionately known to its congregation as the Friendly Church.

Inside, the sanctuary is the main attraction. The high ceiling, wooden pews and tall windows create a space with a fine natural acoustic, which makes it well suited to music, from choral and organ recitals to folk and chamber concerts. The building has been adapted so that it can host a wide range of activities, including art shows, workshops, markets and programmes for children, and it is intended to be kid-friendly and welcoming to the community. The arts hub model, in which a former church provides low-cost space for local artists and groups, has become common in Canada as congregations shrink and buildings need new purposes.

Access is generally by event or by arrangement, though there may be open days when visitors can explore the sanctuary and learn about the building's history. It is best to check the current schedule before travelling, as hours vary and the information published about the building is limited.

The church is a short walk from Brockville's downtown, where the Brockville Museum, the Brockville Art Gallery, the Armoury and the waterfront trail are all nearby. Visitors who enjoy historic buildings and live music will find it suits them.