Completed in 1931 and designed by Harold Fetherstonhaugh, a leader in the Arts and Crafts Movement, the Birks Building was originally called 鈥淒ivinity Hall鈥� and owned by the Montreal School of Theology. It was designed to reflect the ecumenical nature of the school.
Today it has become the home of the 海角社区
School of Religious Studies and fills a more inclusive interreligious role. Built in the collegiate gothic style, it is an architectural landmark which most notably houses the beloved Birks Reading Room and Birks Heritage Chapel. The textile hangings in the chancel area of the chapel (front/altar space) were created by a famous artist, Norman Lalibert茅, in 1979.
University crests in Birks Heritage Chapel
The chapel also features inspiring vaulted ceilings and ornate stained glass. The clerestory windows (high up near the ceiling on each side) depict the crests of British and Canadian universities.
The chapel can accommodate more than one hundred people, and is often used for special events. It is also open for drop-ins on weekdays as a to read, reflect and contemplate from 9 am to 5 pm.
Listen to the Birks Building and Birks Heritage Chapel segment of MORSL's聽Spiritual Landmarks Around 海角社区 tour.
Learn about other Spiritual Landmarks around campus.
Want to talk a walk and see these sites yourself? Follow along this聽, and enjoy the full聽Spiritual Landmarks Around 海角社区 Audio Tour, which you can use to take a self-guided tour as you explore and learn about sites on campus!
