St. John's Shaughnessy Anglican Church in Vancouver: Architectural and Horticultural Beauty

I've passed this church many times over the years, but each time it was just a quick glance without stopping to appreciate it. Today, as I passed St. John's Shaughnessy Anglican Church again, I was deeply attracted by the incredibly vibrant rhododendrons. I couldn't resist turning into the nearby street and getting out of the car to admire its architectural and horticultural beauty. With its unique Art Deco architecture and meticulously maintained gardens, this church stands out in Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighborhood. I. Historical Background and Architectural Features 1. Founding Time: This is a century-old church with a story. It was founded in 1925 as part of the residence of Adam de Pencier, Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster. His wife started a Sunday school in the kitchen of the residence, which later developed into a church. In 1949, construction began on the current building, which was completed on June 18, 1950, as a memorial church dedicated to the Vancouver men and women who served the country in World War II. 2. Architectural Design: Designed by renowned Vancouver architect George Lister Thornton Sharp, the church features a late Art Deco style and is one of the few modern Art Deco buildings on Vancouver's heritage list, classified as a Grade C heritage building. The exterior walls are made of gray stone, with simple and smooth lines, and the geometric aesthetics characteristic of Art Deco. The facade design is understated yet dignified, complementing the atmosphere of the surrounding upscale residential area. 3. Spatial Layout: The church occupies a large area, with the main building in a rectangular shape, complemented by a spacious atrium and side wing spaces. The overall layout is integrated with the surrounding gardens, creating an open and tranquil atmosphere. The unique window design, with large stained-glass windows on the exterior, is not only decorative but also introduces soft light into the interior space, enhancing the warmth of the building. 4. Surrounding Environment: The church is located at the intersection of Granville Street and Nanton Avenue, in the heart of the Shaughnessy neighborhood. This area is known for its wide streets, towering trees, and elegant residences, and the church's architecture serves as a visual focal point for the community. II. Gardens and Horticulture 1. Garden Size and Layout: The gardens of St. John's Church cover a considerable area, surrounding the main body of the church and divided into front, side, and back yard areas. The garden design focuses on the combination of function and aesthetics, providing a resting space for visitors and serving as a "green extension" of the building. The garden layout is symmetrical and well-defined, combining the sophistication of an English garden with the natural style of the West Coast, showcasing the maintenance level of a professional gardening team. 2. Plants and Landscape Features: The garden is planted with a variety of seasonal flowers (such as cherry blossoms, roses, hydrangeas, and azaleas), combined with evergreen shrubs (such as holly and privet), ensuring color in all seasons. The flower beds are exquisitely designed with neat borders. The lawn in the front yard is wide and flat, with well-trimmed edges, making it suitable for small outdoor activities. Stone or gravel paths are laid in the garden, winding through the flower beds, guiding visitors to stroll and adding a sense of exploration. III. Travel Tips: Today's impromptu visit, although I was unable to visit inside, the external environment is so beautiful. Whether it is in the season of blooming spring flowers or the late autumn when maple leaves are falling, it exudes a quiet and refined charm, complementing the elegant atmosphere of the Shaughnessy community. The church is like a small manor, both solemn and friendly. The church's Art Deco facade and the seasonal colors of the garden are ideal subjects for photography enthusiasts, especially when the light is soft in the morning, the details of the architecture and flowers are more vivid. The paths and shady corners in the garden are suitable for shooting portraits or still life, with a clean and layered background. The church and gardens are open to the public, and visitors are free to enjoy the external environment, especially during non-worship hours. There are parking spaces around the church, and there are bus stops near Granville Street, which can be reached by walking or a short bus ride. The streets next to the church are simply a fairyland, so photogenic and so easy to shoot! 🤩