HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2023-317 - NOI to Designate 64 Water Street NorthStaff Report
r
NJ :R
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: August 1, 2023
SUBMITTED BY: Deeksha Choudhry, Heritage Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7291
PREPARED BY: Garett Stevenson, Interim Director of Planning, 519-741-2200 ext.
7070
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 10
DATE OF REPORT: July 3, 2023
REPORT NO.: DSD -2023-317
SUBJECT: Notice of Intention to Designate 64 Water Street North under Part IV
of the Ontario Heritage Act
RECOMMENDATION:
That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to
publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 64
Water Street North as being of cultural heritage value or interest.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
• The purpose of this report is to request that Council publish a Notice of Intention to
Designate 64 Water Street North under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
• The key finding of this report is that 64 Water Street North meets 8 out 9 criteria for
designation under Ontario Regulation 9/06 (amended by Regulation 569/22) and has
been confirmed to be a significant cultural heritage resource.
• The are no financial implications.
• Community engagement included informing resident by posting this report with the
agenda in advance of the Heritage Kitchener Committee meeting, consulting and
collaborating with the owner regarding designation of this property, and consultation
with Heritage Kitchener. In addition, should Council choose to give notice of its intention
to designate, such notice will be served to the owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust,
and published in the local newspaper.
• This report supports the delivery of core services.
BACKGROUND:
The property municipally addressed as 64 Water Street North is located on the north side
of Water Street North near the intersection of Water Street North and Francis Street North
(Fig. 1). The property is currently occupied by a church, also known as the First Church of
Christ, Scientist, that was built in 1899-1900. The building has been designed by blending
certain architectural styles — the Arts and Crafts, Tudor revival, American Craftsman and the
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
Page 100 of 182
Shingle style. The building is currently listed as a non -designated building of cultural heritage
value or interest on the City's Municipal Heritage Register.
236
234
REPORT:
613
r
H..
4� of,
52k\ -`
42
CITY.C�,1.11,1.� �•
Figure 1
r
• � Twc a
. ,"-a•n�
CJ3 i,
43
JJf.
Location Map of 64 Water Street North.
Identifying and protecting cultural heritage resources within the City of Kitchener is an
important part of planning for the future, and helping to guide change while conserving the
buildings, structures, and landscapes that give the City of Kitchener its unique identity. The
City plays a critical role in the conservation of cultural heritage resources. The designation
of property under the Ontario Heritage Act is the main tool to provide long-term protection
of cultural heritage resources for future generations. Designation recognizes the importance
of a property to the local community-, protects the property's cultural heritage value-,
encourages good stewardship and conservation-, and promotes knowledge and
understanding about the property. Designation not only publicly recognizes and promotes
awareness, but it also provides a process for ensuring that changes to a property are
appropriately managed and that these changes respect the property's cultural heritage value
and interest.
The property municipally addressed as 64 Water Street North is recognized for its design,
associative, and contextual values. The building is a two- and -a -half storey unique example
of a church that has been designed with many different architectural styles blending together
(Fig. 2 & 3).
Page 101 of 182
I
w+ 91,E � Yira!! w ���� �� i i. �.� .�:,,�e yF • -a � `, `��IND
� J
-rte
S
-711
The cultural heritage value of the church was assessed using Ontario Regulation 9/06, and
it was concluded that the church met 8 out of 9 criteria:
1. The property has design value or physical value because it is a rare, unique,
representative, or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction
method.
2. The property has design value or physical value because it displays a high degree of
craftsmanship or artistic merit.
3. The property has historical or associative value because it has direct associations
with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is
significant to a community.
4. The property has historical or associative value because it yields, or has the potential
to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture.
5. The property has historical or associative value because it demonstrates or reflects
the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer, or theorist who is significant
to a community.
6. The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or
supporting the character of an area.
7. The property has contextual value because it is physically, functionally, visually, or
historically linked to its surroundings.
8. The property has contextual value because it is a landmark.
A detailed explanation of this property's cultural heritage value can be found in the proposed
Statement of Significance for the property (Attachment A).
Desipn/Physical Value
Exterior
The existing church has been designed by blending a variety of architectural styles together,
which is rare and unique in the context of Kitchener. These architectural styles include the
Arts and Crafts style, Tudor Revival style, Old English style, American Craftsman style, and
the Shingle style. This church was not built in the Gothic style, which was the norm at the
time in Kitchener (known then as Berlin), which makes this church even more unique. The
church was built in 1899-1900, and still retains almost all of its original elements, and is in
excellent condition. This church was the first Christian Science church that was built in what
was then known as the British Empire.
The foundation is high and made if large pieces of rough rubblestone, laid with very fine
joints. The style and height of rough rubblestone is very unique, as most buildings do not
have a foundation design that is neither this high, nor made with such large stones. On the
front facade, above the foundation, the exterior of the building is cladded with `half-timbered'
stucco, drawing from the Tudor revival architectural style, with shingles at the main gable
peak on the front fagade.
The building is irregularly shaped, with a low but complex cedar roof. The main entrance
portion of the building has a gable end with a large semi -circular original stained-glass
sunburst window. The complex roofing system with the use of gable roofs with shingles and
the prominent circular tower are representative of the Old English and Shingle styles. Two
Page 103 of 182
sets of heavy double oak doors with large decorative black iron hardware and surmounted
by semi -circular transom windows provide access to Water Street, with a similar single door
leading to Francis Street on the rear facade. A wide variety of leaded and colored glass
windows contain small diamond-shaped panes. The sanctuary inside is illuminated from the
east by a large semi -circular sunburst window of leaded amber glass. The complex cedar
shingle roof dominates the building as does the prominent round tower, positioned at the
apex of the triangular lot at the corner of Francis and Water streets. The round tower also
includes a granite corner date stone inscribed `1899' was quarried in Concord, New
Hampshire, which was the home of Mary Eddy Baker, founder of the Christian Science
Society, and laid on October 12, 1899. All the doors and windows of the church are original
and operational.
The building has two corner towers, one located towards the front corner on the building
which extends all the way to the rear fagade, and one located on the rear facade, which
partially extends to the front. The rear fagade of the building is also rich in architectural
details. It includes a flat-topped, five -sided turret to the circular tower on the right side of the
building. Next to this is a small balcony supported by wooden columns on the upper storey,
with a rectangular are and the other corner tower and a chimney towards the other end of
the building.
The design was adapted to fit on this tight triangular building site, with the principal facades
facing onto two streets. Turn -of -the -20th -century examples in major cities like Toronto, New
York and Chicago resulting in triangular-shaped structures are often known as "flat iron"
buildings. Not only can this church be compared to the "flat iron" design found in other major
cities, but it is also similar in its siting on a triangular lot to the Christian Science Mother
Church in Boston, Massachusetts, built in 1894 (Fig. 5).Overall, the building is in excellent
condition, with no major alterations to the exterior.
Page 104 of 182
Figure 5. The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts. Source: Sarah Nicols
Interior
The interior of the church retains all of its original elements — including all the original
woodwork inside the entrance hall of the church (Fig. 6 & 7). The design reflects closely the
practice of Christian Science and the interior spaces function well. The sanctuary is wide
and open with pews aligned in an arc around the dais. Adorned by black ash wainscoting, it
can hold up to 400 people and contains a 1,000 -plus -pipe Casavant Frbres organ built in St.
Hyacinthe, Quebec, installed in 1911 and electrified in 1953. The Christian Science Reading
Room was originally located on the ground floor of the circular tower with the board room
above. The Reading Room found a new home next door in the 1950s (now known as 58
Water Street North). A Sunday School with a rusticated granite fireplace was established in
the lower storey in 1936. The interior of the church also remains largely unaltered, with the
exception of two wooden support beams towards the front of the sanctuary that were
installed to help support the roof of the building.
Page 105 of 182
Historical/Associative Value
This building has significant historical and associative value. This church was the first
Christian Scientist church built outside of the United States of America, in what was then
known as the British Empire. The faith was established by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th
century, who was from New England. It follows a "set of beliefs and practices" that were
formalized by Eddy, who, through her own personal experiences, believed in an alternative
method of Christian healing. The First Church of Christ, Scientist, was built in Boston,
Massachusetts. It was also built on a triangular plot of land. As mentioned above, the
placement and siting of the church mimicked the Mother Church in Boston.
Meetings of the Christian Science Society were first held in Berlin in 1892. The faith was
brought to Berlin by Sarah and Samuel Williams when she, along with her husband, moved
to Berlin from Toronto. Sarah Williams started hosting regular Bible lessons, and in some
time, was joined by other influential people in Berlin at the time — Mrs. Agenora Greene,
Mrs. Christina M Hall, and Mrs. Mary E. West, and soon enough Christian Science started
gaining momentum in the society. The meetings were first held at Sarah Williams' home,
but with new members joining, the first public meeting was held in a small office on Queen
Street. With the congregation growing quickly, the office on Queen Street became too small,
and the meetings started to be held in the Judge's Chambers at the Court House. The need
for a dedicated space became imperative, and a building fund was established in May 1896
and within a year, the congregation moved to a house at 11 Roy Street.
It took just six years for the fast-growing congregation to acquire the land and funds in order
to begin construction on this site at a cost of $6,000. Sarah Williams was instrumental in
securing the land for the church, appearing before the Town Council on May 29, 1899, and
on her request, Council agreed to donate the land at the corner of Francis Street North and
Water Street North. Council's willingness to donate the land at Mrs. William's request
showed the popularity and interest in Christian Science at the time. Dedication services were
held August 2, 1900. It was the "first entirely new house of praise erected in the British
Empire by the Christian Scientists.". However, not only was this the first Christian Science
church to be built in present-day Canada, but the influential people who the brought the
church to Berlin in the first place- Sarah and Samuel Williams- also contribute to the
historical and associative cultural heritage value of the church.
Sarah and Samuel Williams
Sarah Williams was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1860, and Samuel Williams was born in
Madison, Indiana in 1853. They moved to Toronto in 1880 upon their marriage and were
part of the first Christian Science meeting that was held in Toronto (it was the first Christian
Science meeting to be held outside of the United States). They brought Christian Science
with them to Berlin when they moved upon the birth of their first child. Once in Berlin, they
founded the church along with other prominent members of the society at the time that
included Agenora Greene, William Greene Jr, Elinor Edwards, Christina M. Hall and Mary
E. West. In the initial days of the church, Mrs. Williams also acted as First Reader.
Page 107 of 182
It was in Berlin that Samuel Williams established many successful businesses and became
a prominent member of society at that time. His businesses and contributions to Berlin
included the William, Greene and Rome Co. manufacturing company, which was at one time
on Queen Street South, and the Arrow Shirt Factory.
Sarah Williams hosted regular Bible lessons at her house, and essentially started the
movement in Berlin along with her husband. As mentioned above, she also successfully
acquired the land where the church was built. It was also Sarah Williams that retained
architect, Joseph H. Taft, to design the church.
Joseph H. Taft
The task of designing the church was given to the one of the most successful architects and
firms of that time — Joseph H. Taft who worked at McKim, Mead & White. Taft designed this
building blending different styles of architecture together, but also bringing the "Shingle
Style" to Kitchener, which was an American style made popular by the New England school
of Architecture. Casper Braun, a local builder was the contractor, and Charles Knetchel
prepared the working plans.
Andrew Taft is also known for designing many Manhattan brownstone terraced townhomes
(many of which are now designated and protected), shingled seaside homes in New
England, and even laboratories for Thomas Edison. Taft first appears in New York City in
1887 and continues to practice there until 1909. He was a member of the Architectural
League of New York, and an Associate of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts & Sciences.
Contextual Value
The church also has significant contextual value because of its location. The church still
exists in its original location, on a triangular plot of land located at the intersection of two
streets at a sharp angle. This plot of land was purposely chosen to mimic the Mother Church
in Boston. Furthermore, because of its prominent but unique form and architecture, this
building has been recognized as a landmark in the community.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage attributes of this building are:
• All elements related to the construction, architecture, and style of the building
including:
o Exterior Elements:
■ Rugged Fieldstone raised foundation;
■ Half-timbered upper storey with roughcast stucco panels;
■ Prominent Round Towers and smaller half tower (on the rear fagade);
■ Granite cornerstone inscribed `1899';
■ Complex Cedar shingle roof;
■ Cedar shingle gable end on the front fagade;
■ Window and window openings, including semi -circular transom
windows, large semi -circular sunburst window of leaded amber glass,
and leaded and coloured glass windows containing small diamond-
shaped panes;
Page 108 of 182
■ Door and door openings, including single and double oak doors with
decorative black iron hardware;
■ Flat-topped five -sided turret;
■ Tall yellow brick chimney; and
■ Balcony supported by wooden columns.
o Interior Elements:
■ The 1911 Pipe Organ located in the central hallway;
■ Interior woodwork trim and wainscotting, specially in the entrance hall
and the central hallway of the church;
■ Tudor-esque detailing surrounding the Pipe Organ.
• All elements related to its historical and associative values as the first purpose-built
church for Christian Science in present-day Canada; and
All elements related to its contextual value including:
o Its original location;
o The prominent triangular piece of land at the corner of Water and Francis
Streets.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of
the Heritage Kitchener committee meeting.
CONSULT and COLLABORATE — Heritage Planning staff have consulted and collaborated
with the applicant and owner regarding implementation of the recommendations of the HIA,
including designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. The owner has confirmed their support
for designation subject to consideration by Heritage Kitchener and Council.
Section 29(2) of the Ontario Heritage Act requires Council to consult with the Municipal
Heritage Committee (Heritage Kitchener) before giving notice of its intention to designate a
property. Heritage Kitchener will be consulted via circulation and consideration of this report
(see INFORM above). Members of the community will be informed via circulation of this
report to Heritage Kitchener and via formal consideration by Council. In addition, should
Council choose to give notice of its intention to designate, such notice will be served on the
property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust, and published in the local newspaper (The
Record). Once notice has been served, the owner has the right of appeal to the Ontario
Land Tribunal. It should be noted that should Council decide not to proceed with a Notice of
Intention to Designate, that the building will remain on the City's Municipal Heritage Register
until January 1, 2025, after which it will be removed according to the changes enacted by
Page 109 of 182
Bill 23. Once removed, it cannot re -listed on the Register again for five (5) years, i.e. January
1, 2030.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
• Ontario Heritage Act, 2022
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Proposed Statement of Significance for 64 Water Street North
Page 110 of 182
1
KTCHE�ER
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
64 WATER STREET NORTH
64
1 p i
q,1
,
50 ,
728 1
56
49 PoA COS
42
1R ^✓ .��,,.• `' ��� CI TY. C[7i11,t[F?Y� � •� � f '�i�
49
46
3 D..
39 . F 156
Summary of Significance
❑x Design/Physical Value ®Social Value
❑x Historical/Associative Value ❑Economic Value
❑x Contextual Value ❑Environmental Value
Municipal Address- 64 Water Street North
Legal Description- Plan 41, Part Lots 14 & 15
Year Built- 1899-1900
Architectural Style- Shingle Style, Arts and Crafts, Tudor Revival Style,
Architect- Joseph H. Taft
Original Owner- First Church of Christ, Scientist
Original Use- Church
Page 111 of 182
1
KTbc E�ER
Condition: Excellent
Descriation of Cultural Heritaae Resource
64 Water Street North is a late 19th century unique church built by blending a variety of
architectural styles together, including the Shingle Style, Tudor Revival Style, Arts and
Crafts, American Craftsman Style, and Old English Style of architecture. The building is
situated on a 0.13 -acre parcel of land located on a prominent triangular lot at the corner
of Francis Street North and Water Street North in the City Commercial Core Planning
Community of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource
that contributes to the heritage value is the church building and the triangular plot of land.
Heritage Value
64 Water Street North is known for its significant design/physical, historical/associative,
and contextual values.
Desian/Phvsical Value
The design and physical values relate to the architectural style that is in excellent
condition with many intact original elements.
Exterior
The existing church has been designed blending a variety of architectural styles together
— which is rare and unique in the context of Kitchener. These architectural styles include
the Arts and Crafts style, Tudor Revival style, American Craftsman style, Old English
Style and the Shingle style. This church was not built in the Gothic style, which was the
norm at the time in Berlin, which makes this church even more unique. The church was
built in 1899-1900, and still retains almost all of its original elements, and is in excellent
condition. This church was the first Christian Science church that was built in what was
then known as the British Empire.
The foundation is high and made of large pieces of rough rubblestone, laid with very fine
joints. The style of rough rubblestone is very unique, as most buildings do not have a
foundation design that is neither this high, nor made with such large stones. On the front
facade, above the foundation, the exterior of the building is cladded with `half-timbered'
stucco, drawing from the Tudor revival architectural style, with shingles at the main gable
peak on the front fagade.
The building is irregularly shaped, with a low but complex cedar roof. The main entrance
portion of the building has a gable end with a large semi -circular original stained-glass
sunburst window — which depicts a `rising sun'. The complex roofing system with the use
of gable roofs with shingles and the prominent circular tower are representative of the Old
English and Shingle styles. Two sets of heavy double oak doors with large decorative
Page 112 of 182
1
I�1 R
black iron hardware and surmounted by semi -circular transom windows provide access
to Water Street, with a similar single door leading to Francis Street on the rear facade. A
wide variety of leaded and colored glass windows contain small diamond-shaped panes.
The sanctuary inside is illuminated from the east by a large semi -circular sunburst window
of leaded amber glass. The complex cedar shingle roof dominates the building as does
the prominent round tower, positioned at the apex of the triangular lot at the corner of
Francis and Water streets. The round tower also includes a granite corner date stone
inscribed `1899' was quarried in Concord, New Hampshire, the home of Mary Eddy Baker,
founder of the Christian Science Society, and laid on October 12, 1899. All the doors and
windows of the church are original and operational.
The building has two corner towers, one located towards the front corner on the building
which extends all the way to the rear facade, and one located on the rear fagade, which
partially extends to the front. The rear fagade of the building is also rich in architectural
details. It includes a flat-topped, five -sided turret to the circular tower on the right side of
the building. Next to this is a small balcony supported by wooden columns on the upper
storey, with a rectangular are and the other corner tower and a chimney towards the other
end of the building.
The design was adapted to fit on this tight triangular building site, with the principal
facades facing onto two streets. Turn -of -the -20th -century examples in major cities like
Toronto, New York and Chicago resulting in triangular-shaped structures are often known
as "flat iron" buildings. Not only can this church be compared to the "flat iron" design found
in other major cities, but it is also similar in its siting on a triangular lot to the Christian
Science Mother Church in Boston built in 1894
Interior
The interior of the church retains all of its original elements — including all the original
woodwork inside the entrance hall of the church (Fig. 5 & 6). The design reflects closely
the practice of Christian Science and the interior spaces function well. The sanctuary is
wide and open with pews aligned in an arc around the dais. Adorned by black ash
wainscoting, it can hold up to 400 people and contains a 1,000 -plus -pipe Casavant Freres
organ built in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, installed in 1911 and electrified in 1953. The
Christian Science Reading Room was originally located on the ground floor of the circular
tower with the board room above. The Reading Room found a new home next door in the
1950s (now known as 58 Water Street North). A Sunday School with a rusticated granite
fireplace was established in the lower storey in 1936.
Historical/Associative Value
This building has significant historical and associative value. This church was the first
Christian Scientist church built in what was then known as the British Empire. The faith
Page 113 of 182
1
I�1 R
was established by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th century, who was from New England.
It followed a "set of beliefs and practices" that were formalized by Eddy, who, through her
own personal experiences, believed in an alternative method of Christian healing. The
First Church of Christ, Scientist, was built in Boston, Massachusetts. It was also built on
a triangular plot of land.
Meetings of the Christian Science Society were first held in Berlin in 1892. This was
triggered by Sarah and Samuel's move to Berlin after the birth of their first child. Prior to
this, they had been living in Toronto and were sure to have attended the first Christian
Science meeting that took place in Toronto (it was also the first meeting to take place
outside of the United Stated) at the home of John Stewart and his wife Isabella Hendry
Macmillan Stewart at 83 Denison Avenue. For the next 18 months, Sarah Williams hosted
regular Bible study lessons in her home, where she was joined by Angora Greene,
Christina M. Hall and Mary E. West.
The church was organized on December 25, 1894, which the first public meeting being
held in a small office on Queen Street, a former law office. Once the formal organization
has taken place, the congregation established a reading room in that building where it
held regular services on Friday evening and on Sunday. Through these regular meetings
and with time, the congregation began to grow quickly. By 1896, the Queen Street room
had become too small for gatherings, so the congregation started meeting in the Judge's
Chambers at the Court House, which was provided to them free of cost. Furthermore, a
building fund was also established in May 1986 and within a year, the congregation
moved to a house at 11 Roy Street.
It took just six years for the fast-growing congregation to donate the land and funds in
order to begin construction on this site at a cost of $6,000. 1899 was an important year
for the congregation as on March 11, three members of the church — Sarah Williams,
Elinor Edwards and William Greene Jr) traveled to London, Ontario to attend a Christian
Science lecture. Less than three weeks later, that lecturer, Mr. Carol Norton of New York
City, arrived in Berlin to deliver another lecture and stayed with Sarah and Samuel
Williams. Mr. Norton was a very popular Christian Scientist and had been appointed by
Marry Baker Eddy herself, as one of the first five members of the Board of Lectureship.
His services in Berlin and Toronto were extremely well-received. Sarah Williams, building
on this momentum, went ahead with implementing her plans to build a Christian Scientist
Church and appeared before the Council on May 29, 1899. She spoke to Council
regarding the triangular plot of land at the corner of Francis and Water Streets. Her
request was readily granted with the Council minutes noting:
"Moved by Karl Mueller and seconded by Mr. A.L. Breithaupt that the request of
Mrs. S. J. Williams secretary of First Church of Christian Scientist [sic] re
transferring a certain lot registered in Deed 13286 be granted and the necessary
transfer of the lot mentioned be made at once. Carried."
Page 114 of 182
1
KITCHE�ER
The readiness to approve Sarah Williams request on the part of Council indicates the
interest in Christian Science at that time.
The cornerstone was laid on October 12, 1899, and was quarried from Concord, New
Hampshire, the hometown of Mary Baker Eddy. Dedication services were held August 2,
1900. It was the "first entirely new house of praise erected in the British Empire by the
Christian Scientists." The church in Kitchener was the first church to be built outside of
the United States, and at a time when present day Kitchener came within the British
Empire. At the dedication services were visitors from various Christian Science churches
in Ontario, the United States, and even London, England. Mr. Carol Norton also sent a
special letter greeting in response to a special invitation to attend. Not only was this the
first Christian Science church to be built in present-day Canada, but of note are the
influential people who brought the faith to Berlin in the first place; Sarah and Samuel
Williams and the architect who designed it — Andrew H. Taft.
Sarah and Samuel Williams
Sarah Williams was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1860, and Samuel Williams was born
in Madison, Indiana in 1853. They moved to Toronto in 1880 upon their marriage and
were part of the first Christian Science meeting that was held in Toronto (it was the first
Christian Science meeting to be held outside of the United States). They brought Christian
Science with them to Berlin when they moved upon the birth of their first child. Once in
Berlin, they founded the church along with other prominent members of the society at the
time that included Agenora Greene, William Greene Jr, Elinor Edwards, Christina M. Hall
and Mary E. West. In the initial days of the church, Mrs. Williams also acted as First
Reader.
It was in Berlin that Samuel Williams established many successful businesses and
became a prominent member of society at that time. His businesses and contributions to
Berlin included the William, Greene and Rome Co. manufacturing company, that was at
one on Queen Street South, and the Arrow Shirt Factory.
It was Sarah Williams that led the efforts of retaining land for the church, and also retained
architect, Joseph H. Taft, to design the church, as their families might have become
acquainted while their time in New York.
Joseph H. Taft
The task of designing the church was given to the one of the most successful architects
and firms of that time — Joseph H. Taft who worked at McKim, Mead & White. Taft
designed this building blending different styles of architecture together, but also bringing
the "Shingle Style" to Kitchener, which was an American style made popular by the New
Page 115 of 182
1
I�1 R
England school of Architecture. Casper Braun, a local builder was the contractor, and
Charles Knetchel prepared the working plans.
Andrew Taft is also known for designing many Manhattan brownstone terraced
townhomes (many of which are now designated and protected), shingled seaside homes
in New England, and even laboratories for Thomas Edison. Taft first appears in New York
City in 1887 and continues to practice there until 1909. He was a member of the
Architectural League of New York, and an Associate of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts &
Sciences.
Contextual Value
The church also has significant contextual value because of its location. The church still
exists in its original location, on a triangular plot of land located at the intersection of two
streets at a sharp angle. This plot of land was purposely chosen to mimic the Mother
Church in Boston. Furthermore, because of its prominent but unique architecture, this
building has been recognized as a landmark in the community.
Social Value
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, has significant social value as a place of worship
that has been Kitchener for over a century. This building has been providing these
services for over 100 years and as mentioned in its contextual value, has become a
landmark and a place of importance in the community. Places of worship often provide
intangible community value as a place where people gather during, and is often a central
piece of a community.
Heritaae Attributes
The heritage attributes of this building are
• All elements related to the construction, architecture, and style of the building
including:
o Exterior Elements:
■ Rugged Fieldstone raised foundation;
■ Half-timbered upper -storey with roughcast stucco panels;
■ Prominent Round Towers and smaller half tower (on the rear
fagade);
■ Granite cornerstone inscribed `1899';
■ Complex Cedar shingle roof;
■ Cedar shingle gable end on the front fagade;
■ Window and window openings, including: semi -circular transom
windows, large semi -circular sunburst window of leaded amber
glass, and leaded and coloured glass windows containing small
diamond-shaped panes;
Page 116 of 182
1
KITC1IENER
■ Door and door openings, including: single and double oak doors with
decorative black iron hardware,
■ Flat-topped five -sided turret,
■ Tall yellow brick chimney; and
■ Balcony supported by wooden columns.
o Interior Elements:
■ The 1911 Pipe Organ located in the central hallways,
■ Interior woodwork trim and wainscotting, specially in the entrance
hall and the central hallway of the church;
■ Tudor-esque detailing surrounding the Pipe Organ.
• All elements related to its historical and associative values as the first purpose-
built church for Christian Science in present-day Canada; and
• All elements related to its contextual value including:
o Its original location;
o The prominent triangular piece of land at the corner of Water and Francis
Streets.
References
Kessler, K. (2022) Playing All Angles: Kitchener church puts own spin on famous flatiron design, Grand
Design
Mavor, S.S. (2019), Christian Science, Commerce and Culture: The Experience in Berlin/Kitchener 1982-
1943, Waterloo Historical Society vol. 107, pp. 115-148
Moser, P. (2000), First Church of Christ Scientist— Eclectic Architecture an International Blend, The Record,
accessed at Kitchener Public Library Archives
Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, Taft, Joseph H., 1800-1950, accessed
http://www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.ore/node/2092
Wolfhard, D. (1983), Historical Sketch of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Kitchener, Ontario, accessed from
Kitchener Public Library Archives
Page 117 of 182
Photos
Water Street North Elevation
1
KrTcHEN�R
Page 118 of 182
1
Rear Fagade of 64 Water Street North facing Francis Street North
Page 119 of 182
1
KrTcHEN�R
Page 120 of 182
I
full m
1
Page 123 of 182
1
KrTcHEN�R
CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM
64 Water Street North Deeksha Choudhry
Address: Recorder:
First Church of Christ, Scientist
Description:
(date of construction, architectural style, etc)
Photographs Attached:
Date:
May 31, 2023
❑X Front Facade ❑ Left Fagade ❑ Right Fagade X Rear Facade ❑ Details ❑ Setting
Designation Criteria
Recorder —Heritage
Heritage Planning Staff
Kitchener Committee
1. This property has
design value or
N/A
X Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑
physical value
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
because it is a rare,
unique,
representative or
early example of a
style, type,
expression, material
or construction
method.
2. The property has
design value or
N/A
X Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑
physical value
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
because it displays a
high degree of
craftsmanship or
artistic merit.
3. The property has
design value or
N/A
X Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑ Unknown ❑ No X
physical value
Yes
❑
Yes
❑
because it
demonstrates a high
degree of technical or
scientific
achievement.
Page 124 of 182
I
Krrc f l.n�.R
* E.g. - constructed with a
unique material
combination or use,
incorporates challenging
geometric designs etc.
4. The property has
historical value or
N/A
❑X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑
associative value
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
because it has direct
associations with a
theme, event, belief,
person, activity,
organization or
institution that is
significant to a
community.
*Additional archival work
may be required.
5. The property has
historical o r
N/A
❑X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑
associative value
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
because it yields, or
has the potential to
yield, information
that contributes to an
understanding of a
community or
culture.
* E.g - A commercial
building may provide an
understanding of how the
economic development of
the City occured.
Additional archival work
may be required.
6. The property has
historical value or
N/A
❑X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑
associative value
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
because it
demonstrates or
reflects the work or
ideas of an architect,
artist, builder,
Page 125 of 182
I
Krrc f l.n�.R
designer or theorist
who is significant to a
community.
*Additional archival work
may be required.
7. The property has
contextual value
N/A
X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑
because it is
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
important in defining,
maintaining or
supporting the
character of an area.
* E.g. - It helps to define
an entrance point to a
neighbourhood or helps
establish the (historic)
rural character of an area.
8. The property has
contextual value
N/A
X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑
because it is
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
physically,
functionally, visually
or historically linked
to its surroundings.
*Additional archival work
may be required.
9. The property has
contextual value
N/A
X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑
because it is a
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
landmark.
*within the region, city or
neighborhood.
Notes
This building is a significant cultural heritage resource in Kitchener.
Page 126 of 182
1
KrTcHEN�R
Additional Criteria
Recorder
Heritage Planning Staff
Interior: Is the interior
arrangement, finish,
N/A
❑X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑
Unknown ❑ No ❑
craftsmanship and/or
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
detail noteworthy?
Completeness: Does this
structure have other
N/A
XUnknown
El No El
N/A
El
Unknown El No X
original outbuildings,
Yes
❑
Yes
❑
notable landscaping or
external features that
complete the site?
Site Integrity: Does the
structure occupy its
N/A
❑X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑
Unknown ❑ No ❑
original site?
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
* If relocated, is it relocated on
its original site, moved from
another site, etc.
Alterations: Does this
building retain most of its
N/A
❑X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑
Unknown ❑ No ❑
original materials and
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
design features? Please
refer to the list of heritage
attributes within the
Statement of Significance
and indicate which
elements are still existing
and which ones have been
removed.
Alterations: Are there
additional elements or
N/A
❑X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑
Unknown ❑ No ❑X
features that should be
Yes
❑
Yes
❑
added to the heritage
attribute list?
Condition: Is the building
in good condition?
N/A
❑X
Unknown ❑ No ❑
N/A
❑
Unknown ❑ No ❑
Yes
❑
Yes
❑X
*E.g. - Could be a good
candidate for adaptive re -use if
possible and contribute towards
Page 127 of 182
equity -building and climate
change action.
Indigenous History: Could
this site be of importance
to Indigenous heritage
and history?
*E.g. - Site within 300m of water
sources, near distinct
topographical land, or near
cemeteries might have
archaeological potential and
indigenous heritage potential.
Could there be any urban
Indigenous history
associated with the
property?
* Additional archival work may
be required.
Function: What is the
present function of the
subject property?
* Other may include vacant,
social, institutional, etc. and
important for the community
from an equity building
perspective.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Does the subject property
contribute to the cultural
heritage of a community
of people?
Does the subject property
have intangible value to a
specific community of
people?
* E.g.- Waterloo Masjid (Muslim
Society of Waterloo &
Wellington Counties) was the
first established Islamic Center
and Masjid in the Region and
N/A X Unknown ❑ No ❑ Yes
❑ Additional Research Required
N/A ❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑ Yes
❑ Additional Research Required
Unknown ❑ Residential ❑
Commercial ❑
Office ❑ Other ❑ -
N/A X Unknown ❑ No ❑ Yes
❑ Additional Research Required
N/A X Unknown ❑ No ❑ Yes
❑ Additional Research Required
N/A ❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑ Yes
El
❑X Additional Research Required
N/A ❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑ Yes
El
❑X Additional Research Required
Unknown ❑ Residential ❑ Co
mmercial ❑
Office ❑ Other ❑X -
Place of Worship
N/A ❑ Unknown ❑ No X Yes
El
❑ Additional Research Required
N/A ❑ Unknown ❑ No X Yes
❑ Additional Research Required
Page 128 of 182
Notes about Additional Criteria Examined
Recommendation
Does this property meet the definition of a significant built heritage resource, and should it
be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act? (Does it meet two or more of the
designation criteria?)
N/A ❑ Unknown ❑ No ❑ Yes ❑X
If not, please select the appropriate action for follow-up
❑ Keep on the Municipal Heritage Register
❑ Remove from the Municipal Heritage Register
❑ Additional Research Required
Other:
General / Additional Notes
TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF:
Date of Property Owner Notification:
Page 129 of 182