Friends of Third Avenue United: Great Progress

We are proud of our progress. Since summer we have partnered with the U of S, Stantec Consulting, Saskatoon Tourism, Great Places, and The Partnership. We have assembled a great board of directors who have collectively founded or helped oversee more than 35 Saskatoon non-profits. We have become the home of Amati String Quartet, Metro Jazz Band, Saskatoon Youth Orchestra, and Saskatoon Children’s Choir. We have programmed many great shows including the successful Summer Proms and Tafelmusik, which has been described as “The world’s greatest baroque orchestra.” We plan to announce four shows of comparable stature for the coming season. We have received hundreds of grassroots donations from people who believe in our vision, and we have contributed significantly to the congregations finances. We continue to develop important partnerships, and we plan some exciting announcements soon, but time is running out. The congregation will decide between us and the other bidder in early January and it’s not clear who they favour. The differences are stark. Please come to the Tafelmusik concert Wednesday Nov 28^th at 8pm and show your support.

Interesting Facts

The massive hand painted stained glass windows are 8.2 meters wide at the base and 6.7 at the top. They are considered among the largest art installations in the province.

It would cost approximately $39 million to recreate the Church's stonework at today's market rate of $185 per square foot.

The church is based on an English Gothic design of solid stone construction. In 1913 it was described as "one of the most architecturally beautiful edifices in Canada".

Nearby Knox United church has already been heritage designated.

Third Avenue Church has the largest sanctuary (open space) of any United Church on the prairies and the third largest in the country.

A realtor offered the congregation $1.5 million for the church, justifying the low price by the high cost of demolition.

A copper time capsule is buried in the cornerstone of the church, which was laid by the city of Saskatoon's first mayor, James Clinkskill, and by Walter Murray, the first U of S president. Dr. Murray is quoted as calling the building “The first permanent home of religion in Saskatoon.”

Musicians insist the building has the best acoustics in Saskatoon. Renowned international pianist Jan Lisiecki said the acoustics in the church were better than the Salle Pleyel in Paris.

1100 people were seated at the last Jan Lisiecki concert.

U of S convocation ceremonies were held at Third Avenue United Church from 1931 to 1949.

The Church is already on the Holding Bylaw, which allows City Council to delay a demolition order for up to 60 days.

In the 1920's CFQC provided live broadcasts from the church, including organ recitals.

The large Casavant pipe organ cost $10,000 in 1912 and is in great condition today.

Originally the building was lit by hammered brass chandeliers, or "electroliers" as they were called by ThePhoenix, due to the novelty of electric lighting at the time.

The base and foundation are made of native limestone, processed within five miles of the city. Both appear to be in good condition. The stonework exterior walls are softly tinted buff Tyndall stone shipped from Winnipeg.

5 Ways You Can Help

1. Come enjoy the performances, and bring lots of friends. Click here for event listings.Email this website to everyone in your contact list who might be interested.

2. Donate money to Third Avenue Centre. Cheques should be written to "Third Avenue Centre" and should be mailed to their attention at the Third Avenue United Church, 304 3rd Avenue North.

3. If you know anyone who might need to book space in the Church for a performance or event please ask them to contact Third Avenue Centre for rates.

4. Help us find partners who can contribute to Concert Hall revenue as long term future users of the performance space.

5. Share this site on Facebook by clicking at top left of this page.

Friends of Third Avenue United

Great Progress – But Time Is Running Out

Stained Glass

Followers

Unique Ceiling