The Township of North Glengarry announced on September 11 that six properties in the area are to be designated as sites of cultural heritage and value.
The locations under the intent to designate include Maxville’s St. Elmo Presbyterian Church, St. Elmo Congregational Church, and 6 Church Street. Additionally, in Alexandria, the designation would apply to 101 Centre Street, 53 Dominion Street North, and 209-215 Main Street North.
The properties have been found by the township to possess two or more significant features of having design, physical, or contextual value under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Most notably, the St. Elmo Presbyterian Church was originally built in 1836 and is located at 1996 County Road 20. The church features rare and early examples of traditional red brick design that was common in 1830s Ontario. As one of the first congregations in the community, the building contributes to local understanding of the community Reverend Donald Gordon presided over.
Secondly, St. Elmo Congregational Church, located at 18191 Kenyon Concession 19, was established in 1837. The property hosts a closed porch, a single entrance, and a low-hipped roof that was built by Congregationalists, representative of how chapels were constructed at the time. The building also holds historical value as one of the earliest congregations under Reverend William McKillican, who immigrated to Canada in 1816.
Having been built in 1912, the property at 6 Church Street includes an intricate roof line with unique trim works that exemplify the type of material and construction methods of the period. Additionally, the home has associated historical value by being the former residence of John McEwen, Maxville’s first postmaster.
The late Victorian-style home featuring red brick, stain-glass windows, and ornate woodwork at 101 Centre Street was built in 1906. Serving as the former residence of author Dorothy Dumbrille between 1925 and 1981, the home shares historical history with the community. Dumbrille published several poetry collections, Deep Doorways (1941), and All This Difference (1945) while residing there.
53 Dominion Street North is believed to have been constructed in the 1850s, based on a copy of the property deed. The physical appearance represents an early example of mansard-style homes in Alexandria including a high degree of craftmanship and artistic merit.
Lastly, 209-215 Main Street North originally housed the only armoury in the region up until 1963. Constructed in 1913, the gable roof and decorative brickwork emphasize the traditional military design of the era, including the red brick façade. After ceasing its operation as an armoury, the venue hosted numerous community events and currently serves as part of the cultural hub of Alexandria.
Any person may submit a notice of their objection to the township office in Alexandria at 2720 County Road 34 by October 11. Individuals must include the reasoning for their objection and any relevant facts.
