Wesley Church / Calgary Opera - Calgary, Alberta
Posted by: 
wildwoodke
N 51° 02.464 W 114° 04.754
11U E 704749 N 5658451
This building was the former home of Wesley United Church and is now the Calgary Opera in downtown Calgary, Alberta.
Waymark Code: WMDDRM
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 12/30/2011
Views: 3
"In July of 2005 Calgary Opera took over the old Wesley United Church, converting it into the Calgary Opera Centre. Located in the busy Beltline District, at the corner of 13th Avenue and 7th Street S.W.
This building has a rich heritage and for many years was a house of worship, a Sunday school, and an important venue for ceremonies that marked the most momentous occasions in thousands of peoples’ lives.
In 1911, the Wesley congregation established a building fund for the church. Significant contributors included Senator James A. Lougheed, former mayor and provincial cabinet minister William H. Cushing, future mayor Herbert A. Sinott, and future Prime Minister R.B. Bennett.
In 1930, membership of the church exceeded its seating capacity. Assisted by a $10,000 donation from Lachlin McKinnon, the congregation built galleries that increased seating by 50%. The galleries were dedicated to the memory of pioneer mothers of Southern Alberta
Calgary Opera has converted the old Wesley Church into a working Opera Centre, where the company has its administrative offices, rehearsal hall, wardrobe shop, and education wing. Rehearsals, recitals, and events now take place in the beautiful and inspiring setting of the former sanctuary."
See Calgary Opera's Website:
(
visit link)