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Looking towards the building from the south -
Highlighting the dramatic roof silhouette -
Exterior view of the cedar and copper cladding on the spire -
Main entrance -
Historic view of the sanctuary interior from the City of Ottawa archives -
Detail of the wooden pulpit and windows in the main sanctuary -
Detail of the wooden ceiling in the sanctuary highlighting the uplift -
Wooden pews
First Unitarian Church
First Unitarian Church is an expressive example of the modern movement in Ottawa, and is characterized by the use of wood. Four curvilinear glulam beams ascend from the horizontal, beyond the four corners of the sanctuary, to culminate seamlessly in a needle-like spire at the apex. The striking silhouette of the roof, clad in shingles and copper, is a visual landmark from the nearby John A. Macdonald Parkway.
The sanctuary is characterized by its corner entry, column-free space, subtle descent to the pulpit, and curved wood-clad ceiling. The windows, suspended light fixtures, ceiling, pulpit and pews all exhibit excellent design and craftsmanship in wood, and achieve a cohesive ensemble.
The First Unitarian Church garnered an award from the Ontario Association of Architects in 1967. Now part of a much-expanded campus for the congregation and its community, Craig and Kohler’s First Unitarian Church remains the focal point of the ensemble.