History of New Sanctuary in McDougall United Church Calgary by Barry Clayton March 12, 2025

Fundraising was started soon after the formation of the McDougall Church Foundation in 2002 and the decision by the congregation to expand the building. Thru 2005 Brian Dowse, Bill Paynter and Charlie Marshall worked with the architects, Bathory & Associates on designs, and had many consultations with the congregation. Demolition where needed, renovations, and new construction occurred thru 2006 -2007 on the main floor, and 2007-2008 on the lower floor with over 4000 hours of McDougall volunteer labour in addition to that of Hurst Construction crews. The first cost estimates were for a $2.5 million project, soon revised to $2.75, then $3.25, and when completed was $3.5 million. A $1.5 million line of credit was obtained from RBC for the project which was paid off in 10 years. The first part of the project completed were the offices, since this area was disrupted entirely at first. We moved (physically during the worship service) from the old sanctuary to the new on September 10, 2006 with an official dedication service October 22, 2006. The old sanctuary/office area was then developed into Hospitality Hall, kitchen, library, and storage spaces. Almost immediately thereafter the lower floor was renovated to provide the space Janus Academy had agreed to rent (they also funded the materials costs for these renovations).

Historically, McDougall United Church began with the first service in February 1961 in Fairview School with the Charter Service being held June 4, 1961. It then moved to a war surplus moved-in building on the property in March 1962. The original church building was built in 1964 at a cost of $91,741. The Narthex with improved entry and reception/meeting space was added to the west end in 1984. The 2006-8 renovation and expansion project remodeled the original building, and replaced the heating, most of the plumbing, and much of the electrical systems bringing these up to code. We have now been in the renovated building 19 years, and while no major structural changes are anticipated, continual maintenance will need to be funded to keep the building functional for the needs of the congregation.

To learn more about the McDougall Foundation, please visit their webpage.