Montreal’s Finnish Church Home is located in a district of the city known as “the Square Mile”. In the second half of the 19th century, as the city expanded from its early beginnings along the St Lawrence River, the orchards, farms and country estates on the southern slope of Mount Royal developed into a wealthy residential district for Montreal’s affluent merchants, industrialists, and business tycoons.
The home that the Finnish community purchased in May 1960 was built in 1870. It and its neighbour are what remain of “four Gothic cottages” that stood side by side and were designed by famous Montreal architect John James Browne (son of another prominent architect, George Browne). The “cottages” were built on farmland that had belonged to the McGregor-Auld family and was divided up into building lots in 1868. They are the oldest houses on the street and are much more modest in size and style than the mansions that were built around them. The “cottages” were called “gothic” because their decorative features were inspired by the Gothic Revival style that was fashionable at the time. Both houses were subsequently altered. The house which is now the Finnish Church Home was altered in 1920 and expanded in 1929 by the very reputable Montreal firm of architects Barott & Blackader.
The property consists of a corner house, a charming wall-enclosed garden, and a coach-house (garage with a little apartment on top) at the bottom of the garden. The same grey stone is used throughout. The property has retained its integrity; it looks like a home and is a home. It was owned by the same family from 1929 to 1960. The Finnish Church has owned it for more years than any of the previous owners. The property serves the Finnish Church community well. Its maintenance and preservation are however a challenge. We need help.
