Historic Walking Tour Explores the Legacy of Holy Street

The transformation of Burrows Avenue in Winnipeg’s North End is a focal point of an upcoming walking tour, highlighting its historical significance as Holy Street. This nine-block stretch, once home to eight churches and one synagogue, reflects the diverse religious landscape that shaped the community in the early 20th century.

Kenneth Ingram, president of the Seven Oaks Historical Society, will lead the tour titled “Facades & Faith: Sacred Spaces of the North End,” scheduled for March 17, 2024, at 1 p.m. The tour begins at the corner of Burrows and Charles and aims to narrate the history of the area through its places of worship.

Ingram emphasizes that understanding the history of the North End is deeply intertwined with its religious institutions. “One way to understand the history of the North End is through its places of worship,” he stated, noting how these structures reflect the shifts in immigration and demographics over the decades.

The churches that once adorned Holy Street included St. Giles Presbyterian, Tabernacle Baptist Church (later known as the House of Ashkenazi Synagogue), St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church, Salem Reformed Church, North End Mennonite Brethren Church, Robertson Memorial Presbyterian Church, St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, and St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church. Ingram reflects on the street’s past, describing it as “one of the most beautiful and picturesque streets in Winnipeg,” populated with stately homes and these significant religious buildings.

Today, the landscape has changed significantly. Many of the original church buildings no longer serve their initial purposes; some have been abandoned, while others are occupied by different congregations. For instance, the former St. Giles Presbyterian Church is now the Salam Masjid Mosque, and the former Robertson Memorial Presbyterian Church serves as a satellite congregation for Springs Church. The Ashkenazi Synagogue remains a vital part of the community as the last synagogue from at least 14 that once operated in the North End.

The tour will feature then-and-now photographs to illustrate the transformation of Burrows Avenue and its sacred spaces. Ingram believes these visual comparisons will help participants appreciate the historical context and current realities of the area.

For those interested in diving deeper into the religious and cultural history of Winnipeg’s North End, registration for the tour can be completed online at wfp.to/holystreet. This initiative not only highlights the architectural beauty of the historic churches but also underscores their role as cultural landmarks that once anchored immigrant communities, reflecting their shared beliefs and identities.

John Longhurst, a seasoned writer for Winnipeg’s faith pages, has contributed to the narrative surrounding these sacred spaces, capturing the essence of their historical significance and ongoing evolution. Through community engagement and educational opportunities like this walking tour, the legacy of Holy Street continues to resonate in the heart of Winnipeg.