Addition of Church Portico

Many visitors admire the wooden portico on the south side of St. Paul’s. There is an interesting history behind the addition.

The original version was was created by a movie art director, for filming taking place at the church. This temporary structure was so attractive (and functional) that parishioners decided to create a permanent one that was similar. John Belle, assisted by George Billington, took on the task, and inspiration was drawn from churches in Europe. The parish was fortunate to be able to rely on John’ Belle’s expertise. He was a “a Banker Mason” in England, a carver of stone. (According to John, “Banker” refers to the bank of stone on which you carve). John was educated at the Building Crafts College in Marlyebone, London, where he got his NVQ3, and was awarded the gold medal for student stonemason for England, Northern Ireland and Wales. He was then made an honorary member of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters of London, and made a citizen of the city of London by the Lord Mayor.

The motifs are trifoils representing the Holy Trinity, and the dedication is done in Times Roman - a nod to John’s stone masonry days. The angel ascending the ladder was inspired by Bath Cathedral. The portico has the Canadian Anglican crest on it.  John and George were also responsible for the two beautiful signs at the west and east bounds of the church property.

The photos below show the shipment of the wood, the hand work that was done to carve the beams, and the erection of the structure.

Here is a quiz: can you find the angel ascending the ladder? Hint: you see it as you depart the church. Look waaaaaay up….