Description of Historic Place

The Fairbridge Farm Chapel is a two-storey and half basement wood frame Arts and Crafts style chapel with red cedar shingles, white stucco facade, and a two-storey clock turret. It is located in the historic Fairbridge Farm park-style subdivision, in Cowichan Station, British Columbia. It is one of two historic buildings located on this large lot. This historic place is specific to the building footprint.

Heritage Value

The Fairbridge Farm Chapel is valued for its historic integrity, specifically the original character and materials of the building. Another significant aspect of the chapel is its association with important individuals, all of whom helped shape the character and growth of the community. The representation of past and present community members has immense value and is evident in the unique historic features found within the chapel.

The Fairbridge Farm Chapel was built in 1939 and opened in 1940 on the Prince of Wales Fairbridge Farm School in the Cowichan Valley. The Fairbridge Society, a philanthropic society famous for its emigration scheme, built only this one farm school in Canada. As such, the chapel's association with the Fairbridge Society is of great pride to the area.

The original exterior and interior materials all date to the time of construction and are valued for their historic integrity. These historic materials include the shingles, floors, timber frame, and windows. The original elements of the chapel still remain in good condition, including the pews and interior and exterior pulpits. There are several unique and historic features that continue to contribute to the spiritual ambiance of the chapel. Throughout the Fairbridge Farm Chapel, there are several beautiful stained glass windows. Above the altar, there are five Norman-style stained glass windows, each dedicated in memory of an individual from the Cowichan Valley. In the narthex there is an exquisitely detailed three-panel window, depicting the theme of Christ the Sower. This window was also dedicated in memory of an individual associated with Fairbridge Farm. Adorning the rood screen are two carved angels credited to renowned local architectural sculptor George Selkirk Gibson. Another impressive feature of this heritage building is the quality of the interior wooden floors, exposed beams, and pews. Upon examination, it will be noticed that each plank of British Columbian Douglas Fir is in pristine condition and that there are no visible knots in the wood. The quality and quantity of local wood has significant value to the community.

The historic turret clock and bell are a unique aspect of this chapel. Made in 1875 by English manufacturers Gillet & Bland, the clock was donated by Joseph Rose and installed in the tower in 1940. It was the first public clock in British Columbia and now is the only clock within a chapel in the province. This intricate piece of machinery is one of the oldest turret clocks in Canada still manually wound. This clock has played an important role in the function of the community for over 70 years.

The Fairbridge Farm Chapel provides a rare local example of the British Arts and Crafts style of architecture. The Fairbridge Farm Chapel's use of natural materials, interior exposed beams, and decorated exterior stucco facade all speak to the Arts and Crafts movement. As a rural community, the beauty of this building helped define the character of the surrounding area, both in the past and present.

The Fairbridge Farm Chapel has been associated with many notable individuals. The two architects that are credited with the design of the chapel are Sir Herbert Baker, known for his influence on South African architecture and New Delhi's government structures, and Ross Anthony Lort, known for Vancouver architecture, notably the 1951 Vancouver Art Gallery renovation. The chapel was visited by many influential figures including the Lieutenant Governor of the time, the Honorable E.W. Hamber. These significant individuals all helped shape the community of Fairbridge and the Cowichan Valley.

Source: Cowichan Valley Regional District, Planning and Development Department

Character-Defining Elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of the Fairbridge Farm Chapel include:
- All historic materials dating to the time of construction including the Douglas Fir floors, Western Red Cedar shingles and timber frame, as well as the quality of the interior wood
- The unique historic features including custom stained glass windows, the original turret clock and accompanying bell, and original angel carvings
- All of the original elements of the chapel building including the pews, interior and exterior pulpits and sanctuary handles
- All of the original elements of the Arts and Crafts style including steep roofs, interior exposed beams and exterior stucco facade with applied wood decoration
- Continued use for community events
- The open surrounding area and visibility of the chapel building