Description:
The Sugar Cane Church is a one and half story wood frame building located at 2701 Owl Drive on the Williams Lake Indian Reserve #1 which is situated at the head of Williams Lake. The historic place is confined to the area within the perimeter fence.
Heritage Values
The heritage value of the Sugar Cane Church is derived from its continuous use as a church and community centre for the Williams Lake Indian Band since its construction. It is also valued for its location in the original village square and as a focal point for community cultural & spiritual gatherings.
Constructed in 1895, the Sugar Cane Church is valued as the last example of Cariboo-style Native village church architecture from this era. The Church is valued for the use of traditional designs from France and Belgium along with the Native cultural influences as seen in the strong bright colours and motifs that decorate the church.
Character Defining Elements
- Board and batten wood finishing
- Cedar shake roof
- Bull's eye stained glass windows at each end
- Arched doorway with stained glass windows
- Bright red church steeple and original bell
- Semi spiral staircase to choir loft above the entrance
- Balcony rail with uniquely detailed balusters
- A rare combination of stained and painted wood altar
- Original fixtures including candlestick and oil lamp hangers
- Original sacred heart molded motif
- Cornice design repeats the delicate overlapping board arches of the facade where it meets the complex tongue and groove ceiling
- Examples of the original pews with matching detached kneeling benches
- Original altar gate
- Recessed alcoves with figures of Mary and Joseph flanking the altar