Formal Recognition Type

City of St. John's Heritage Building, Structure, Land or Area

Heritage Value

The Cornerstone has been designated a Municipal Heritage Structure by the City of St. John’s for its historical and aesthetic values.

The Cornerstone has historic value because it was built by the Fishermen’s Society as a hall and exhibition centre for fisheries and agriculture produce. It became a important venue for theatre, special performances and bazaars. It is the oldest surviving theatre in the city and the foundation meeting of the Star of the Sea Society was held in this building. In 1872, ownership of the hall was transferred to the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. John’s and the building was dedicated as St. Peter’s Church. The upper floor was used as a church for Catholics awaiting the completion of St. Patrick’s Church and the ground floor held a school operated by the Sisters of Mercy. From 1903-1967 it was office and warehouse space for the firm Frank McNamara Limited.

The Cornerstone has aesthetic value because it is one of the few stone structures found in the downtown landscape, and reflects the religious vernacular style in its steep gabled roof, elongated arched windows, and heavy mortised square cut stone. Locally quarried stone was used in the construction of the building. The second storey was added to the building in 1872.

Source: City of St. John’s Archives, unnumbered property file, St. John’s – Cornerstone Theatre

Character Defining Elements

All elements that define the building’s religious vernacular design, including:

-size, shape and placement of the local square cut stone;

-size, shape and placement of the red brick trim;

-size, shape, and placement of the windows;

-steep gabled pitch of the roof;

-location of the main entrance with its wooden double doors and fan window; and,

-size and dimensions of building.

Community

St. John's

Municipality

City of St. John's

Civic Address

16 Queen Street

Construction (circa)

1860 - 1861

Builder

Unknown

Style

Rectangular Short Façade