St. James United Church on Saint Catherine Street remains the defining achievement of Alexander Francis Dunlop, constructed between 1887 and 1889. This Canadian architect, operating primarily out of Montreal, established a professional footprint that stretched from Michigan back to Quebec, influencing the local landscape through significant commercial structures, private residences within the Golden Square Mile, and institutional university designs.
Early Career and Apprenticeship
Dunlop began his professional training in Montreal as an apprentice to architects George Browne and John James Browne. This foundation in traditional practices preceded a three-year period from 1871 to 1874 spent working in Detroit, Michigan. Following this experience, he returned to Montreal to open his own architectural firm in 1874, an entity he maintained continuously until his death in 1923.
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Beyond his work on St. James United Church, Dunlop contributed to the development of Montreal's educational and commercial infrastructure. In 1888, he designed major alterations for the East Wing of McGill College, now identified as the Arts Building of McGill University. His portfolio also includes the first Montreal Star Building, alongside various residences and commercial buildings situated in the Golden Square Mile.
Professional Leadership and Legacy
Dunlop held prominent leadership roles within the Canadian architectural community. He served as president of the Association of Architects of the Province of Quebec starting in 1890. In 1907, he became the inaugural president of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, a position he held until 1910. He also belonged to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. Several architects, including Edward Maxwell, Robert Findlay, David Robertson Brown, and Georges-Alphonse Monette, completed their training under his guidance. Posthumously, his legacy persists through the A.F. Dunlop Scholarships at the McGill School of Architecture.
Fast facts
- Born: 1842, Montreal
- Died: 1923, Montreal
- Profession: Architect
- Key Project: St. James United Church
- Leadership: First President, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
- Professional Firm Opening: 1874
- Notable Students: Edward Maxwell, Robert Findlay
Questions readers ask
Where can records of Dunlop's work be found?
The Alexander Francis Dunlop fonds, held in the Canadian Architecture Collection at McGill University, contains architectural drawings and photographs.
What significant educational building did Dunlop modify?
In 1888, he designed major alterations to the East Wing of McGill College, currently known as the Arts Building.
Achievements
- Notable work: St. James United Church
