The arcade and superstructure of the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa stand as the definitive structural contribution of William Sutherland Maxwell. This project, which occupied him during the Second World War, reflects the rigorous classical training he received in Boston and Paris, which defined his professional trajectory in Canada and abroad.
Formative Years and Education
Born in Montreal in 1874 to Edward John Maxwell and Johan MacBean, Maxwell began his professional path at his brother Edward's firm at age 18. His architectural development progressed through three years with Winslow and Wetherel in Boston, where he attended the Boston Architectural Club and studied under Constant-Désiré Despradelles. He further refined his technique at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris between 1899 and 1900 under Jean-Louis Pascal, returning to Canada in December 1900 to join his brother's partnership.
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Maxwell became a partner in the family firm in 1902. The practice secured significant commissions including the Saskatchewan Legislative Buildings and the Art Association of Montreal. He contributed to the expansion of the Château Frontenac in Quebec City and designed hotel facilities for the Canadian Pacific Railway in Calgary and Winnipeg. His administrative leadership roles included terms as President of the Arts Club in 1913, President of the Province of Quebec Association of Architects in 1914, and President of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 1935.
Religious Commitment and Later Work
Introduced to the Baháʼí Faith in Paris, Maxwell married Mary Ellis Bolles in 1902 and formally joined the faith in 1909. Following the death of his wife in 1940, he relocated to Haifa, Palestine. There, he focused on the Shrine of the Báb, designing its complex superstructure. In December 1951, Shoghi Effendi appointed him a Hand of the Cause of God. Upon his death in Montreal in 1952, he was interred at the Mount Royal Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1874, Montreal
- Died: 1952, Montreal
- Education: High School of Montreal, Boston Architectural College, Beaux-Arts de Paris
- Religion: Baháʼí Faith
- Notable work: Shrine of the Báb
- Professional membership: Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
Questions readers ask
What was Maxwell's primary architectural style?
He was trained in the Beaux-Arts style, which emphasizes symmetry, order, and classical design principles.
What is the significance of the south door of the Shrine of the Báb?
The door was named in honor of William Sutherland Maxwell following his death in 1952, acknowledging his design work on the shrine's arcade and superstructure.
Achievements
- Notable work: Shrine of the Báb
- Member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
- Trained at Beaux-Arts de Paris and Boston Architectural College
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