Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

Historic Downtown Tour

Historic downtowns are like outdoor museums, but with ongoing memories living in the buildings. Many buildings in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown were constructed in the early 1900s, brick by brick. Take a deep dive into history, and visit local businesses along the way. Ewart-Duggan House Alberta’s oldest brick residence is located beside the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre on Medicine Hat’s historic First Street. It was built in 1887 for local businessman John Ewart by contrac tor Harry Yull, using bricks produced locally by the McCord brickyard. In the summer, enter through the front gate and stroll the beautiful front-yard garden. 1

Medicine Hat Courthouse When built from 1919-1920, it was the first of its kind design wise, with a Beaux Arts Classicism style. The building was designated a Provincial Historic Resource in 1978 and added to the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 2006. St. John’s Presbyterian Church St. John’s Presbyterian Church was the first church building in downtown Medicine Hat and also served as the first schoolhouse. The church standing 2 3

today was officially opened in Septem ber 1902, after a woman named Mrs. Blatchford proposed the construction of a new church that could better rep resent a growing congregation.

Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church

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Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church was officially designated a Municipal Historical Site in 2019. It was originally built in 1913, but following a tragic fire it was rebuilt in 1931. The church con tinues to serve the religious and com munity needs in Medicine Hat today. St. Barnabas Anglican Church St. Barnabas Anglican Church was constructed in 1912. The church cost $26,000, plus $775 in architect fees. It was made with brick and Bedford stone, and laid out east and west in relation to the sunrise on St. Barna bas Day (a few degrees different). 5

Medicine Hat Courthouse

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