Knox Evangelical Free Church, Edmonton

Knox Evangelical Free Church has a rich history that dates back to the early days of Strathcona. The first Presbyterian services in the area were held at the Strathcona Hotel in 1891-92. Due to the increasing number of attendees, the congregation, in collaboration with the Methodist community, erected a wood frame church in 1892. As the congregation continued to grow, the need for a larger space became evident. In 1907, a new brick church was built to accommodate 600 people, while the original structure was moved and converted into a duplex at 10453 – 86 Avenue.

The new church was designed in the Gothic Revival style, a popular architectural choice for British denominations. This style, rooted in the rural village churches of England, offered new immigrants a sense of continuity with their homeland, both physically and spiritually. The Knox Church features characteristic elements of Gothic Revival architecture, including pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs, battlements, buttresses, pinnacles, stained glass windows, and intricate gothic tracery. The building's cross-shaped plan is marked by a small cupola at the intersection of its axes and a prominent square bell tower with two Tudor-arched entrances at its base.

In 1911, the church enhanced its facilities by installing a large pipe organ, adding to its grandeur and musical capabilities. An assembly hall was constructed at the rear of the building in 1949, further expanding its capacity and functionality. Knox Church was one of the few large brick churches built in Edmonton before the significant construction boom of 1911-14. As a result, it stands today as one of the oldest and best-preserved churches in the city.

In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, Knox Evangelical Free Church was designated a Municipal Historic Resource in 2013.