Salvation Army Temple

Perched at 301 East Hastings Street, the former Salvation Army Temple is a striking example of eclectic Moderne-style architecture that has stood as a silent witness to Vancouver’s evolving Downtown Eastside since its completion in 1950. Designed by the socially conscious architects Mercer & Mercer, who also left their mark on the city with the Waldorf Hotel, this building was more than a place of worship—it was a hub of activity and service. With an auditorium seating 700, a gym for youth programs, and a kitchen to feed both body and soul, the temple served as the Salvation Army’s British Columbia headquarters for decades.

Built on the foundations of an older “citadel” that once occupied the same site, this temple was a beacon of hope and community from when construction began in 1947. Its design reflected not only architectural trends of the time but also Andrew Mercer’s commitment to philanthropy, as he frequently donated his services to organizations like the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.

Though the Salvation Army relocated from the Downtown Eastside in the 1980s, the building’s story didn’t end there. From 1985 to 1993, the Gold Buddha Monastery brought new life to the space, adding yet another chapter to its storied history. In 2001, Vancouver Coastal Health purchased the property, but it has since remained vacant, serving only as a storage facility.

As the last significant historic purpose-built assembly building in the Downtown Eastside, this temple holds untapped potential for conversion into a vibrant community cultural space. With its rich history and architectural charm, it stands ready to be revitalized, offering a unique opportunity to preserve a piece of Vancouver’s past while shaping its future.