Ukrainian Labour Temple


This small one-storey assembly hall is reminiscent of a temple, minus the ornamental elements. The temple form is echoed in its rectangular shape, gable end arrangement, and front façade with a pediment-shaped roofline above the main central doorway. This entrance carries most of the decorative detailing in its double-panelled doors.

A small, chipped gable pediment above the entrance echoes the one above, while the flanking rectangular windows and contrasting geometric shapes below the cornice draw attention to the main entrance.

The simplified geometric features of the façade reflect elements of the Deco, Moderne, and International abstract architectural styles popular during the 1930s. The interior woodwork, wainscoting, doors, windows, and tin ceiling are original.

This is the second Ukrainian hall built in Welland. In 1917, Welland’s first Ukrainians built a hall at the end of Sixth Street. This building was the focal point for Welland's Ukrainian population's political, social, and cultural life. The original hall moved to the present location on Ontario Road in 1926 but was burned in the 1935 Crowland relief strike. The current building was constructed the same year with volunteer labour.

Ukrainian Labour Temple now
Ukrainian Labour Temple then

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