May 2, 2024—St. Andrews on the Square is a pinnacle of culture and heritage in our downtown core. We are saddened by the fire that occurred on site and would like to extend a huge thank you to Kamloops Fire Rescue for their work to extinguish the flames. We do not yet know the extent of the damage or what the future holds, but we will move forward with optimism that this treasured facility will not be lost. Anyone with upcoming bookings will be contacted as soon as more information is available.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is the oldest public building remaining in Kamloops. It was built shortly after Canadian Pacific Railway construction was completed through Kamloops. The church was built of wood in the days before brick construction in Kamloops. The lumber came from James McIntosh’s Shuswap Milling Co. located in what is today Riverside Park. Construction on the church began in September 1887 with the first service held in the completed church four months later on Christmas Day.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church closed its doors as a church building until 1942 when the local Pentecostal congregation purchased the building. In 1945, Reverend Phil Gaglardi, and his wife Jennie, became pastors in the old church which was renamed Calvary Temple. The City of Kamloops bought the old church from the Calvary Temple congregation in 1991. The restoration of the church began in 1997.
Considered a significant Kamloops heritage building, St. Andrew’s on the Square is a community resource that presents the historic charm of the past with a unique path forward to the future.
Booking an Event at St. Andrew's on the Square or Gaglardi Square
St. Andrew’s on the Square is available for public rental for use as a wedding chapel and multi-functional hall. The building is maintained and managed by the City of Kamloops.
You may want to consider booking St. Andrew’s on the Square for the following:
- wedding ceremony
- concerts and recitals
- memorials, celebrations of life, and funerals
- arts and craft activities
- meetings and seminars
- Yoga and wellness classes
- Master classes
St. Andrew’s on the Square is available to host events 8:30 am–10:00 pm, 7 days a week, excluding statutory holidays.
Gaglardi Square is located next to St. Andrew’s on the Square and features a well-manicured garden with a quaint water fountain that operates during the spring and summer months. This venue is ideal for intimate outdoor events and weddings which can be booked independently or in conjunction with St. Andrew’s on the Square.
Bookings for 2024 are currently not available.
St. Andrew's on the Square has a maximum capacity of 130 people. Expand the sections below to learn more about rates, fees, and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events can I book at St. Andrew's on the Square?
Considered a significant Kamloops heritage building, St. Andrew’s on the Square is a community resource, presenting the historic charm of the past, and a unique path forward to the future. This facility considers hosting the following:
- wedding ceremonies
- concerts & recitals
- memorials, celebrations of life, and funerals
- arts and craft activities
- meetings and seminars
- yoga and wellness classes
- masterclasses
Do I need insurance?
Insurance is required and is an additional cost outside of the rental rate. Insurance varies and is booked with the City of Kamloops when you book your event.
Is a site visit orientation required?
A few weeks prior to your event you will be asked to book an appointment to have a site-visit orientation of the facility. This is a requirement of your booking. The intent of this visit is to allow you to get familiar with the building and plan your event accordingly.
Can I book a wedding reception at this facility?
Wedding receptions are not permitted at St. Andrew’s on the Square. We offer a Champagne Reception, with no food, for one-hour maximum.
Can I have my wedding outside in Gaglardi Park?
Weddings are permitted in Gagliardi Park. You can book both St. Andrew’s on the Square and the park at the same time. Please keep in mind that this is an open park space, and the public can be there. No food, drink, or equipment from St. Andrew's on the Square is permitted in the park. You are permitted to have signage in the park.
These bookings can be made separately if only the use of Gagliardi Park is needed.
Can I bring food to my event?
If you bring food to your event there are additional fees to consider:
- $120 added to the rental fee
- $500 deposit
The expectation is that only prepared food will be brought in. No cooking allowed on premises. All food dishes must be removed at the end of your event or disposed of.
Can I have alcohol at my event?
Alcohol is not permitted at this facility. The only exception is to book a Champagne Reception. This will require you to obtain a liquor license as per the City of Kamloops policy.
Can I decorate at St. Andrew's for my event?
As this is a heritage building, we must respect its age. All decorations must be approved by the City prior to decorating for your event.
Items permitted:
- battery operated candles
- flowers
- signs
Items not permitted:
- rice
- confetti
- helium balloons
- burning candles
- hanging décor
- stapling, taping decorations to walls
- paint
Who is responsible for the setup and take-down of my event?
If you have booked a wedding or celebration of life, you are responsible for the setup of your event and the removal of décor and personal items after your event. The City of Kamloops is responsible for the takedown of tables, chairs, and pews only. Please note that all personal items you bring with you to the event will be disposed of if not taken with you after your event.
All other events and bookings are responsible for the setup and take down of your event’s needs such as tables, chairs, and pews.
How do I book an event at St. Andrews or Gaglardi Park?
A request to book St. Andrew's on the Square and/or Gaglardi Park can be made by completing the online web form.
If you require assistance with requesting a booking, please contact the Kamloops Museum and Archives museum@kamloops.caor call 250-828-3576 Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Payment is due on the date your booking is confirmed.
Is a damage deposit required?
A damage deposit is required at the time of booking the facility.
- $500 (for food and drink)
- $260 (with no food and drink)
- Refund within fifteen (15) days after booking if no damage reported.
What is the cancellation policy?
- 100% refunded if 60 days prior to your event.
- 50% refunded if 30 days prior to your event.
- No refund if less than 30 days prior to your event.
