Landmark Building
HUESTIS RESIDENCE
5201 - 47 Avenue, Red Deer
Built in 1912
'); "Huestis Residence")
It has been suggested that the Reverend Charles Herbert Huestis was \"possibly the profoundest thinker and greatest scholar to ever take up residence in Red Deer\". Born in New Brunswick in 1863, he went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and later, a Master of Arts Degree from Mount Allison University. In 1901, Rev. Huestis settled in Edmonton and during his six years as both a Methodist Minister and lecturer of philosophy at Alberta College, continued his role of student. In 1906, he was awarded a Master of Arts Degree by McGill University.
Rev. Huestis assumed the position of Pastor of the Red Deer Methodist Church in 1907. His sermons, usually interspersed with quotations from the classics, occasionally aroused criticism from the congregation. Although generally accepted now, his interpretations of the scriptures were often well in advance of his time. In spite of this progressive thinking, Rev. Huestis had the full support of his congregation who quietly paid off the balance owing on these residential lots.
Mrs. Jessie Huestis had the distinction of serving on the first jury in Canada to include women jurors. Heard in 1922, the Supreme Court case involved a breach of promise and seduction.
The Huestis home, an attractive one-and-a-half storey bungalow, was constructed in 1912. The first house in this area, it combines a number of architectural elements. The exaggerated curve of the roof suggests a French-Canadian influence. Known as a \"bellcast\" roof, it extends over the front porch and is supported by classical doric columns. The shingles on the upper front dormer and the mullioned casement windows are typical of a \"craftsman\" look.
The Landmark Buildings and Places Database draws on the series of walking and/or driving tour booklets produced by Alberta Culture (now Alberta Culture and Community Spirit). The Heritage Community Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry through permission to reprint these materials online. Extracted from Edmonton Walking Tours: Downtown, East, West, University of Alberta and Strathcona. City of Edmonton and Alberta Culture and Multiculturalism, n.d., with permission from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. Visit the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for more information.