The church was built in 1891-92 in the eastern section of St. Saviour's Anglican Cemetery by Okanagan pioneer Tom Ellis, known as “the cattle king of the Okanagan”. Today the cemetery is better known as Fairview Cemetery. Prior to this, a small chapel was built in 1883 on the cemetery grounds, which was on Ellis land. Ellis sold the church to the Anglican congregation in 1905 for $1.
In 1934 the church was moved to this site beside the present St. Saviour's, built in 1929-30. It was faced with stone to match the larger building and attached to its southeast corner.
This British Columbia Heritage Marker is mounted beside the iron gate on the walkway on Winnipeg Street leading back to the chapel. Unfortunately, the gate is usually locked, making it difficult to obtain more than a distant view of the chapel.
THE ELLIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL
This chapel is the original St.Saviour's Church, built by Okanagan pioneer Thomas Ellis on his ranch in 1892. Moved a mile north to this site In 1934, the old church was faced with stone and incorporated into the newer St.Saviour's. It is believed to be the oldest building in continual use in Penticton.
Sponsored by St.Saviour's Church
PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
1972
![]()