Philbert, Rev. Canon | Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada

PHILBERT, Rev. Canon (fl. 1859-60) was noted as '...the distinguished architect' who designed the first structure for St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Dummer Street, TORONTO, ONT., 1859. This wood frame church was substantial, and measured '...100 feet by 35 feet., in the shape of a Latin Cross, with a transept on either side measuring 18 feet. by 20 feet.' (Canadian Freeman [Toronto], 10 June 1859, 2, descrip.). Philbert aimed to create 'a gem of beauty and taste', and personally supervised the construction of the church. The building was replaced in 1869 by a new design for the church prepared by Gundry & Langley.