Metropolitan United Church, London

Metropolitan United Church is a large historic congregation with roots going back to 1823, when Wesleyan circuit riders first organized worship in the area. It later became known as First Methodist Church and joined the 1925 union that formed the United Church of Canada. The present building was completed in 1896 after a fire in February 1895 destroyed the earlier North Street church.

The structure is an example of Romanesque Revival architecture, built mainly of red brick with stone foundations and trim. Rounded arches frame the openings, and a 170-foot bell tower rises above the façade. Inside, the Akron Plan arranges seating in a semicircle around a central pulpit, with a balcony designed to improve sightlines and acoustics. Stained glass windows and a large pipe organ remain part of the interior.

Recent updates have adapted the building for broader use while preserving its historic form. A renovation completed in late 2022 introduced modern lighting, sound, and flexible staging, allowing the space to function as a performance venue. Alongside regular services, it now hosts concerts and cultural events, including performances by the London Symphonia.