The Spire

A meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous groups for many years.

Since 1851

The Spire is a vibrant community hub for the arts and non-profit groups, as well as serving as one of Kingston’s best performance venues. For more than 160 years, the magnificent historic building at 82 Sydenham Street has been a Kingston landmark.

More than 20 social and entrepreneurial organizations make The Spire their home. People of all ages, backgrounds, and convictions gather to celebrate the arts, to sing, to act, to dance, to find safe harbour and to learn together.  The Spire continues to develop by opening doors for ever-broadening uses and people; it has a renewed life as a welcoming place to gather within our community and an even stronger beacon of hope, inspiration, and joy as a downtown hub.  Since its original function as an 1850s Methodist Church, this building has been open to all.

What is The Spire?

The Spire is an anchor heritage building/venue in the historic “Old Sydenham Heritage Conservation District” in downtown Kingston, built by the Methodists in 1851. For generations it has been a place where community members have gathered to worship as well as to receive support, sing, learn, rehearse, perform and attend concerts.

“We agree to respect all people regardless of skin colour, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.  The Spire aims to create a safe and positive space for members of equity deserving groups, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities.  All Users of The Spire are expected to participate in making The Spire a safe and welcoming space and to accord with the Ontario Human Rights Code.”

— The Spire