Memorable Manitobans: Edgar Prain (1881-1958)

Architect.

Born at Broughty Ferry, Scotland on 21 March 1881, he trained as a draftsman in Scotland before moving to England where he worked as an architect from 1902 to 1907. He emigrated to Winnipeg in 1908, working briefly for architect H. G. Holman then forming a partnership with him from 1909 to 1910. He designed apartment blocks, private residences, and educational buildings. His best known work is St. John’s Anglican Cathedral (1925-26) done collaboratively with G. C. Parfitt. After 1950, he was partner in the architectural firm of Prain & Ward, and later consultant to its successor Ward & McDonald.

He retired in December 1957 and died at his Winnipeg home, 126 Mossdale Avenue, on 29 January 1958. He was buried in the Old Kildonan Cemetery.

Some of his architectural works in Manitoba:

• Scott residence (190 Kingsway Avenue, Winnipeg), 1910
• Acadia Apartments (Victor Street, Winnipeg), 1911
• Verona Apartments (Victor Street, Winnipeg), 1911
• Scott Apartments (Maryland Street, Winnipeg), 1912
• Lanark Apartments (Maryland Street, Winnipeg), 1912
• Semple School (Jefferson Avenue, Winnipeg), 1913
• Centennial School (Main Street, Winnipeg), 1913
• Westholm Apartments (Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg), 1913
• Elvira Court Apartments (Emily Street, Winnipeg), 1914
• Salisbury School No. 2 (795 Prince Rupert Avenue, Winnipeg), 1920
• Cathedral Church of St. John (135 Anderson Avenue, Winnipeg), 1926
• St. John’s Presbyterian Church (251 Bannerman Avenue, Winnipeg), 1928
• Selkirk School No. 68 (Selkirk), 1949

Sources:

“Veteran architect Edgar Prain dies”, Winnipeg Free Press, 30 January 1958, page 16.

Winnipeg Building Index.

Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada: 1800-1950.

This profile was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Profile revised: 17 September 2012

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