Built in 1848, the building originally hosted both a Methodist and later a Pentecostal church. After surviving the great Saint John fire of 1877 and two more internal fires in 1960 and 1980, the building was then saved from demolition in 2001.
The building was about to be purchased and demolished to make way for a parking lot, but was purchased by Garry John and David Mills and aptly named The Phoenix due to its’ history of survival despite the odds.
The Phoenix Dinner Theatre opened in 2004, making way for summer theatre camps and the owners partnered with the Boys and Girls club, midget A & AA Saint John Phoenix Flames to fundraise over $500,000. Since 2004, the theatre welcomed more than 100,000 guests.
In 2017 co-owner David Mills passed away unexpectedly, the theatre was closed, and Garry John made the difficult decision to sell The Phoenix to a family friend, Amy Stevens, who was also a longtime volunteer at the theatre. Amy has spent the last few years learning the business from top to bottom and making necessary repairs. Amy has a lifelong passion for community theatre and has encouraged local musical groups to use the theatre at little to no cost. In 2019 she secured a long-term contract with a cruiseline and welcomed thousands of visitors from around the globe until COVID-19 struck in 2020.
During COVID, The Phoenix voluntarily closed and only minimal private events were held under strict social distancing protocols. In 2021-22, The Phoenix will begin to host more events with social distancing protocols still in place.
A nonprofit is being formed and will launch in 2022 to focus exclusively on promoting local talent and raising funds to restore the building. Free tours of the interior will be offered beginning in the summer of 2022 and will include the history of the incredible organ that is still prominently featured on the stage. To volunteer or for more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 506.693.8720.
History Highlights
- The cornerstone was laid in 1848
- Originally built as a Methodist Church
- Survived the great Saint John fire of 1877 and provided sanctuary for the needy
- Survived 2 internal fires – roof destroyed in 1960 & a chimney fire in the 80s
- Served as a Pentecostal Crossroads Cathedral until 2001
- Was scheduled for demolition and destined to be a parking lot
- Houses an incredible 1912 Cassavante organ with original gold leaf pipes.
- The organ is opus #496 of the first five hundred made in Quebec.
- The history of the fires inspired the selection of the name “Phoenix”
- Purchased by Garry John and David Mills in early 2004.
- As of 2020, we have hosted 60 major fundraisers and have helped to raise over $500,000.00 for the community and various charities.
- Over 100,000 guests have been entertained since June 2004