Three Businessmen

Among the first musicians associated with Christ Church were several who were, at least in part, businessmen. In 1888 Vancouver’s first music store, Painton and Dyke, opened its doors at 305 Cordova Street. The eponymous partners were Frederick J. Painton (1854-1934) and George J. Dyke (1864-1940); in addition to selling scores and musical instruments Painton taught piano, organ, and singing, while Dyke gave violin lessons. Given his training it is no surprise to find Painton was one of the earliest organists at the newly-founded Christ Church, for at least the second half of 1889. He was the organist at the inaugural services in the church basement (the “Root House”) in October and also trained the choir who “sang exceptionally well throughout.”

An employee of the company was George’s younger cello-playing brother Frederick W. Dyke (1865-1928). Born in Cornwall, England, the siblings immigrated to Canada in 1886 and were involved in many aspects of Vancouver’s burgeoning music scene. It was later said of Fred, “he did more for the musical life of this city… than any other man.” By 1894 he had set up his own music store in competition with Painton, who by this point was additionally dealing in washing machines. Within five years Painton relocated to Nelson, subsequently moving to California.

Another of Painton’s employees was Walter F. Evans (1873-1949). Born in Cardiff, Wales, by 1891 Walter and his entire family had immigrated to Vancouver. Evans was appointed organist of Christ Church in 1896, around the time he and Fred Dyke joined forces to form the Dyke and Evans music store. In 1900 a further partner was added, resulting in the firm Dyke, Evans and Callaghan. Two years later Fred joined Walter at Christ Church as choirmaster. An acknowledged highlight of the work of Evans and Dyke was the high quality of the sacred recitals they presented, involving organ, soloists and choir. By the end of the decade both Evans and Dyke had left Christ Church, the former citing increasing business pressures for his resignation.

Postscript: in 1910 the Dyke, Evans and Callaghan company became Walter F. Evans & Co.; they were bought out in 1925 by the J.W. Kelly Piano Company (later Kelly’s Stereo Marts and Kelly’s Electronics). The same year Walter Evans built the Devonshire Hotel at the corner of Hornby and West Georgia Streets, subsequently demolished in 1981 to make way for the HSBC Building.