Britannia United Church

Britannia United Church (Ottawa)
Britannia United Church 1925-current

Britannia United Church 2013
Location 985 Pinecrest Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K2B 6B4
Denomination United Church of Canada
Previous denomination Methodist,
Churchmanship Protestant
Weekly attendance 160-180
Website www.britanniaunitedchurch.ca
History
Former name(s) Britannia Methodist Church 1869-1925
Dedicated Christian Education Building November 24, 1961 ; Arkell wing June 10, 1976
Architecture
Status Active
Functional status Active
Architect(s) Burgess, McLean and MacPhadyen
Architectural type Modern
Style church hall & academic complex in the 1960s
Groundbreaking Christian Education Building April 24, 1961; Arkell wing - June 10, 1976
Construction cost $120,000 (1961)
Specifications
Materials Stone, Bituminous Built-up roof, concrete and wood
Administration
Parish Britannia
Province Ontario
Presbytery Ottawa Presberty
District Ottawa West
Division part of a three point charge including Britannia, Bell's Corners and Fallowfield
Subdivision the Montreal and Ottawa Conference
Clergy
Minister(s) Rev. Jim Baldwin

Britannia United Church is a United Church of Canada congregation in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It is an open, caring, inclusive, liberal minded spiritual community, with a growing and creative music program. Sunday worship service is 10:15 am. One of Ottawa's oldest congregations, members had been meeting in homes since 1869. The Britannia Heights Methodist Church formed in 1873. It joined the United Church when it was formed in 1925. In 1925, Britannia became officially Britannia United Church. The Britannia United Church has operated out of Pinecrest Road location since 1961. As a pastoral charge of the United Church of Canada, the church celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2013.

Mission

Britannia United Church is a place of worship, offering social outreach and religious fellowship. The motto is Everyone Welcome. The Britannia United Church was registered as a charity effective 1967-01-01. The charity carries on fundraising activities using the following fundraising methods: collection plate, fundraising dinners, galas, concerts, bazaars, strawberry socials, garage sales, chicken barbecues, cookbooks, talent auction and fundraising sales e.g. cookies.[1]

Programs

The purpose of Britannia United Church is to promote religion and attempt to relieve the effects of poverty and distress in western Ottawa and neighbouring communities. The congregation conducts a weekly worship service, including special activities for children (e.g. worship-related crafts, stories and music). It also provides support and counselling in crisis and emergency (e.g., sickness, poverty, death, distress), chaplaincy functions, pastoral care, religious education, worship, family counselling and community outreach. The congregation donates funds to denomination headquarters in support of national and international Mission and Service activities and donates funds to a local community chaplaincy association, which provides outreach services direct to area residents. In addition, the congregation provides support directly to local food banks. Britannia United Church conducts regular discussion groups and seminars focusing on religious education and exploration.[1] Britannia United Church is a part of Ottawa West-End Interfaith events, provides volunteers at the Ottawa Mission and provides a monthly worship service at West End Villa. The church publishes a newsletter four times a year as well as a Facebook page. In addition to the United Church Mission and Social program, there are special fundraising effors for emergency relief programs i.e. Nepal and the youth group raised money for families in developing countries.

Facilities

The Britannia United Church meetings rooms used for workshops, club meetings, conferences, receptions, dinners, and weddings are fully accessible. The hours are Mon-Fri 9 am-1 pm, year-round. The meetings include a Fibromyalgia Support Group, Alanon, Friends In Song Choir, Craft Group, and Senior's Fellowship Tea. The Church offers free parking.[2]

Architecture

The Ottawa architecture firm of Burgess, McLean & MacPhadyen designed Britannia United Church and Algonquin College in 1961; and the nearby St. Stephen's Anglican Church (Ottawa) in 1953.

The original design included a fellowship hall, nursery, Christian education rooms and a modern kitchen. [3]

The chapel is representative of church architecture in the 1960s with its daring lines, sleek mass, contrasting surfaces of brick walls, metal uprights, shingle roof, glass window walls, and laminated support beams inside.[4] Designed as a Christian Education Building, the midcentury academic complex features open-ended blocks alternatively faced with long glass expanses in a semi-gambrel formation that make up the curtain walls and precast aggregate panels. The entrance is via a deeply recessed terrace that's overhung with small white ceramic tiles and vintage can lights. The long walls are bumped out to float over the foundation; The foundation plantings, which were added in 2013, keep the blocks from appearing stark.[5] The architectural drawings pertaining to Burgess, McLean & MacPhadyen architectural projects 1900-1990 are in Library and Archives Canada.[6]

History

1869–1873

The church grew out of services held in the home of Ira Honeywell, the first settler in Nepean Township. Ira Honeywell acquired a 200-acre United Empire Loyalist grant in 1810. Bernard Hughes built a house in 1840 where the present Britannia United Church building stands.[7]

Ministry in the Britannia area began with circuit ministers visiting with local families in 1869. The earliest Methodist Episcopal churches in the area were the Methodist Episcopal church down at the Bay, and the "Sandy Hill" church.[8] The Methodist Episcopal church down at the Bay, united with that of the "Sandy Hill" church, as it was called in those days in the year when the first of the Methodist churches of Canada was consummated.

The early members included Mr. John Bell, Mr. William Graham, Mr. Ira Honeywell (founder of Carleton County, Ontario), Mr. James Bearman (Reeve of Nepean Township, Ontario), Mrs. Albert Shouldics, Mr. Robert Honeywell and Mr. Albert Hare. The church originally formed a part of the Nepean circuit.[8] Britannia was originally part of a three-point Methodist charge which included Cityview and Westboro.

Parsonage

In the minutes of 1873 there was a report on the building committee for the parsonage, which was built on Pinecrest Rd. opposite the Forge.[9] Britannia United Church sold the parsonage on Pinecrest Rd. opposite the Forge in the mid 1970s. It still stands in 2014, and remains a private residence. In the mid 1970s, the Church purchased a Parsonage at 998 Alpine Street, near Severn School. In the mid 1980s, after the death of Reverend Myron Maxted, the Church sold the parsonage with subsequent Ministers living in private residences.

1873–1925

John Rudolphus Booth

In 1873, the population of Ottawa was about 23,000 people, clustered mainly in the Centretown and Lowertown areas. The Britannia Bay community was built up after 1873 when a sawmill was constructed along the waterfront. In 1873, the present site was chosen and building erected under a Trustee Board, consisting of Messrs J Edward Watson, Sr. Robert Hare, John Roberts, James Bearman, John F. Bearman and William Graham.[10]

The Britannia Heights Methodist Church was built between 1873 and 1874 on what is now Britannia Road and Carling Avenue. Begun in 1873 with first services the following summer, the interior wasn't completed until 1875. A plaque under the pulpit listed James West and William West, contractors Jul 3 1873.[11] The Carpenter Gothic-style frame building had interior wood panelling. The pointed windows and doors were arched equilaterally in the Neo Gothic style. The roof over the front door and main building was decorated by a delicate barge-board trim of lacelike scrollwork.[12] The original ceiling was made of tongue and groove stained wood in an ornamental design carved in rectangular shapes.[13] The Christmas concerts took place on a little wooden platform. The original heating was provided by stove and pipes. Later the church was heated by a furnace with a large central register.[11] Although the lawn at the front entrance was small, the east lawn was large enough for the members to socialize after the services. The drive shed was on the easterly back side.[14]

Rev. R. Short, the preacher in charge in 1874, served three congregations, Britannia, City View and Westboro. Although money was combined from the three churches to pay the salary of $300.00 to the preacher, it was not always met.[14]

The first marriage at Britannia was of Barbara Hare to Rev. Foster McAmmand.[15] Prominent members and workers were Mr. Robert Hare and Mr. Edwards. John Rudolphus Booth sold the land on the southwest corner of Richmond Road and Britannia Road in 1877 to the Britannia Methodist Church for $1.00.[11]

The Britannia Methodist Church, which had been renovated, was reopened July 2, 1897. The church and shed for the horses underwent repair, specifically painting, decorating and electrical work. The seats and wainscoting were re-grained in golden yellow, and the pulpit in mission wood. The walls were tinted and stenciled. An electric light system was installed with chain pendants in the auditorium and vestibule.

In 1900, Rev Short replaced Rev H.E. Warren of Hintonburg, who had looked after both the Hintonburg and Britannia congregations. The ladies of the Britannia Methodist Church held a strawberry social on June 28, 1900.[16]

By 1909, the Britannia Methodist Church Britannia Church held the first annual entertainment event. The 4th annual entertainment event, a musical concert by the Britannia Methodist church Sunday school attended by two hundred parents was held 20 December 1913. After a meal, the Christmas tree was unloaded and all the boys and girls of the congregation received bags of candy. There was a distribution of the Sunday school prizes. Rev. H. B. Warren, pastor of the Westboro Methodist Church, occupied the chair. The Britannia congregation presented Rev. H. B. Warren and Mrs Warren with a large Christmas turkey.[17]

Rev W.H. Cram, author of "Looking into the Cup" was a guest speaker who presented services on "The Heritage of the Church to its Young People" on the modern young people's movement, the Interdenominational side of the church and its missionary phase. The Lady's Aid Society of Britannia Methodist church were entertained at the home of Mrs John Sparks on October 13, 1913.[18]

Westboro, Britannia and City View Methodists asked for a division of Nepean circuit into two distinct circuits at the meeting of the Ottawa District Methodists in 1915. Rev Elwood Lawson, pastor of Nepean district told of the request of his three congregations to divide the Nepean Circuit into one to include Britannia and City View and the other to include Westboro alone. Owing to the congregation numbers increase, it was almost impossible for one minister to attend to the needs of the circuit. The division was recommended to the Montreal conference. [19]

The religious activities generally were limited to Sunday worship during the 1920s and 30s since the church was heated only on Sundays or for some special event such as a Harvest dinners, Christmas Concerts, Strawberry Socials, musical concert or a funeral.[15]

1925–1961

The United Church of Canada was inaugurated on June 10, 1925 in Toronto, Ontario with a mandate to be a "uniting" Church, when the Methodist Church (Canada), the Congregational Union of Canada, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and the small General Council of Union Churches entered into union. The United Church entered into a union with The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Bermuda (1930), and Canada Conference of The Evangelical United Brethren Church (1968). In 2003, the Anglican Church of Canada and The United Church of Canada have begun an ongoing dialogue. These are the first formal conversations between the two denominations since the 1970s.[20]

Britannia Heights Methodist Church joined the United Church when it was formed in 1925. In 1925, Britannia became officially Britannia Heights United Church; part of a three-point charge including Bell's Corners and Fallowfield. On the roll in 1925, early family names included: Armstrong, Bell, Day, Goddard, Grimes, Herdman, Lillico, MacDonald, Peterson, Ullett, Viens, Watson, Mooney, and Fallis.[21]

The church lacked a basement until one was excavated in 1924–25. Since the church lacked running water, water was carried in buckets from Judge Latchford's or the Forge and dumped into storage barrels. Since congregants came to church by horse and buggy or in winter by cutter, the church had a drive-shed which was closed in on three sides to shelter horses.[22]

The first Young Peoples Association at Britannia United Church was formed March 19, 1926 with an hour of interdenominational Bible study or Missions, followed by an hour arranged by our Social Executive. Since no distinction or special demands regarding membership was made, a Baptist, Mr. Herbert Samuel Arkell became the Leader of the Bible class portion of the evening and a couple of Catholics attended regularly.

The Britannia United Church observed its 60th anniversary in 1927 with a special morning & evening service, supper and evening entertainment. Rev L.S. Hughson D.D. conducted a service, speaking on those who took up the task of living earnest Christian lives.[23]

In 1932, the Young Peoples Association organized a play 'The Reading of The Will' for the Annual United Church Play Competition which was to be held at-the Little Theatre. George Jackson was the director and players included Kay Goddard, Waverly Tyers, Fern Morrison, Ed Packham and Ed Hare.[24]

Britannia United Church celebrated its 64th anniversary services with a supper and musical entertainment in October 1937. Rev. Dr. L. S. Hughson, pastor, was chairman for the program and about 300 guests were present; Rev. Norman Coll, of Parkdale United Church, was the speaker for the evening. Fall blooms decorated the hall. The supper was convened by Mrs. Stuart Whyte, assisted by the members of the Women's Association.[25]

In the 1940s when there were pulpit alterations, a board was found under it inscribed in lead pencil "James West and William West, contractors, very dry weather July 3, 1875."[13]

James Bearman, a Carleton county pioneer, the last of the founders of Britannia Methodist Church, died at his home, 114 Carling avenue, aged 88 on December 11, 1942.[26]

A church service and camp fire was held for Sunday school boys at Britannia United Church, Richmond Road on Sunday, Sept 8, 1943. The boys and leaders conducted the morning service and were the guests of Rev. Gordon F. Dangerfleld, minister, and one of the popular senior leaders of Woodland Camp. Boys met at Dominion United Church at nine o'clock, and took the Britannia car to the New Orchard Road, hiking to the church for service at 11 o'clock. Following the service camp fires were lit and meals prepared and served in the accustomed Woodland Camp manner, boys bringing their own supplies.[27] The 2nd company Girl Guides[28] and 10th Britannia Boy Scouts troop were held at Britannia Heights United church in 1944[29]

Programs similar to the Scouting movement were promoted by Canadian Protestant churches in the mid 1940s. In 1946, Trail Rangers, a club for boys 12 to 14; TUXIS a club for boys 15 to 19 and Canadian Girls in Training were founded at the Britannia United Church under the leadership of Rev Gordon F. Dangerfield, minister of the Britannia-Bell's Corner's-Fallowfield, who had been active in the field of religious education.[30]

Rev Dangerfield paid tribute during a special memorial service April 6, 1946 to 11 men of Britannia United congregation, who fell during the Second World War. Their names were added to the Church honour roll.[31]

An electric organ and a plaque in memory of 11 members of the congregation who died in World War II were dedicated in a special service held Feb 9, 1947.[32] During the post war growth period, under Rev Gordon Dangerfield, the membership of Britannia United Church doubled in a year, 1947.[33] During the post war period, Britannia United Church is frequently the scene of weddings[34]

Rev. Gordon Dangerfield was appointed chair of the Ottawa West United Church charge and asked to try to institute a morning service at the charge instead of an evening service.[35]

Reverend R.W. Armstrong founded outdoor drive-in interdenominational services for 200-300 cars, at 4-5 per car 05/26/1950. Britannia Heights United Church was among the Ottawa and district churches on Feb 14, 1956 which observed the annual World Day of Prayer, in which Protestant women of all denominations in more than 100 countries meet to pray[36]

In 1956 Campeau Corp, a home builder, acquired 114 acres of the Arkell farm on Pinecrest Road intending to extend the Queensview Industrial Area on the Northside of the proposed Queensway[37] Around 1958, the city refused the church's request to expand as it intended to widen Carling Ave. In 1959, the congregation decided to move to the site on Pinecrest Road, formerly the site of the Arkell farm.[15] In 1958, the City of Ottawa expropriated the Britannia Church and rectory properties, along with the Olde Forge and other properties in the Carling area. The streets were widened in 1960.

In 1959, the Reverend James Perry, then Minister of Britannia Heights United Church, his wife and four children resided in the rectory, which was then 830 Pinecrest Road, Britannia Heights.[38] The rectory still stands in 2014, although it is currently a private residence.

Rev. Gordon Dangerfield asked on November 25, 1959 to know the city plans and reasons why there was a delay in approving the new church building on Pinecrest Road.[39] Rev. James Perry's plans to build a new Britannia United Church were put before the United Church presbytery on April 21, 1961. The architects Burgress, McLean and MacPhadyen, prepared the plans and specifications for the modern concrete Christian Education Building. C.A. Johannsen and Sons Ltd were given the general contract for the project. The $122,000 construction cost was secured through a bank loan of $100,000 and $22,000 loan from Presbytery church extension fund. The church held land on the Pinecrest site valued at $35,000. A sanctuary structure, was planned to be built in the future.[40]

1961–present

Rev Perry presided over the sod turning for the new Britannia United Church on Pinecrest Road, the former site of the Arkell farm.[41] The congregation moved to the present site on Pinecrest Road, adjacent to the Arkell home in 1961.[42]

The date of the last service held in the old white church on the hill was November 19, 1961.[15]

The 1000 member congregation of the Britannia United Church moved to the current building on Pinecrest Road in November 1961.[43] The church building, which was referred to as a Christian' Education Centre, was officially dedicated on November 24, 1961, when Rev. James Perry was the minister.[15]

The Worship Resource Library was set up in the 1960s. Volunteer librarians read and catalogued books. The Christian Education Committee of Session gave the Library $50.00 a year to buy books. Rev. Rinaldo Armstrong donated his library and other books were donated from the Congregation.[44]

The Chancel Players performed plays in the Britannia United church as an act of worship in the 1960s. The Chancel Players performed in a number of local churches and the group travelled to Toronto, Iroquois, Shawville, Arnprior and other valley towns.[45]

The Dorcas Unit, which formed in 1960 included a worship period, discussions, speakers and fellowship. The kitchen in Arkell House was largely designed and furnished by the Dorcas Unit, which catered for bazaars and other occasions as a fundraiser for the M & S Fund, the Building Fund Principal and the Heating and Insulation Fund.[46]

After her congregation moved to Britannia United on Pinecrest Road in 1961, the original Britannia Heights church was painted red, renamed the Red Barn and used to sell Macintosh & Watts china, to sell paintings and as a construction shack until it burned down on Nov 8, 1975.[12] The remains of the burned out building were torn down in spring 1975.[13]

Britannia United Church has operated out of Pinecrest Road location since 1961; since the church is no longer at the top of the hill, the term 'Heights' was dropped from its name.

All Saint's Lutheran Evangelical Church held its organizational service at Britannia United Church in May 1962.[47]

Students were enrolled in Sunday schools at Britannia United Church in January 1964; they were some of 23,000 enrolled in city Sunday schools operated by Protestant denominations.[48]

Britannia Chancel Players presented the first Ottawa production of "The Business of Good Government", a Nativity play by British playwright John Arden at Britannia United Church Sunday Dec. 18, 1966.[49]

Mr. Herbert Samuel Arkell died Feb. 7, 1965 at his residence, 961 Pinecrest Road.[50]

Arkell House 1966–1975

Miss Margaret Arkell donated Arkell House, 961 Pinecrest, to the Pinecrest United Church, in memory of her parents, Mr. Herbert Samuel Arkell (1880-1965) B.A.. 1902; M.A. and B.S.A. 1904 and Mrs. Kate Ida Arkell (née MacLaurin). The couple bought the old Hughes homestead in 1911 and built the Arkell House in 1912. Their "Highclere Dairy" farm,[51] operated with the couple's son Robert, at Britannia Heights, was a landmark in Ottawa west from 1911 until the farm was subdivided in 1956.[52] Herbert Samuel Arkell was an instructor of animal husbandry at Ohio State Univ., 1904–05; a lecturer, Agricultural College, Guelph, 1905–07; professor at Macdonald College, 1907; and Assistant Live Stock Commissioner, Dominion Government, 1910-1930s when he became Live Stock Commissioner. He participated in federal elections in 1935/10/14 and 1940/03/26 for Ontario Carleton riding as a Liberal, and worked as a farmer with his son 1911-1956.[53]

Arkell House was dedicated September 18, 1966 by the minister, Rev. John R. Wayling and the Chairman of Ottawa Presbytery, Rev. Maurice E. Nemy, who officiated at the service. Arkell House, a multi-purpose centre for the church and community, was renovated in 1966 to meet fire regulations. A workshop was installed in the basement for the use of Ottawa boys' clubs. The building was used as a community service centre, including a used clothing depot. In summer 1965, the grounds were the headquarters for a children's day camp operated by the Kairos Central Council.[54] At Arkell House, staff made referrals, helped with Meals on Wheels, a student study project and a clothing depot. The Ottawa Boys Club began to operate out of Arkell House experimentally in September 1970.[55] The Boys Club was sponsored in 1971-76 in Arkell House.[56] "Because of the historical significance of our congregation and of this property, it has been suggested, that we name the various rooms after pioneer families of the area," said Mr. Wayling. "Collecting pictures for display may become part of a Centennial Project to furnish the house."[57] The kitchen in Arkell House was largely designed and furnished by the Dorcas Unit, which catered for bazaars and other occasions as a fundraiser for the M & S Fund, the Building Fund Principal and the Heating and Insulation Fund.[46]

Mutual use of facilities - Britannia United Church and St. Stephen's Anglican 1968–1970

St. Stephen's Anglican Church

Talks between the clergymen Rev. Eldon Davis, St Stephen's rector and Britannia United minister Rev. Douglas Lapp and officers of both churches began in March, 1967. St. Stephen's Anglican Church (Ottawa) served as house of worship for both Anglican and United churchgoers in the area for a one-year trial beginning September 1968. It was agreed during the year trial period the services will be conducted by each denomination the way they have always been. Britannia United, had been holding services in its Christian Education Building, a multi-purpose building used for activities ranging from elderly persons' gatherings to holding dinners. St. Stephen's, in return, made use of the Britannia United building for Sunday school classes. This was not an amalgamation of the two congregations but a mutual use of facilities' by the two separate congregations at separate times. The Britannia United Church was registered as a charity # 106811656RR0001 effective January 1, 1967.

With a target date of 1974 set for union between the two denominations, church officials thought the arrangement was ideal. If union had come, there would be no necessity for building another church for about $350.000. They felt this energy directed towards paying off mortgages should be directed towards people social action work and the like. So far in Canada there had been only two or three such arrangements, these being in Western Canada.[58]

One hundredth anniversary 1973–1974

In 1973–1974, the congregation, headed by Joan Archer, celebrated the hundredth anniversary of Britannia United Church. To celebrate the centennial, members of Britannia United Church attended a special service followed by a social hour at which each guest was presented with a wall plaque made from the ceiling of the Old Britannia Heights United Church. The wall plaques provided some church history on the front and a small brass plate on the back giving name and dates. The Rev. John C. Wayling conducted the service and Rev. T. W. Geach participated in the worship service.[59]

Rev James Hendry, the Minister at Britannia United Church from 1970–74, was born and grew up in Banffshire Scotland. He served in the Royal Air Force from 1937-1946 and he was an accountant in business from 1947-1955. Mr Hendry became a candidate for the ministry and studied at McGill University. Following ordination in 1958, he served successively at Mansonville, Stanstead College, Pointe Claire United Church, Dundas United Church and Britannia United Church.[60]

In 1973, an intergenerational program known as "Family Clusters" was started at Britannia United Church; four or five 'Family Units', which consisted of any person or group of persons living together, would share a meal indoors or at parks, sing, play games, communicate and share learning experiences on a theme, perhaps communications, rituals (Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving), exploring the area and other cultures.[61]

Britannia United Church - Arkell Hall

The former Britannia Heights United Church building on Carling Avenue at Richmond Road burned down on November 8, 1975.[62]

Since the 1975 Plan of Union to merge the Anglican and United churches in Canada failed, it was necessary to expand the Britannia United Church facility on Pinecrest Road. To help fund the addition, the lot on Pinewood and Harwood was severed and sold and the Arkell house was demolished by the Church.

Rev. Morgan Macfarlane presided over the sod turning for new Arkell wing of the Britannia United Church on June 9, 1976. Arkell Hall, which consists of offices on the main level, and classrooms in the basement, was named after Mr & Mrs Arkell, who had owned the Highclerc dairy where the church stands.[63] Arkell Hall was dedicated by the minister, Rev. Barry Thomas in 1976.[15]

Inclusivity and social activism

Heralding the many changes aimed at inclusivity that were to follow, the Britannia United Church was made fully wheelchair accessible in 1977.[64]

In 1979, Britannia United Church sponsored two Vietnamese refugee families as part of Project 5000.[65] Britannia United Co-operative Nursery School had an open house and registration day for 3 to 4-year-olds for fall term, in April 1979.[66]

In 1982, Rev. Myron Maxted of Britannia United Church made a stand fighting poverty and in support of controversial subsidized housing in the Britannia Heights area.[67]

Rev. Jim Baldwin, minister of the Britannia United Church 2000-2014, continues the tradition of First United as one that welcomes diversity and made it a centre of social activism, especially gay rights, fighting poverty, and supporting people with addictions. As well, its welcome for the diversity of life has drawn many people to the church. Britannia United has been an 'Affirming Congregation' Affirm United of the United Church of Canada for several years. Rev Jim Baldwin played the pirate Peter Easton in 'The Princess and the Pirate', Oct. 16. 2002 and Capt Von Trapp in the 'Sound of Music' June 6–14, 2008 at Centrepointe Theatre, Ottawa. Rev. Baldwin has sung gospel and performed with the Savoy Society.[68]

On June 15, 2003, Britannia United Church was the site of one of the first same sex marriages in Canada; Same-sex marriage was legally recognized in Ontario as of June 10, 2003 making Ontario the first jurisdiction in North America to recognize same-sex marriage.

In 2003, the United Church and Anglican Church began to engage in a formal conversation on organically uniting the two churches Anglican and United churches in Canada.

MindWare Academy, which operates during the week out of the academic complex, has met the needs of students with learning disabilities since 2005.[69] The academic complex is used for Sunday school on the weekends.

With C. Arthur Smith and his family present, the Britannia United Church congregation celebrated his donation of a portfolio of stocks and Isabel Elizabeth Smith’s memory at a Sunday morning service in May, 2010. Although the principal is to be held for a future major capital project, the congregation can use the income earned by the Isabel Elizabeth Smith Memorial fund toward current expenses in the meantime.

Britannia United Church hosted "Faith and Law Dialogue on Crime Prevention I" at the Ontario Multifaith Council on Spiritual and Religious Care Partners in Holistic Care Educational Conference on November 14, 2007. After a brief presentation by the Ottawa Police, representatives of faith groups and faith-based community organizations described their work in crime prevention and outlined specific ways the Ottawa Police and other faith groups and faith-based community organizations could help.[70]

Rev. Jim Baldwin from the Britannia United Church was the Master of Ceremony when Intercultural Dialogue Institute – Ottawa organized its first interfaith gathering at Sala San Marco on Monday, February 28, 2011. The theme was ‘Living Together as Neighbours’.[71]

“Murder on the Canadian Princess” a murder mystery dinner play by playwright/director Maggie Taylor was performed on May 3 and May 4, 2013 at Britannia United Church.[72]

Britannia Church marked 140 years of history during Sunday Services on October 13 and 20, 2013 which reflected the themes for the special Anniversary morning service on October 27, 2013. A PowerPoint presentation highlighted Britannia’s church history; there were old photographs, a display of artifacts and refreshments. A 2014 commemorative calendar was produced.[73] As part of the 140th anniversary celebrations, members added landscaping and a flower bed along the north side of the property. The Quarter-Quarter Mile Fundraiser sought to raise a quarter mile of quarters, totaling $3,960.[64]

Some activities at Britannia United Church over the years have been:

Records

Records of the Ontario congregations of the Ottawa Presbytery are housed at the City of Ottawa Archives in Ottawa, Ontario. The Britannia United Church's Marriage Registers (1925-1985), Baptism Registers (1925-1973) and Burial Registers (1926-1990) have been deposited in the Montreal & Ottawa Conference collection under Ottawa Presbytery Ontario Congregation Archives. The records are listed under 9/BCR Bells Corners Pastoral Charge and under 9/BRI Britannia United Church (Ottawa).[74]

Britannia Church ministers

Year Minister
1869-1871 J. L. Rose
1871-1875 R. Short
1875-1876 J. Anderson
1876-1877 J. W. Andrews
1877-1879 E. S. Howard
1879-1881 S. A. Dupreau
1881-1882 D. Hoag & W. Saunders
1882-1885 E. Woodcock
1885-1893 Rev. Philips; Rev. Quinn; Rev. Jamison; F. Tripp
1893-4 Rev. Ernest Tripp
1898-1901 R. L. Oliver
1901-1903 John Gibson & Rev. Warren
1903-1904 W. Short & Ernest Thomas
1904-1906 C. L. Curtis
1906-1910 H. E. Young
1910-1914 H. E. Warren & Rev. Sully - assistant
1914-1915 Elwood Lawson & Mr. Kerslake - assistant
1915-1916 Rev. Arthur Hopper
1916-1919 Rev. W. S. Jamison
1919-1920 Rev. Phillip
1920-1924 Rev. J. Kerslake
1924-1925 Rev. J. Clark Riley
1925 Rev. John Webster & Rev. Dr. L. S. Hughson
1941-1949 Rev. Gordon Dangerfield
1949-1958 Rev. R. W. Armstrong
1958-1963 Rev. James M. Perry
1963-1967 Rev. John Wayling
1967-1970 Rev. Douglas C. Lapp
1970-1974 Rev. James Hendry
1974-1980 Rev. Barry Thomas
1980-1997 Rev. Myron Maxted, Ottawa Police Padre, died in office
1997-2000 Rev. Camille Lipsett
2000–present Rev. Jim Baldwin

Coordinates: 45°21′14″N 75°47′32″W / 45.35389°N 75.79222°W / 45.35389; -75.79222

Other readings

References

  1. 1 2 Revenue Canada Charities
  2. ↑ The Community Information Centre of Ottawa (CIC)
  3. ↑ Ottawa Journal Aug 22 1959 p 5
  4. ↑ Diocean Archives by Glen J Lockwood Crosstalk Oct 2013
  5. ↑ All happy of sites of schools Ottawa Citizen Aug 2, 1961
  6. ↑ McLean and MacPhadyen fonds architectural drawing
  7. ↑ Ottawa Journal 17 September 1966 Page 48 Dedication of Multi-Purpose Centre
  8. 1 2 Ottawa Journal "Britannia Methodist" 19 June 1911
  9. ↑ Westboro Village Voice, June 1976
  10. ↑ the Ottawa Journal 3 July 1897 "Britannia Methodist"
  11. 1 2 3 Ottawa Journal "Britannia United Church" 2 October 1976
  12. 1 2 Bit of Britannia history, old church lost to flames Ottawa Citizen Nov 8 1975
  13. 1 2 3 Ottawa Journal Britannia United Church 2 October 1976
  14. 1 2 Westboro Village Voice, Britannia United Church June 1976
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "History of Britannia United Church Taken From 120th Anniversary Photo Directory (Ottawa, Ontario 1993)"
  16. ↑ Britannia Topics back in 1900 (Ottawa Citizen Dec 12 1936)
  17. ↑ Ottawa Journal 20 December 1913 Page 10 Entertainment Britannia Methodist
  18. ↑ Britannia Notes
  19. ↑ Ottawa Citizen May 12, 1915 Propose Division of Nepean Circuit - 3 churches too much for one pastor.
  20. ↑ United Church of Canada
  21. ↑ Westboro Village Voice, Britannia United Church, June 1976
  22. ↑ Facts about Britannia Church, The Britannian, Britannia United Church Newsletter, Autumn 2013
  23. ↑ Ottawa Citizen - church at britannia observes anniversary (Ottawa, Ontario Oct 3 1927)
  24. ↑ "Young Peoples Association" By Ed Hare
  25. ↑ Ottawa, Journal, 13 October 1937 Page 8
  26. ↑ James Bearman The Ottawa Journal 11 December 1942
  27. ↑ The Ottawa Journal Sunday School church service and camp fire 28 August 1943
  28. ↑ Ottawa Citizen 2nd company Briannia Girl Guides
  29. ↑ Ottawa Citizen Britannia Heights United church
  30. ↑ Ottawa Citizen Trail Rangers Oct 17, 1946
  31. ↑ Ottawa Citizen "Britannia United pays tribute to men of congregation fallen" (Ottawa, Ontario April 6 1946)
  32. ↑ "Britannia United Church: Memorial 35062-015 Ottawa (Nepean), ON". National Inventory of Canadian Military Memorials. Veterans Affairs Canada. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  33. ↑ Ottawa Citizen - membership of Britannia UC doubles in year Rev Gordon Dangerfield, (Ottawa, Ontario Jan 22 1947)
  34. ↑ Britannia United Church scene of wedding -Ottawa Citizen Aug 25, 1952
  35. ↑ The Ottawa Journal, 24 September 1946, Page 12
  36. ↑ Ottawa Citizen "Ottawa Protestant Women to mark world day of prayer" Ottawa Citizen Feb 14, 1956
  37. ↑ "Campeau Corporations' Queensview Construction acquired 114 acres of Arkell farm on Pinecrest Road" (Ottawa Journal 24 May 1957)
  38. ↑ Suburban Personality Ottawa Citizen - Feb 10, 1959
  39. ↑ Ottawa Citizen Church wants to know city plans - delay new building (Ottawa, Ontario November 25, 1959)
  40. ↑ Ottawa Citizen "Rev James Perry's plans to build new Britannia United Church before presbytery (Ottawa, Ontario Apr 21, 1961)
  41. ↑ Ottawa Citizen - 120000 Britannia United church sod turning Rev Perry (Ottawa, Ontario April 24 1961)
  42. ↑ Ottawa Journal 17 September 1966 Page 48
  43. ↑ Ottawa Citizen "The little white church moves to larger : Soon to be a Memory familiar landmark at Britannia Crossroads (Ottawa, Ontario Nov 24 1961)
  44. ↑ Worship Resource Library
  45. ↑ "The Britannia Chances Players by Jean Shaw" (Ottawa, Ontario 2013)
  46. 1 2 The Dorcas Unit From Stewardship Material In 1982
  47. ↑ The Ottawa Journal 28 May 1962 Page 20
  48. ↑ Ottawa Citizen - 23000 enrolled in city Sunday schools operated by Protestant denominations (Ottawa, Ontario Jan 17 1964)
  49. ↑ The Ottawa Journal 10 December 1966 Page 38
  50. ↑ Herbert Samuel Arkell Page 48
  51. ↑ The Ottawa Journal Highclere Dairy 25 June 1940
  52. ↑ Ottawa Journal 17 September 1966 Page 48 Dedication of Multi-Purpose Centre
  53. ↑ Herbert Samuel Arkell bio
  54. ↑ Ottawa Journal 17 September 1966 Page 48
  55. ↑ Ottawa Boys Club decentralizes into western fringe
  56. ↑ Britannia United Church History
  57. ↑ Ottawa Journal 17 September 1966 Page 48
  58. ↑ The Ottawa Journal Services of West End United Anglican Church By John Wylie 5 September 1968
  59. ↑ Britannia United Church centennial The Ottawa Journal 25 October 1962
  60. ↑ Granby Leader-Mail May 16, 1973 Rev James Hendry
  61. ↑ "Family Clusters at Britannia From B.U.C Records
  62. ↑ Bit of Britannia history old church lost to flames (Saturday Citizen Nov 8 1975)
  63. ↑ Ottawa Citizen "Wing and a prayer" (Ottawa, Ontario June 10 1976)
  64. 1 2 Britannia Church marks 140 years of history article (Ottawa Community News October 2013)
  65. ↑ Britannia decided to sponsor two Vietnamese families One family adopted by the Green Family The story by Jean Green (Ottawa, Ontario Britannia United History 2003)
  66. ↑ The Ottawa Journal "Britannia United Coop Nursery" 24 April 1979
  67. ↑ Ottawa Citizen "Controversy over subsidized housing (Ottawa, Ontario May 6 1982)
  68. ↑ Preacher turns pirate, loves the evil role Kirstin Endemann, The Ottawa Citizen - Thursday, October 3, 2002
  69. ↑ MindWare Academy
  70. ↑ Faith and Law Dialogue on Crime Prevention I November 14, 2007
  71. ↑ Intercultural Dialogue Institute – Ottawa Living Together as Neighbours Feb 28, 2011
  72. ↑ on the Canadian Princess”
  73. ↑ 140th Anniversary of Britannia United Church CKCUFM 83.1
  74. ↑ City of Ottawa Archives Britannia United Church Archived 2014-02-01 at the Wayback Machine.
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