A History of Emmanuel Anglican Church
Arnprior, Ontario
Emmanuel Anglican Church in Arnprior is the community’s oldest and most historic church building and has been in use since it was begun in 1869. Before that time, services were held in a number of locations until the land for the church and rectory were donated by Daniel McLachlin. The parish began as a mission and the first Anglican services were held in Arnprior in 1861 by the priest from Fitzroy Harbour, The Rev’d Ebenezer Morris. Arnprior was on the edge of what then seemed a vast wilderness. In 1863 it is recorded that services were held in German, reflecting the immigration pattern of that time and possibly providing an explanation for the naming of the parish Emmanuel. The first Confirmation was held in 1865. In 2011, the parish celebrates its 150th Anniversary.
The history of a parish is always connected to the history of the community it serves. Arnprior’s history really begins with Daniel McLachlin and the lumbering industry. He arrived in 1851 when Arnprior was a small settlement where the Madawaska River meets Ottawa River and purchased 400 acres of land in what was then a remote and difficult to reach place. His legacy was to found a thriving settlement and the land he donated for Emmanuel was close to his large home, called “The Hill”, which still stands. By 1860, Arnprior was important enough to receive a visit from the Prince of Wales. The founding of the parish in 1861 was part of the growth of the village and later town. In 1864, the arrival of the railway was a boost to the local economy and the growth of the parish in the 1860s reflects this time of progress.
The present church, constructed of local brick, was begun in 1869 and is said to reflect the tall pines of the area. Its gothic decoration and medieval floor plan reflect the influence of the Oxford Movement of the mid 19th century. As Anglicans were not numerous, it was built in stages as finances allowed, but after receiving mission funds from the diocese for a few years, the parish became self-supporting. The building was debt-free and consecrated by the Bishop on November 26, 1885. In 1900 significant changes were made which gave us the church much as we see it today. The spire and porch were built, new pews were added, the church was wired for electricity, and most importantly, the pipe organ was purchased from Casavant Freres of St. Hyathinthe, Quebec as Opus 124. This organ, which cost $1,785 in 1900 would cost almost half a million dollars today. It is still in regular use and is well maintained.
In 1962 a dream was realized when the present Carlton Reid Memorial Hall was built adjacent to the church on land donated by Eric McLachlin. The beautiful building, along with the kitchen and other modern facilities, is a place for Christian Education and many special events in the parish and community. It is without steps and barrier free.
The history of a parish is usually the story of buildings and memorials, and we have been blessed with a beautiful building, grounds, and facilities due to the hard work and generosity of many in the past and present. However, the story of a parish is really the story of God’s People and their faithfulness to the call of God and the Gospel of Christ in their ministry in the world. People have worshipped, prayed, worked, and cared for each other for generations and today to write the story of Emmanuel in its life and mission.
