Sep 29, 2011


Photo: Reverend Nancy MacLeod, The Right Reverend John Chapman, Bishop of Ottawa and The Venerable James Roberts, Archdeacon of Lanark & Arnprior

Members of the congregation of St. Alban's Anglican church in Maberly filled the parish hall on the evening of September 25 for a special Evensong service celebrating the 125-year history of a very unique church.

One of the few A-frame churches in the Ottawa Diocese, the church was named after St. Alban, who was venerated as the first British martyr. During the persecution by the Emperor Diocletian in 300AD, Alban was scourged and beheaded after protecting a priest.

Formal worship in Maberly began with the Mission of Maberly, which first met at the Maberly school house in May 1883 with 80 worshipers in attendance. Shortly after that, members of the congregations decided they need a proper building of worship. In a memorabilia of the church compiled by Helen Strong in 1986 to celebrate its 100-year birthday, it is written: “The pioneers of Maberly and the surrounding district were in no way lacking in the initiative, determination, perseverance and prayer to produce a building which they believed was only fitting for their place of worship. Many were eking out a living on the hilly and rocky land, hence the Dominion Churchman mentions many contributions of one dollar or less when the appeal for a building fund was begun.”

John Acheson, one of the members of that first congregation, who was born in 1843 on the Acheson homestead on the Scotch Line near Perth, was delegated the task of designing and building a church. Timbers used in the frame were cut from his farm, now the Munro Farm on the Fall River Road and swamp ash was squared up at the local sawmill and used for the interior paneling. The building cost $1500 to construct and was built in the Gothic style and includes stain glass windows made by McCosland and Sons of Toronto.

In September 1886, the cornerstone was laid and the church was dedicated on December 6, 1886. Over the years the building has undergone numerous renovations. The foundation was repaired in 1938 and in 1941 hydro was installed. A new roof was put on it in 1952 and the building was totally rewired in 1969. At first heated with two wood burning boxes tended for years by Mr. John Gordon, it was switched to oil in the early 1960s. Structural work was done to the masonry work in 1978 and in 1979 the wood floor and furnishings were completely refinished. Records show that a Sunday school existed from early times and a number of other organizations have continued to meet there over the years, including the Ladies Guild, the Mothers Union, and the Junior Auxiliary.

The church has warmth and charm because of its impeccable design, its small scale and wooden interior and it holds countless memories for members of its congregation.

The Right Reverend John Chapman of Ottawa, who spoke at the celebration on Saturday, highlighted the special history and memories the church holds for so many. ”There have been prayers in this place through wars, through the depressions; there have been countless marriages, baptisms, parties, and when you think about the course of human history in the last 125 years and that there have been people praying in this place throughout all of those experiences, it’s almost overwhelming to think about.”

Reverend Nancy MacLeod has been at the church for the last four years and said, “We're celebrating a very historic and vibrant place, where the focus of the people here is very outward. The people are making use of the building for vibrant worship and are also reaching out into the world.” The church regularly puts on community lunches and euchres along with supporting the food bank, the Meals on Wheels program, and the Salvation Army. The congregation has been instrumental in rebuilding St. Jude’s Cathedral in Iqaluit, which burned down years ago. Following the celebration, guests enjoyed a plethora of desserts and had a chance to reminisce about a much beloved place of worship.

 

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