On Sunday, May 31, clergy and parishioners gathered at Trinity Church in Ottawa South to mark a significant milestone — our 150th year of ministry. About 150 attendees participated in a service of celebration led by Trinity’s incumbent, the Ven. Mark Whittall. The event honoured the generations of Trinity’s faithful who built and contributed to this vibrant parish. How appropriate to celebrate on Trinity Sunday!
In his homily, Archdeacon Mark reflected on Jesus’s core messages to his disciples and all Christians — love God, love neighbour and love one another. “Jesus is urging his disciples to create communities of love and belonging … that are diverse, inclusive and affirming of the God-given dignity and worth of every human being,” he said. “One hundred and fifty years ago, in 1876, the people of Ottawa South decided that they wanted to form just this sort of community.” Looking ahead 150 years into the future, no matter what else changes, he reminded parishioners that they could count on Jesus’s promise to be with his followers “to the end of the age.”
Special guests included the Rt. Rev. Kathryn Otley, 11th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, who offered memories of her time as a parishioner at Trinity while attending university. Also in attendance was local MPP Catherine McKenney, who shared cake-cutting duties with Bishop Kathryn.
Music was a highlight of the service, with specially curated selections led by Trinity’s director of music and organist Fabien Tousignant and featuring the Trinity choir, members of Trinity Brass, and Paul, Evelyn and Kit Mugarura from Trinity’s weekly Connect 4 pm contemporary service. In the weeks leading up to the event, parishioners voted for their favourite hymn, which was revealed at the service. It was a well-guarded secret right to the end! For the record, the most requested hymn was “The Blessing.”
As well, we heard a number of reflections from parishioners — both long-time and newer — about what Trinity means to them.
One of the youth, Abasi Ekpenyon, said, “What we have here at Trinity is a euphony of people who make service seem undemanding, who make community seem like a no-brainer and who make love for the Creator seem effortless.”
Rebecca Cowal recounted arriving at Trinity House from Arnprior as a university student and gradually becoming a part of the Trinity parish. To me, Trinity is .. “a place to make friends, to share in faith and to grow, a place to ask questions, to feel cared for and seen by people who know you,” she said….”As evidenced by today this community is comprised of generous people who embody the very qualities of kindness, grace and selfless hospitality of Jesus.”
It was a grand celebration befitting such a milestone. May Trinity continue to be a positive presence in the community for many more generations.
Saint Bede’s, Nolan’s Corners — Lanark Deanery