Trinity Anglican Church, in the Area Parish of the Saint Lawrence, held a year long celebration of Anglican ministry along the St. Lawrence River in 2024-2025. Father Adam Brown said that Trinity’s anniversary year was focused on renewal, concentrating on “where we are and where we are going.”
The Area Parish of the Saint Lawrence is composed of St. John the Evangelist in Lancaster; Christ Church Seaway in Long Sault and Trinity Church in Cornwall. Early information on Trinity Church is found in the history of the Diocese of Ottawa, Faith of Our Fathers by The Right Reverend Robert Jefferson and Leonard Johnson. “Trinity had its origins as a mission which was established in 1784 to minister to United Empire Loyalists who settled in the area,” with the services held in homes until “the first church house” was established in 1787 at which time, “the Parish of Trinity was founded.”
An integral part of the early history of Trinity Anglican is the role played by Bishop John Strachan who arrived in Cornwall in 1803 after being appointed as the first resident rector, and it was under his leadership that the construction of a parsonage and stables began. A log church, which fronted on Second Street, was built upon a stone foundation, with services held in early 1806. Cornwall Grammar School became an important centre for learning under the leadership of Strachan. Strachan and his family moved to Toronto (then called York) during the War of 1812, where he served as Archdeacon of York and the first Bishop of Toronto.
King George IV provided six acres of land to “the rector and his successors,” upon which in 1868 the construction of the present church was begun, and in 1875, it was consecrated by the Right Reverend John Travers Lewis, Bishop of Ontario. Initially, the name of the church was The Bishop Strachan Memorial Church, but it is now known as Trinity Anglican Church.
“I do see a lot of hope,” Father Brown said, observing that the church is looking back to its roots in music ministry as the congregation moves forward. He explained that Trinity has historically been a centre of education, combining learning with arts and music.
The renewing of the music ministry has begun with associations being formed with the Royal School of Church Music, as well as developing a senior choir as well as junior choir programme and the creation of music camps for school aged children. He noted that a relationship between Trinity Church and McGill University has begun.
Trinity Sunday, June 15, 2025, was a day of celebration. A Eucharist service was held, with almost 100 people attending the service at which Bishop Shane Parker presided.
The Ven. Frank Kirby commented in an email that “Trinity Church in Cornwall was my last church in full time ministry. It was an honour to serve there for 10 years — the oldest parish in the Diocese of Ottawa, predating all the dioceses in Ontario. It is an impressive legacy, worthy of celebration. The liturgies on Trinity Sunday (June 15) were grand, with our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Shane Parker, who began his ordained ministry as assistant curate here, presiding at the morning Eucharist.”
Archdeacon Kirby described the later choral evensong as as “a treat, with glorious music, fitting for the occasion. It was a joy to be part of it.” Father Brown estimated that almost 60 people from the three churches that form the St. Lawrence Parish attended the choral evensong.
During the following afternoon tea held in the church hall, people were able to view historical memorabilia and displays from the St. John the Evangelist, Christ Church Seaway and Trinity Anglican Church.
St. Stephen’s, Ottawa — Deanery of Central Ottawa