When St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in the Glebe decided to take its popular Treasures Auction online in 2020, it was an experiment brought on by uncertain times. It built on the success of the church’s triannual live auctions that began in 2005 —but going online was a leap of faith.
Not only was the first auction successful financially, it also inspired the church members, especially the volunteers. It brought the community together in a different way.
Now an annual event, this year’s auction (Nov. 12 to 22) has again attracted extraordinary donations that are rare and beautiful. Always eclectic, the items on offer range from a 1675 European map to contemporary Waterford crystal.
The Canadian art component remains strong with paintings by noted artists such as Ray Cattell, Sidney Charles Mooney, Randolph Parker, and Hal Ross Perrigard. Parishioner Lucianne Poole, whose work has been featured in local publications, has donated her wittily entitled and heartwarming “Best Seat in the House”, that depicts a faithful pooch in a chair.
Photo: Steve Reid
Perhaps the most extraordinary offerings this year are Indigenous works from Canada and Africa. Inuit carvings include works by Annie Qimirpik and Molly Joanassie Naulituk and an elegant bone and antler sculpture of birds in flight (shown in this year’s poster). Other Indigenous works of note include a Cree tamarack Canada goose and a Pacific Northwest Coast twined basketry hat. African works include a stunning early 20th century African door featuring carved animals, a tribal mask and limited-edition prints by acclaimed South African artist Ezekiel Madiba.
Unusual antiques include a 19th century papier mâché travelling jewellery cabinet and a sewing table believed to be French, circa 1820. This year’s marvellous selection of pottery and porcelain includes works by Kingston’s Margaret Hughes and Japanese-Canadian master potter John Ikeda. Of special note is a rare and very valuable arts and crafts Marblehead art pottery vase, circa 1910-1925.
Also on offer will be jewellery and vintage Mexican sterling silver and other sterling items.
The auction includes meals, such as lunch or dinner for eight in Amica The Glebe’s private dining room. Amica, Davidson’s Jewellers and Capital Home Hardware (Glebe) are major sponsors again this year. Parishioners will also be busy baking and cooking Christmas goodies such as mincemeat tarts, cakes, cookies, and preserves. Travel certificates for seriously discounted travel to great resorts in Antigua, Barbados and Panama will be available.
Each year, St Matthew’s selects a charity to receive a portion of the auction revenues and this year’s recipient will be Belong Ottawa, an Anglican Diocese of Ottawa community ministry. The organization operates three drop-in day programs in downtown Ottawa, including St Luke’s Table. Auction funds will support the installation of much-needed accessible shower and laundry facilities at the St. Luke’s Table Bronson Centre location.
“We are honoured to be the beneficiary of St. Matthew’s 2026 Charity Auction,” says Shauna-marie Young, executive director of Belong Ottawa. “Funds raised will create greater access to essential services for those we walk alongside each day,” she says. “Together, we are fostering dignity, wellbeing, and a deeper sense of belonging in our community.”
All Saints, Nepean, elevation by T. Fuller — Ottawa West Deanery