Churches: at the heart of our villages

There’s a trend in City planning to prioritize offering more amenities within walking distance of residents. Though it may seem new and trendy, this has in fact been around for over a hundred years in rural areas across the Ottawa Valley. I wanted to take a few moments to discuss this history, the central role that churches have played in our communities’ development, and how religious institutions of all faiths continue to contribute significantly to our communities.

Many of our villages began as small military settlements and grew over the years to become the thriving communities we have today. The first established structures were often churches, which served as both a place of worship and a hub for their growing communities. Today, our churches remain the heart of our villages, serving as community spaces that are home to many events, markets, gatherings, and community fundraisers.

Many churches within our ward are approaching milestone anniversaries, including St. John the Baptist Anglican Church and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Richmond, which are celebrating their bicentennial anniversaries in 2023. Looking closely at the history of these churches, we can trace the development of a community which I am proud to call home.

St. John the Baptist was built in Richmond in 1823, it was the first church built in the village, and the county of Carleton. At the end of service in the war of 1812-1814 with the United States, British soldiers were offered the chance to return to England or receive a parcel of land to settle in Richmond along with a pension. Those who accepted land became the first settlers of Richmond. 

In 1822, the Reverend John Byrne was appointed to minister the members of the communion in Richmond and March. The original St. John's Church, a Freeman stone structure, was begun in 1823. The following year, Reverend Byrne established residency in Richmond, where he served until his death in 1828. He was succeeded by the Reverend Robert Short, who saw the Church completed by 1830.  

In 1860, the present St. John's Church was built. The cornerstone, previously laid in 1823, has been preserved and can be seen today near the main entrance of the present church. The Parish Hall was built in 1962-1963. Just as the church has been built and rebuilt, expanding to serve the needs of parishioners, Richmond itself has grown and changed, welcoming new residents and adding new amenities throughout the village.

Bicentennial celebrations will be held on June 24, from 11 am to 6 pm, at 67 Fowler St., Richmond. Activities include opening ceremonies, guest speakers, an honorary tree planting, a welcome luncheon, music, and a prime rib beef dinner. Learn more. 

As our villages have evolved, we have been fortunate to welcome people of all different faiths to our communities, enriching the characters of these communities while improving philanthropic and cultural offerings. Moreover, many new religious institutions are continuing the proud tradition of offering community spaces, putting on events for residents, and contributing to our shared history. Villages like Richmond are truly blessed both for the rich history we can celebrate and the bright future that lies ahead.

I’d like to congratulate St. John’s on this milestone, and look forward to celebrating our other village churches and religious institutions in the months and years to come.