Built in 1832, Christ Church Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Ottawa.
Located at 439 Queen St., the church has become an integral of Ottawa culture through its various musical programs, such as its men and boys choir, as well as state funerals of several Governors General and prime ministers.
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t also offers visitors an array of information such as memorial plaques, artifacts and photos displayed in Cathedral Hall. Original documents and plans are available from the Diocese of Ottawa Archives, located on the lower level of the Cathedral building.
The towering church is set in grey stone with a stormy grey roof. Its variously shaped windows are surrounded by imitation gold. It somewhat resembles a castle with its pointed columns and towers that give the structure its character. Flags representing the Canadian Armed Forces are displayed from the wood supporters of the building.
The church sits on a bluff at the western end of Wellington Street on land donated by Nicholas Sparks in 1832 for Ottawa’s first Anglican church.
From 1837 through 1841, major changes were made to the church. Funds were raised for a font, pulpit and desk and panels bearing the Lord’s Prayer and the 10 Commandments. The church was enlarged and a chancel, transepts, a bell tower and a tin roof were added.
In 1839, a church bell, cast in England, was installed and remains in use to this day.
Planning began for a new church, in 1870, which was intended to harmonize with “the improvements taking place in the architecture of the city,” – such as, the recently built Parliament Buildings.
The church was designed in the Middle Pointed style of English Gothic. The steep sloping sill of the west window derived from Parliament Hill’s East Block. The clerestory walls were similar to those of the House of Commons.
In 1896, it was designated the cathedral of the newly established Diocese of Ottawa.
In 1900, the church narrowly escaped the disastrous fire which swept through portions of the city directly below the bluffs on which the cathedral was set.
In 1932, the church became the spiritual home of the 77th Regiment, the Canadian Guards and the Governor General’s Foot Guards laid up their colours in the cathedral.
In 1999, the church was designated the cathedral for Anglican members of the Canadian Armed Forces.