At the corner of Cooper and O’Connor streets stands one of Centretown’s largest churches, Dominion-Chalmers United Church.
Originally called Chalmers United Church, its parishioners invited members of the Dominion Methodist Church to join them after the Methodist church burned down in 1962.
Dominion Methodist Church had been a major downtown institution since the colonial era at its Metcalfe Street location. Just a small chapel in 1830, it quickly attracted large numbers. The church was rebuilt in 1876 with a Sunday school and a larger organ.
Chalmers United Church opened in 1914, to accommodate the increase in local Presbyterians. After fire ripped through the halls and sanctuary in 1955, renovations increased its capacity and added a new meeting hall and chapel.
The two churches merged easily because they already had a strong relationship through mutual interest in each other’s programs and exchanging summer services.
Dominion is eight blocks from Parliament and its exquisite design is inspired by Southern French architecture. The sandstone bricks contribute to a distinct European aesthetic.
The bell tower rises prominently from the southeast corner, signalling the significance of the structure.
The church sanctuary features a long line of wooden pews on ground level and a full balcony, seating about 950 people. Pointed arches and massive columns encircle the area. The seating and the railings all angle towards the pulpit, which is placed in front of the organ pipes.
The church uses one of Ottawa’s largest and most booming organs, containing a total of 5,157 pipes.
The acoustics and elegant design of the church have attracted many artists beyond the church’s organist to perform.
Recent concerts have included performances from the Ottawa Jazz Festival, the Canadian Centennial Choir and Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.