Christ Church Royal Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church, His Majesty's Chapel Royal of the Mohawk |
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| Location | Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory |
| Founded | 1784 (original church) |
| Built | 1843 (current church) |
| Architect | John George Howard |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic Revival |
| Owner | Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation |
| Designated | 1995 |
Christ Church, His Majesty's Chapel Royal of the Mohawk is a very special church. It is located in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Ontario, Canada. This church is owned by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation. It is part of the Anglican Church. In 1995, it was named a National Historic Site of Canada. It is one of only three "Chapels Royal" in all of Canada. Queen Elizabeth II gave it this special title in 2004.
Contents
A Long History
The Mohawk Journey
The story of this church began a long time ago. It started when the Tyendinaga Mohawks had to leave their homes. This happened during the American Revolutionary War. They moved from what is now New York State. King George III gave them new land in Canada. This was to thank them for helping the British. They settled on the shores of the Bay of Quinte in 1784. This land became the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Royal Gifts and Symbols
The Chapel Royal is still used regularly as a church today. It holds many important gifts from the British Royal Family. One special item is a silver communion set. Queen Anne gave this set in 1711. It showed the strong friendship between the Crown and the Mohawks. This set is used and displayed on special days.
The church also has a triptych. This is a special artwork with three panels. It is written in the Mohawk language. There is also a bell given by King George III. A Royal coat of arms from George V hangs there too. It replaced an older one lost in a fire. And a Bible given by Queen Victoria is also kept in the church.
Today at the Chapel
More Royal Presents
More recently, Elizabeth II gave a communion chalice in 1984. This marked 200 years since the Mohawks came to Ontario. In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II also gave eight silver handbells to the Chapel Royal.
Remembering Heroes
The chapel also has a special memorial window. It was given by Dr. Oronhyatekha. He was an important Mohawk leader. He is buried at the Chapel Royal. Inside the church, you can see plaques. These honor Mohawks who served in the First and Second World Wars. These plaques show the strong connection between the Tyendinaga Mohawks and the Crown.
Restoration and Community
The Chapel Royal has been carefully restored in recent years. A Roman Catholic group also holds services there. They are invited by the Mohawk leaders. This shows how the chapel is a place for different communities.
Building Style
A Special Design
The church was built to show the strong bond between the British Crown and the Mohawk people. It was also made to hold the many gifts from the Royal Family. The Mohawks themselves built the church in 1843. They used a simple Gothic Revival style. This style was popular in the mid-1800s.
The new church replaced an older wooden building. That first church was built when the Mohawks arrived in 1784. The Gothic Revival style can be seen in the church's features. It has narrow, tall windows called lancet windows. It also has decorative stone edges called dripstones. The tower has stepped piers. The roof edges have crenellations, which look like castle walls. There are also small pointed towers called pinnacles on the spire. All these details make the church look tall and grand.
Images for kids
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The tablet inscribed above the entrance to the church.
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The inside of the church.
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The Triptych given by King George III. It has the creed, the Ten Commandments, and the 'Our Father' in the Mohawk Language.
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The Royal Coat of Arms given by King George V. It replaced an earlier one lost in a fire. These arms hang above the west door.
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The memorial window given by Dr. Oronhyateka.
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The Bible given to the Mohawks by Queen Victoria.
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This is the note written in the front of the Bible.
See also
- The Canadian Crown and Indigenous peoples of Canada
