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 special church located on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Ontario, Canada. It's near Deseronto, Ontario. The church belongs to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation. It is part of the Anglican Church in the area.
This church was named a National Historic Site in 1995. This means it's a very important place in Canadian history. In 2004, Queen Elizabeth II gave it the special title of "Chapel Royal." There are only three churches in Canada with this title!
Contents
History of the Chapel Royal
Why the Mohawks Came to Tyendinaga
The story of Christ Church begins with the Mohawk people. They used to live in what is now New York State. During the American Revolutionary War, they supported the British. After the war, they had to leave their homes.
In 1784, George III, the King of Britain, gave them new land. This land was on the shores of the Bay of Quinte. This is where the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory is today.
Early Church and Royal Gifts
The first church building was made of wood. It was built shortly after the Mohawks arrived in 1784. The current church was built later, in 1843.
The Chapel Royal is still used as a church today. It holds many special gifts from the British Royal Family. These gifts show the long friendship between the Crown and the Mohawks.
One important gift is a silver Communion set. Queen Anne gave it in 1711. It was a symbol of their alliance. This set is sometimes shown and used on special days.
Other gifts include:
- A special artwork called a triptych, written in the Mohawk language.
- A bell given by George III.
- A Royal coat of arms from George V.
- A Bible given by Queen Victoria.
The Chapel Today
Recent Royal Gifts and Memorials
More recently, Elizabeth II also gave gifts to the chapel. In 1984, she gave a communion chalice. This was to celebrate 200 years since the Mohawks and other Loyalists came to Ontario. In 2010, she gave eight silver handbells.
The chapel also has a special window. It is a memorial to Dr. Oronhyatekha, a famous Mohawk doctor. He is buried at the Chapel Royal.
Honoring Mohawk Service
Inside the chapel, you can see plaques. These honor Mohawks who served in World War I and World War II. They show the strong connection between the Tyendinaga Mohawks and the British Crown.
The Chapel Royal has been repaired and restored in recent years. It continues to be an active place of worship for the community.
Building Style
Gothic Revival Architecture
The current Christ Church was built in 1843. The Mohawks built it themselves. It was designed in a style called Gothic Revival. This style was popular in the mid-1800s.
The church's design shows the strong bond between the British Crown and the Mohawk people. It was also built to hold the many royal gifts.
You can see the Gothic Revival style in several ways:
- Narrow windows: The church has tall, narrow windows called lancet windows.
- Stepped piers: The walls have parts that stick out, making them look strong.
- Crenellations and pinnacles: The tower has decorative tops that look like a castle.
- Vertical feel: All these features make the church look tall and reach towards the sky.
Images for kids
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The tablet inscribed above the entrance to the church.
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The interior of the church.
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The Triptych given by King George III containing 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 to replace an earlier set which were 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
