Mohawk Chapel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks
Mohawk Chapel, Brantford, Ontario
Denomination	Anglican Church of Canada
Website	mohawkchapel.ca
History
Dedication	Chapel Royal
Dedicated	1904
Architecture
Style	Carpenter Gothic
Years built	1785
Administration
Diocese	Huron
Province	Canada

The His Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks in Brantford, Ontario is a very old and special church. It is the oldest church building still standing in Ontario, and it was the first Anglican church in a part of Canada once called Upper Canada. This chapel is one of only three "Royal Chapels" in all of Canada. In 1981, it was named a National Historic Site of Canada, which means it's a really important place in Canadian history.

A Look at Its History

This chapel was built in 1785 by the British government. It was given to the Mohawk people, who were led by Joseph Brant. This gift was a thank you for their help during the American Revolution, a war where the American colonies fought for their freedom from Britain. After Britain lost the war, the Mohawk people moved to Canada and were given land to live on.

The church was first called St. Paul's, but most people know it as the Mohawk Chapel. It is part of the Anglican Diocese of Huron, and a special leader called a chaplain is chosen to guide the church community.

In 1850, the body of Joseph Brant was moved from his first burial place to a special tomb at the Mohawk Chapel. His son, John Brant, was also buried there. Near Brant's tomb, there is a large rock that remembers a famous writer named Pauline Johnson. She was born nearby on the Six Nations Reserve and used to attend services at the chapel.

In 1904, King Edward VII officially named it a Chapel Royal. This is a special title given to churches that have a close connection to the King or Queen.

What the Chapel Looks Like

The chapel is a simple building. It has a rectangular shape and is made of wood, covered with painted wooden boards called clapboards. It has been fixed up and changed a few times over the years. In 2001, it had some small damage from two attempts to set it on fire.

When it was first built, the main entrance faced east. This was towards the Grand River, which was used for travel by canoe. Inside, there are eight beautiful stained glass windows. These windows were put in between 1959 and 1962. They show important events from the history of the Six Nations of the Iroquois people.

People Who Led the Chapel

Many dedicated people have served as leaders and chaplains at the Mohawk Chapel since it was built. These leaders have helped guide the community and keep the chapel's traditions alive for over two centuries.

See also

• Christ Church Royal Chapel, near Deseronto, Ontario
• The Canadian Crown and Aboriginal peoples

Images for kids

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  Joseph Brant's tomb

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  Prince Arthur with the Chiefs of the Six Nations at the Mohawk Chapel, 1869

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  Prince Arthur at the Mohawk Chapel, 1913