Brantford's "Mother Church", established in 1827, exhibits extraordinary signs of vitality: the arrival of new parishioners from Nigeria, re-establishment of a small Sunday school, and consistent outreach activities that serve hundreds of local residents each week.
By Rev. Bob Schroeder
HEAR YE, HEAR YE!
So began the 195th parish anniversary service June 1, 2025, marking 195 years of ministry of Grace Church, Brantford.
With a booming voice and in period costume, David McKee, Brantford Town Crier, recounted a brief history of Brantford’s Mother Church from its humble beginnings in 1827 as a wood frame building to the magnificent gothic revival structure we know today constructed in 1856. The architect was the renowned John Turner.
As parishioners and guests made their way into the church, they were treated to the carillon bells emanating from the memorial bell tower dedicated in 1918 as a gift from the Leonard family. William Fletcher, who has been a bell ringer since his teens, still climbs the 110 steps for special occasions at Grace.
Ven. Rosalyn Kantlaht’ant Elm, Archdeacon for Reconciliation and Indigenous Ministry, read the first lesson.
Right Rev. Todd Townsend, Bishop of Huron, was the preacher and celebrant. In his homily, Bishop Todd unpacked the word “grace” and how God’s grace continues to be extended through the sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ at this time and in this place.
Bishop Todd was ably assisted by the present rector, Rev. Dr. Canon Stephen Hendry.
The choir, under the direction of Alison Clark, led the hymns and liturgy as well as an anthem for the occasion. Following the liturgy, a reception was held in the parish hall. Church wardens Hilary Bowring, Dorothy DeVille, Nick Greer, and Chris Levett invited Bishop Todd to do the honours by cutting the first slice of an anniversary cake. As the saying goes, “a good time was had by all”.
All told, it was a real celebration! Signs of new growth at Grace abound. The arrival of parishioners from Nigeria has been a particular blessing. A small Sunday School has been re-established. Outreach ministries such as the weekly Food Cupboard and the Wednesday Daily Bread program continue to serve hundreds of Brantford residents each week. Happily, several Lay Readers offer regular leadership and are involved in EFM studies.
A special Thank You to the Anniversary Committee who planned the festivities: Renée Anderson (chair), Nancy Beard, Cynthia Chamberlin, Chris Levett, Joy Logan, Fr. Stephen Hendry, Fr. Bob Schroeder, and the late Pam Murray. Sadly, Pam died unexpectedly the week after the anniversary. The spacious and renovated parish hall was constructed under the auspices of her grandparents, the Bartles.
(Photo: David McKee, Brantford Town Crier, recounts a brief history of Grace Church.)
Rev. Bob Schroeder is Honorary Assistant at Grace Church, Brantford.