“What stories could these lichened stones tell?” asks the wind as it sweeps through the cemetery. Right here stands St. Stephen’s Anglican Church. It is a testament to time and faith in Chambly, Quebec.
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church has a rich history. It served both the garrison of Fort Chambly and local civilians. Imagine soldiers and settlers worshipping together within these very walls.
Construction finished in 1820. The church served soldiers and civilians until 1869. Troops departed then. In February 1970, St. Stephen’s became a National Historic Site of Canada. The Historic and Monuments Board recognized its early 19th-century architecture.
Edward Parkin designed St. Stephen’s. The building showcases Palladian architecture. Its dimensions are fifty feet long and thirty feet wide. It has a height of twenty-five feet. A single spire graces its roof.
Consider the fieldstone used to construct St. Stephen’s. This church cost 1,000 English pounds including fittings. It features a circular chancel. Original high-backed pews with doors remain in use. These pews once accommodated the Fort Chambly garrison. This was achieved by altering their arrangement in 1833. Side galleries were added in 1839.
Notice the stone font. The troops stationed here donated it. Despite modifications, St. Stephen’s remains an outstanding example of early Canadian ecclesiastical architecture. Restoration work was carried out in 1990. Religious services still occur every Sunday. The church and balcony together can accommodate 140 people.
Pause for a moment to observe the memorial stained-glass window. It was dedicated in 1970. Mrs. Nancy M. Cowen-Foss started the fund for it in 1962. Over twenty years, she raised nearly $20,000. This money bought new carpets and prayer books. It paid for church repairs and organ work.
Take note of the brass collection plates. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin A.A. Cowen donated these in 1959. Their names are inscribed on each plate.
Let’s talk about the organ. Samuel R. Warren built it in 1854. Ward T. C. Hatt purchased it. Originally, it was operated by a manual pump. In 1923, the Ladies Guild gifted an electric wind supply. J.S. Tuttiet renovated the organ in 1954. Denis Juget historically restored it in 1995. The organ holds historical recognition.
The church once possessed a bell gifted by Sir John Johnson. The inscription read “Isaac Tod, 1812”. It was stolen in the early 1980s. Another bell replaced it. The original bell has since been recovered.
Beneath our feet lie crypts. Families like the Yules, Hatts, Johnsons, Austins and Campbells rest here. The Yule and Hatt families were founders of Chambly.
Beside St. Stephen’s stands Randell Hall. It honors Rev. Cecil Randell. His encouragement led to its construction.
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church stands as a testament. It is a testament to faith and community. Its stones whisper stories of soldiers and settlers, music and memories.