The history of Bells Corners United Church - Summary

Ministry in the Bells Corners area began with circuit ministers visiting with local families in the early 1820's. In 1851, the first regular ministry of the Presbyterian Church began in Bells Corners. In 1853, a Union Church was built by the Anglicans, Methodists and Presbyterians on land donated by the early Irish settler, Hugh Bell; this land is the present site of the Bells Corners Union Cemetery. It was the only building to survive the great fire of 1870.

The Presbyterians bought out the interests of the other Congregations, and in 1898 built the Drummond Church on what is now known as Robertson Road, using some of the stone from the original church. In 1925, this Presbyterian Congregation joined the United Church of Canada and became Bells Corners United Church (BCUC).

The year 1960 brought great changes to the Bells Corners community as it grew rapidly and this also marked the call of the first full time ordained minister to BCUC. The Drummond church was now much too small. Construction of the present-day building started in the spring of 1962 and the new sanctuary, offices and hall were dedicated on December 2nd, 1962. The planning for the second stage of our building program began in 1965. This resulted in the construction of the northern wing in the summer of 1969, and dedication on October 15th, 1969.

In 2005, the Congregation agreed to the addition of a new entrance to the Church building, and renovation of the existing narthex and balcony. The new structure was officially dedicated on June 4, 2006.

While the building has been evolving, so too has the congregation. Every few years, we gather to review where we are and consider our goals. In 2015, we formed a team to research and come up with a vision for 2020. This culminated in hiring a consultant to help establish a plan to reach that vision.

The history of Bells Corners United Church - Detailed

The year 2025 marked 175 years since there was a joint Merivale – Bells Corners Presbyterian charge. It has been a long and interesting history with many changes, church homes, and ways of doing things. God has truly blessed this congregation over the years, and this is the time set aside to give thanks to God for all that we have been given and all that we have to look forward to. Enjoy reading or refreshing your memories with some of the historical events that have occurred over the years in our church. We pray that God will continue to bless us in our ministry in Bells Corners and in all places that we touch others with the love of God.

Foundations (1820–1898)

From humble beginnings in the early 19th century, the roots of Bells Corners United Church were planted as a beacon of faith and community in a growing area.

• 1820 First Protestant services conducted in the area.

• 1851 Rev. J. Gourlay inducted as Presbyterian minister to the Merivale-Bells Corners charge.

• 1853 Union Church built where present cemetery is located. Church was used by Anglican, Methodists, and Presbyterians.

• 1898 Stone church on highway erected and dedicated November 20th.

Growth Through Union (1925–1969)

The mid-20th century marked a time of unity and expansion, as the congregation embraced new identities and built spaces to nurture their growing community.

• 1925 Presbyterian congregation entered church union and became part of the Bells Corners - Britannia-Fallowfield charge. Dr. L. Hughson was called as minister.

• 1958 Bells Corners became a separate congregation with Rev. W.D. Reid as retired supply minister.

• 1960 Rev. D. Ross called as first full-time ordained minister for Bells Corners United Church. New manse was purchased.

• 1961 Sod turning ceremony for new church on October 15, which was the 110th anniversary of the congregation.

• 1962 DEDICATION OF THE NEW CHURCH.

• 1969 Dedication of the Christian Education Wing.

Building Community (1973–1997)

As the congregation grew, so did its commitment to serving the wider community, fostering partnerships, and creating programs to support those in need.

• 1973 Church organizational structure changed from Elder, Stewards, and Session to Parish Council system.

• 1977 Second full-time minister hired.

• 1981 Formation of FAMSAC (Family Service Association) among Bells Corners area churches. FAMSAC ensures delivery of food hampers to needy area families.

• 1982 Initiation by Service & Outreach Committee of congregational project to raise funds for building a schoolhouse in Lesotho. The project’s success has long been noted in the congregation.

• 1984 Ottawa West End Community Chaplaincy initiated with ongoing financial support provided by Bells Corners United Church.

• 1986 Quo Vadis Committee formed and delivered a 1987 Mission Statement around the following: Rejoice, Renew, Respond, and Reach Out.

• 1986 Years of meeting around the issue of providing affordable senior’s housing led to the opening of Harmer House. Initiated by Bells Corners United, the project became ecumenical once the goal was defined.

• 1987 Concept of Team Ministry with two clergy and the congregation as the team adopted by the congregation.

• 1990 Parish Council structure modified to become Church Council with an Executive Committee meeting separately to plan Council meetings.

• 1990 Team Ministry concept fully implemented with the call of Rev. Grant Dillenbeck to join Rev. Brian Copeland.

• 1991 Congregational Vitalization Program launched by participating with five other area churches in meetings and reflection.

• 1991 Soya Cow Project (soy milk for children in El Salvador) launched with more than $10,000 raised to purchase machines.

• 1992 “After 4” Program launched as an outcome of Vitalization, recognizing that school children needed somewhere to go after school and before families arrive home.

• 1995 Sunday Night Live services began.

• 1996 Rev. Marilyn Richardson joins the ministry team.

• 1997 Rev. Fred Hewitt became our Associate Minister.

Celebrating Legacy (1998–2009)

With a rich history behind them, the congregation took time to celebrate milestones, preserve memories, and deepen their spiritual connections through creativity and inclusivity.

• 1998 The Congregational Relationship Committee put together a Photo Directory for the Congregation.

• 1999 The Seniors’ Friendship Club comes together for fellowship and lunch on Mondays. The Prayer Line is started. The outdoor labyrinth was completed.

• 2000 The Heritage Quilt was dedicated. It depicts BCIUC’s history. A Native Issues Study Group was formed. The Book of Memories was a church Millennium Project in which 57 people wrote 87 memories of events at the church.

• 2001 The Congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary on the weekend of May 5-6, 2001 with a Saturday night classical concert and on Sunday an outstanding sermon by a former BCUC clergyman, Rev. Doug Ross, followed by a noon potluck luncheon, and the collection of materials from the present life and times of BCUC for placement in a time capsule. Rev. George Clifford was our full-time supply Minister from September to the end of November, and Rev. Boyd Hiscock joined our Ministry team as “interim” Minister in December, 2001.

• 2002 Rev. Martha ter Kuile joined our Ministry team effective October 1 as a part-time continuing supply. She later became full-time.

• 2003 The Interim Planning and Evaluation Committee came into existence on Dec. 10, 2003. Jack McLean, for Pastoral Care, built a new prayer box. This group focused on the visitation to seniors in our congregation who are unable to attend church and who would like a regular visit from a member of the church.

• 2004 Rev. Don Maclean joined the Ministry team. The two Sunday morning church services were combined into one service at 10 am. Our friends at Silver Springs Farm were the focus of our Advent Project in 2004. Another highlight was the trip to the Centre for Reflection & Christian Dialogue in Cuba by our UP (United People) youth and some adults.

• 2005 After a careful process of deliberation, the congregation voted to offer the hospitality of the sanctuary to couples seeking to be married, and to include same-sex couples in this welcome. As well, the Building Renewal project was approved, which resulted in a new entranceway and narthex and renovations to the balcony. The Dinner Club was started in May, 2005.

• 2006 Doug Ross preached on Anniversary Sunday, celebrating his 50th year in the Ministry. A group of people rose to the call for an Emerging Spirit which seeks to attract to the United Church those between the ages of 30-45.

• 2007 Aubrey Moodie, approaching his 100th birthday, is an honorary member of our church council. It was another busy year for the UP (United People), who held many activities for the youth of the church.

• 2008 Rev. Dr. Graeme Carruth was called to be our Minister as of July 1st. The Pastoral Care committee had an active year with informative speakers, workshops, the Prayer Line, and the sending out of cards to acknowledge the sick, bereaved, special birthdays, or other celebrations. The M&P committee organized a surprise birthday party for Don Maclean and celebration of his ministry among us.

• 2009 The Worship Committee experienced two musical Sundays with the choirs, and with the musical production ‘Life of the Party,’ which provided a wonderful opportunity for all generations and all sorts of talent to work and have fun together. The United Church Women, UCW, put out a new BCUC Cookbook, “Sharing Family Favourites,” printed 600 copies, sold them, and donated the profits of $3,200 to the BCUC Operating Fund.

Renewal and Innovation (2010–2019)

Facing the challenges and opportunities of a changing world, the church embraced renewal, innovation, and bold steps toward the future.

• 2010 A Parish Council one-day retreat was held “to reach out to young families and the young adult generation to minister to their spiritual needs.” One financial achievement was the retiring of $45,000 in debts owing on the Church Entranceway. The Christian Education committee launched a three-part discussion series on Our Muslim Neighbours, which was so popular that a second set of three sessions was added in the winter. The Dinner Club is still going strong with six rounds of Friday and Saturday dinner dates.

• 2011 Rev. Angela Bailey joined BCUC as an interim Minister. The SOSA Lenten project supported the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre. Our street address changed from Richmond Road to Old Richmond Road. The BCUC Transpo Club offers Seniors a ride to church services and to church events. The Men’s Club offered a variety of programs including speakers, dinners, and trips to places of interest. In May, the trip was to the Canadian War Museum for an architectural tour.

• 2012 The Ladies Choir visited Garden Terrace and Valley Stream Manor to sing a selection of sacred and secular music for their residents. Our congregation worked together to support the Multifaith Housing Initiative as our Lenten Project, raising $11,318.

• 2013 Rev. Kim Vidal was called to be our Minister and started in August. Lorrie Lowes came to BCUC as a Congregational Designated Minister at the beginning of Advent. In May, the Congregation approved a new governance structure replacing the Church Council with a Church Board.

• 2014 This was the first year that BCUC has operated with a church Activities Plan that was approved by the congregation. Three ad hoc groups were started: A Raise the Roof Committee, a Vision 20/20 committee, and a Chancel Committee. Refuge N.O.W. finished the sponsorship of another family in the Fall. The Men’s Club helped with the Strawberry Social in June, and in November ran the luncheon at the Christmas Fair.

• 2015 During the March break, 16 people went on a mission trip to Nicaragua. Carolyn Whitley retired after 20+ years as our Music Director. Abe TeGrotenhuis began as our choir director in September. The Vision 20/20 Final Report was completed. A consultant from the UC Edge network was engaged to help the church through a process to renew our vision and mission for the 21st century. We raised $76,000 for a new roof for the church.

• 2016 The Chancel renovations were completed and dedicated. Plans for a refurbishment of the Shalom Room were begun. A review of the governance structure of the church was approved by the congregation. The Communications committee purchased and installed two TV monitors for the foyer. Research was started into updating the church website. A photo directory was completed.

• 2017 The congregation made a commitment to support and experiment with new forms of family-centered worship and programming in order to attract and retain more young families to BCUC. A new initiative between Jami Omar Mosque and BCUC was started with the purpose of reaching out to our neighbors and developing an understanding of each group and forming friendships. With the financial assistance from the UCW, a cardiac defibrillator was installed and training given.

• 2018 The Sanctuary and CE wing roofs were replaced. The Progressive Learning Circle (PLC) was formed to organize an annual learning conference. The United People Youth Group (UP) held 11 events through the year. SOSA continued its support for the Ottawa West End Community Chaplaincy, Refuge N.O.W., Multifaith Housing Initiative, and FAMSAC. The final Ottawa Presbytery Report was presented as structural changes were made to the United Church of Canada.

• 2019 Led by our music director, Abe TeGrotenhuis, the church put on a musical, “Story Tellin’ Man.” A number of choir members were part of the cast. Money from ticket sales went to the Mission Exposure Fund. Microphone sound processors were purchased for the sanctuary sound system. FAMSAC provided 1,125 food orders for needy families and 267 Christmas hampers. The Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council (EOORC) began.

Resilience and Vision (2020–2024)

In the face of global challenges and shifting societal needs, the congregation demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast vision for the future.

• 2020 The Book of Memories, Volume 2 was published with 23 people contributing 34 memories about BCUC. COVID-19 forced our church to readjust to new realities. Many changes for how the church service was conducted were made. Online church services were started in March and still continue today. Plans for building the Portico proceeded. Lorrie Lowes graduated and became a fully-fledged Diaconal Minister.

• 2021 This year proved to be a continuation of the “new normal” that we experienced last year due to the COVID pandemic. The church became more adaptive to the existing realities. A hybrid onsite worship service was developed. Christian Education was offered online. People were encouraged to keep in touch with each other through phone calls, emails, cards, letters, Zoom, Facebook, and prayers. Long-time treasurer and Finance Committee chair for 17 years, Bill Johnson, relinquished his duties. The newly built Portico was dedicated.

• 2022 Many committee meetings were held in a virtual or hybrid fashion so they would remain as accessible as possible to people. The choirs held practices with members seated in the Sanctuary distanced and singing masks provided. For anthems, the choir would go forward and sing distanced across the chancel. By the end of the year, gowns were being worn and all sat together in the loft. Church services to three local retirement homes were restarted. Live service broadcasting on our YouTube channel began in April. The Zambia Chipembi Project continued with the building of a new church office and community building. A church photo directory was completed. The Trustees updated the inventory of BCUC property for insurance purposes.

• 2023 The Church Board agreed to begin work on BCUC becoming an ‘Affirming’ congregation. A survey was held to determine if there was support for the use of church lands for affordable housing. It was approved and a committee was set up to look into this. The Progressive Learning Circle event focused on Indigenous issues with the theme ‘Two Canoes, One River.’ The Bells Corners Union Cemetery Board, founded in 1853, decided to plan for the installation of a Columbarium of 32 units.

• 2024 The electronic computerized sign was installed and put into operation on Moodie Drive.