History, The Church Of Our Lord, Reformed Episcopal Church in Victoria BC Canada

History

We are one of the oldest church congregations in Victoria, having been established and serving this beautiful city since 1874.

Our Church Building

The Church Of Our Lord building was completed in 1876 and was declared a Federal Heritage Building in 1998. As a national historic site, it attracts many visitors and tourists. The land and organ were donated by one of our founding members, Sir James Douglas KCB, Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company, and later Governor of the Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia.

The church itself was established on October 27, 1874 by Rev. Edward Cridge. In 1855 he was sent to this outpost of the colonies by the Church Missionary Society of England as Chaplain to the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Victoria. Rev. Cridge later became Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, which he left to begin The Reformed Episcopal Church of Our Lord. The structure was designed by renowned personality, John Teague, who later became Mayor of Victoria. The building is in the Carpenter Gothic style, of board and batten construction, and was dedicated on Sunday, January 16, 1876.

Cridge Hall, adjoining the church, replaced the old church hall in 1929. The architect was the noted Samuel Maclure. The hall was partially completed and remained that way for the following 70 years until the Restoration 125 Project.

Church of Our Lord Recognized as a National Historic Site

Restoration 125 Project

The Restoration 125 Project began in 1999 as part of our 125th anniversary. The exterior of the church was beautifully restored and painted. Since then the hall was raised, full basement added and three storey addition has been contructed to establish our Community Ministry Centre. These renovations were completed according to Maclure's original design.

This was designed by architect John Teague in carpenter gothic style. Photo BC Archives

collection (ca. 1876) "The structure, situate on Humboldt street, under construction by Messrs. Haywood & Jenkinson, is now rapidly approaching completion, and is expected to be ready for consecration on or about the 20th inst. ... The interior is spacious, and of the following dimensions: length 104 feet, width - in the body of the church - 42 feet; in the transept, 56 feet; height of walls 20 feet, to ceiling 38 feet and from floor to peak of bell turret 78 feet. Seats will be provided to accomodate a congregation of 400, the sittings being placed in three aisles. ... The contract price of the building is $9,700, but when completed, inclusive of furniture, it will have cost the round sum of $12,000. The ground on which the church stands, is, as is well known, the generous gift of Sir James Douglas K.C.B., a prominent member of the congregation." -- Daily Colonist, 1875-12-08

Appleton Organ

The organ instrument in the Church of Our Lord, was built in Boston in about 1827 by the renowned organ builder, Thomas Appleton. Originally this would have been in Appleton’s traditional style of five parts, with three towers and two flats. Later, S.S. Hamill rebuilt the"facade" in the "prickly Gothic" style then popular. The organ was sent around the Horn to San Francisco where John Bergstrom did further renovation.

There are a number of stories circulating concerning the way in which the organ came to Victoria. It has been claimed that the ship carrying the organ was sunk, and the organ was then salvaged by Sir James Douglas who gave it to the church. Whilst this cannot be substantiated, it is certain that Governor James Douglas purchased the organ for Church of Our Lord, it was brought to Victoria in 1875, and installed for the opening of the church in January 1876.

More recently, Grant Smalley has done a beautiful job of restoring the instrument, so that our present organist, Bambie Maree, produces the most glorious music to inspire the choir and congregation in worship at the 11:00 a.m. Liturgical Service on Sunday.