More History

The following are extracts from documents collected over the years and kept at the Church.
1924 - The first services in Beaurepaire were held in private homes. The residents were mostly farmers whose land had been handed down from generation to generation. There were a few permanent homes and a sprinkling of summer ones. A census of church members was made and, being encouraged by the results, the congregation moved to Beaurepaire Protestant School with the Reverend J.J. Seaman conducting the services. A building fund was started.
21st April 1925 - In his annual charge to the Diocesan Synod, Bishop Farthing reported that "Beaurepaire church people have bought an excellent site next to the school in which the services are now being held." 1925 - A tennis club was started and using a short-term loan of $158 from church funds, a court was laid out on the church property.
1926 - Several articles, a dossal, cross, candlesticks, altar cloth, hymn boards and lectern, were placed at the Harvest Thanksgiving Service.
1928 - An Altar Cloth, vases and kneeling bench were donated by members. Continuous support of the Ladies Guild was acknowledged.
1930 - A Women's Club and a Men's Club were formed. Church grounds were improved and a building committee formed. Fundraising commenced. A student at Montreal Theological College, Mr. Roland Bodger assisted Rev. Seaman during the year and Bishop Farthing visited on October 12th.
1931 - First Confirmation Service for 8 candidates.
1932 - First church building dedicated 29th July by Bishop Farthing. Named Christ Church after the former parish in Wykehurst, England of a pioneer member, Mr. Charles Claridge, it cost $9,000. The architect was Gordon Williams. An organ was installed and gifts from parishioners dedicated. Mr. Claridge donated an old steam locomotive bell to install in the belfry. In 1962 when the second church building was built, the bell was donated to the Montreal Railway Museum.
1933 - The Rev. B.J. Thorpe became rector of the combined parishes of Beaurepaire and Pointe Claire.
1943 - Membership and funds decline. Church closed and services held in the school.
1945 - United Church joins in using the church building.
1946 - Attendance and participation reach new low. Serious consideration is given to closing the parish and disposing of the church building. A decision was taken to carry on, while sharing with the United Church.
1947 - 1949 - The situation starts to improve. Parish census taken.
1950 - Progress continues and improvements are made to the church building
1951 - Mortgage of the first church building is burned on June 11th
1952 - Lt. Col. The Rev. H.F.C. Cocks begins a successful ministry during the years of heavy suburban expansion.
1956 - Parish numbers 300 families
1959 - Parish resolves to become self-supporting and seeks a full-time Rector. The Rev. Roland Bodger is inducted 4th June.
1960 - Parish Council & Building Committee recommend that all church requirements be provided in one building.
1962 - Last service in the original church is held on Easter Sunday. New church cornerstone laid 14th June and first service held on 9th December. Building cost $190,000 and the architect was P. Roy Wilson, a parishioner.
1963 - Dedication of the new church building by Bishop Maguire on 11th January.
1965 - New Baldwin organ installed.
1972 - Rectory at 84 Fieldfare, across from the church, is extended thus confirming it as one of the most delightful Rectories in the Diocese.
1974 - Parish numbers 350 families. There are a Senior and a Junior Choir, a consort, a church school, an altar guild, four Anglican Church Women (ACW) groups, and a Server's Guild. Services are held every Sunday at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 7:15 p.m.
1974 - The Rev. Desmond Rowe is appointed. He retires in 1988.
1988 - The Rev. Dean Brady is appointed. He returns to university in September 2002.
2002 - In October, The Rev. Canon Bryan Pearce is appointed Interim Priest.
2003 - In September, The Rev. Andrew Sandilands is appointed Incumbent. The Parish presently numbers 139 families.