The Early Days

Fear of Indians, the harsh climate, poor roads, as well as the threat of floods, all combined to keep the growth of population at a low ebb during the next hundred years; and it was not until 1831 that an Anglican church was built in Lachine, then a large and prosperous village. In 1872 Lachine was incorporated as a town, and two years later St. Paul’s church was opened in the western end of the parish to accommodate the rapidly increasing population there.

In the closing years of the 19th century, Dorval had become a summer home to those people who wanted to escape the heat and bustle of the city, and who could afford to build comfortable and even elaborate homes close to the lakeshore. They soon found a need for Sunday Worship and informal services were held as early as 1893 in the home of the Hon. A.W. Morris and of Judge Melbourn Tait on Martin Avenue. By 1894 the Reverend Richard Hewton of St. Paul’s, Lachine, was conducting Evensong each Sunday afternoon at the home of John Savage, which was later to become the Elmridge Golf Clubhouse, and is now the Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre. The collection at these services, to the large amount of twenty dollars, was sent to the Montreal General Hospital, the first bit of local "Outreach".

Our Benefactors

Mr. H. Markland Molson had been the leading spirit in the building of the Chapel, and had given the bell which was to call the people to prayer each Sunday during the summer months for the next three years. By then, there were enough people living in Dorval year round to necessitate holding services during the winter months. The heating became a pressing issue for the church wardens of that day. This problem was solved for several years by the use of two wood burning Quebec heaters. During these years, a congregation of thirty was considered excellent.
 

In August of 1907 a strip of land was acquired from Henry Markland Molson and E. Kirk Green for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". (What could they have been?) This assured, in perpetuity, the right of access to the Chapel from the Lakeshore Road, which was then the only highway from Montreal to the West, for "persons on foot or vehicles drawn by animals". The following month, with all debts paid, without pew rents or endowments, the Chapel was consecrated by the Right Reverend James Carmichael, Fourth Bishop of Montreal. Inside the church hangs a painting of Mr. Molson. He was very fond of sailing; owned a luxurious seventy-five foot, forty ton steam yacht called the Alcyone, and owned a cottage close to the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club. It seems ironic that one who loved sailing so much should be one of the 1513 souls that lost their life in the sinking of the Titanic on April 14, 1912.

POST 1950 

The “Old Hall”

In the early 1950’s, the city of Dorval’s population had grown to a point where there was a need for a hall for community use.  Accordingly, in 1953, a parish hall was constructed and attached to the north side of the chapel.  This was used for Sunday school, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Guides as well as a number of adult organizations.  Over the years as the demographics of the community changed, the hall became a day care center and is now the home of Center de la Petite Enfance/Dorval Daycare.  In operation since 1975, it houses more than 60 children along with staff each weekday.
 

St. Mark’s Church

By 1957, there had been an explosion in the population of Dorval to a point where it was clearly evident that a new church was required.  That year a building fund got underway and in 1958, St. Mark’s Church opened its doors.  During construction, the west end of the chapel was removed thereby permitting it to be attached to the church without destroying any of the architectural beauty of the original building while permitting access to both.  During the design process, great care had been taken for the church to match and blend in with the chapel.  A pipe organ of two manuals and pedal with thirteen stops was built and installed by Casavant Frères during 1959 and was donated by Mr. John W. McConnell.

The Parish of St. Andrew and St. Mark

A declining Anglican population in the late 1960’s brought about the amalgamation of two churches, that of St. Andrew’s which was located further west in Dorval and St. Mark’s.  Hence, the parish of St. Andrew and St. Mark was born.  In 1970 The Rev Paul Busing became Rector and upon his retirement in 1976, The Venerable Gordon Guy took over.  Upon his retirement in 2002, The Rev Karen Chalk was appointed and continues to serve.

Present Day

Throughout the week besides the day care facility, which in addition to renting the Old Hall, uses space in the church basement.  Our facilities are also used by a number of community organizations throughout the week.  For rental information please contact the office 514-631-3601.

Several faithful parishioners run a used clothing boutique which provides good quality men, women’s & childrens’ apparel at  modest prices.  It is open on Wednesday afternoons from mid-September through to mid-May.  It has been a major fund-raiser for the parish and also serves to provide clothing for refugees, the homeless and fire victims and others in need as referred by Dorval Community Aid services.

Lay leadership is involved in much of the liturgy of the service.  The lessons are read by men and women of the congregation.  The intercessions are led by the laity and 2 lay assistants assist with the administration of the chalice.  A large number of the congregation have been licensed by the Bishop for this purpose.  There is also one Licensed Lay Diocesan Reader in our Parish.  In addition, the parish has two Honorary Assistant, The Rev Alan Evans and The Rev Canon Dr. Donald Meloche.

The Reverend Karen Chalk leads a morning bible study on Wednesdays from mid- September through to mid-May.  All are welcome to attend this lively group!.

The parish has a strong music tradition with an enthusiastic choir leading a sung liturgy at the 10 a.m. Sunday service.  Under the direction of William Hutton, the Organist and Musical Director, the choir performs a diversified program of anthems and special music during the year.