Old St Thomas Church

Talbot Settlement
Churches
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Old St Thomas

Walnut Street
St Thomas, Ontario, Canada


Old St Thomas Church

Link:   Anglican Churches of
St Thomas, Ontario
St Thomas was first called Stirling, in 1817 it was renamed in honour of Col Thomas Talbot who governed it for 50 years.

St Thomas' Church is located in the west side of the city and known locally as The Old English Church. Captain Daniel Rapelje, who fought in the war of 1812, gave the land for the church and the graveyard. The deed for the church was signed in 1821 and the church was constructed between 1822 and 1824. Colonel Talbot and Colonel Burwell each gave a sizeable donation toward the church’s construction.

The church has a Cotswold spire and box pews in two sizes. The larger family pews were rented for £2 per year, and a single could be rented for £1. The renting of pews continued until April 1871, at which time the doors were removed as a symbolic gesture.

The Royal Coat of Arms of Queen Victoria is proudly displayed inside. This is one of very few, granted only to churches that showed a strong sense of community.

A great many interesting people rest beneath the grass of the graveyard, including Daniel Rapelje and his two sons, and Judge Hugh Richardson, who sentenced Metis rebel Louis Riel to hang for treason.

Old St Thomas Church was used continuously until the completion of Trinity Church, St Thomas in 1877.   The most recent restoration was begun in 1986. The current steps are constructed of stones taken from the St. Thomas jailhouse, which was demolished in 1991.   It is currently available for weddings.

An Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario plaque was erected at the church. It reads:

St Thomas' Church 1824

This church was completed in 1824 on land given by Capt. Daniel Rapelje, the founder of the city of St. Thomas.   It is one of the province's finest remaining examples of Early English Gothic Revival architecture.   In 1825 a tower, steeple and chancel were added with the aid of a donation from Col. Thomas Talbot.   The first incumbent, the Rev. Alexander Mackintosh , a missionary deacon who served from 1824 to 1829 was also the village schoolmaster.   One of the earliest churches in the Talbot Settlement St. Thomas' was consecrated in 1833 and used continuously until the completion of Trinity Church in 1877.