History

The seeds of this church were planted in 1888 when several local residents, after earnest prayer to God for healing, were healed by Christian Scientists. In the 1890s, the Christian Science community of Ottawa faced many challenges. Although the new students and converts were enthusiastic, they were working somewhat in the dark. The whole movement was evolving out of old theological thought. A focus on God rather than persons was required. Also, better organization was needed in line with the evolving Manual of The Mother Church written by the church Founder and Leader, Mary Baker Eddy.

Thus it was that a group of Christian Scientists met December 26, 1899, to formally organize the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Ottawa. In the minutes of that important meeting we read this verse from Isaiah: "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined" (9:2).

A number of schemes for a new building were put forward, but a building in the Classic Italian Style was decided upon, using Ohio Sandstone, which was described as "the most durable and preserves its colour best of all the available stones." Ohio Sandstone ashlar would face walls, pillars, pilasters, and pedestals. Canadian Art Stone would be used for moulded work, cornices, and capitals. This stone "so nearly imitates the Ohio Sandstone as to be practically undetectable while its durable qualities are similar." Foundations on front and sides would be covered by a native limestone ashlar. The back foundation would be the best selected rubble stone. The front steps would also be native limestone, "sawn and bushed." Windows would be of cathedral glass. The inside finish would be the same as in Union Station (present Conference Centre), which opened in 1912, and the floor would be of softwood covered with cork carpet.

Work began on the site with the demolition of the existing dwelling in early April 1913. The new foundation was finished and work began on the superstructure early in June, with the laying of the cornerstone in the northeast corner of the church at 5:30 a.m. on July 14, 1913. Several items were placed in a copper box in the stone. The church finally had its first service on February 22, 1914, and was dedicated free of debt on March 23, 1919.

A 1994 newspaper article on church architecture in the city described the church edifice as "a defiant monument to classical enlightenment amid the ubiquitous Gothic revival spires" (John Ibbitson, Citizen, Sept. 3, 1994). Ibbitson noted that older architecture of 19th century Ottawa belongs to the Gothic revival period, and quoted Caroline Guay, an architectural technologist, as saying that this church edifice represents "one of the best examples of Palladian revival in the city." According to Ibbitson, "The Gothic revival movement sought to emulate the medieval;... the neoclassical (or Palladian revival) sought to celebrate ancient Rome and Greece."