The Belmont Anglican Church turns 125
*The Belmont Anglican Church turns 125.
As the Belmont Museum finalizes plans for the August 2nd non-denominational service with representation from Belmont’s Anglican, Pentecostal, and United churches, we thought we would share some history of the church, sourced from the Belmont and district history book, The Path of the Pioneers.
* 1902 the first Rector and family occupied the Rectory.
* 1903 The first IOOF Lodge parade and service was held.
* 1904 Chairs and benches were replaced with pews.
* 1908 First robed choir introduced.
* In 1909, the Church was enlarged by cutting it in half and adding an additional 28 feet. A front porch and entrance were added, as well as a Vestry and Choir room.
* 1912 First Masonic Order Church parade and service.
* 1915-1917 Series of Litany and Intercession services for wartime held Friday nights.
* 1920 Electric lights installed. Funds raised to purchase and install stained glass window.
* 1926 Special service held to celebrate the 25th anniversary. First visit of Bishop Thomas and a new organ replacing the hand-pumped pipe organ.
* 1929 Space for Sunday School was needed, so the church was lifted and a concrete basement was installed, providing space for a kitchen, stage, and auditorium.
* 1951 50th anniversary celebrated with Bishop Thomas.
* 1955 Roof repaired and reshingled. Ceiling lowered and insulation installed. The church was redecorated and painted. Self-stoker furnace replaces old 1929 furnace.
* 1964-1966 Rectory connected to new water system. Kitchen remodelled and modernized. Interior redecorated and refurnished.
* 1967 Special service held to celebrate Canada’s Centennial.
* 1970 Special services, reunions and picnic held to celebrate Manitoba’s 100th birthday.
* 1972 Rectory closed and sold.
* 1976 Church celebrates its 75th anniversary.
* 1984-1988 Interior walls were replastered and redecorated. New shingles, insulation, eaves troughs and landscaping completed. Wiring upgraded and an electric organ replaced the 65-year-old organ.
* 1989: New carpet and renovation made in vestry. A new electric organ was donated.
* 1990-1994 Roof repaired and reshingled.
* 1995-1996 Plexiglass installed on exterior of windows. Potentilla shrubs added to grounds.
* 1997-1998 Cement foundation stuccoed.
* 2001 100th anniversary celebrated.
Belmont is the place to be this August, with Music in the Park, a car show and so much more.
