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On January 15th 1876, an ad hoc vestry met in the Billings Bridge Temperance Hall to establish a new Church of England mission, called Trinity Church Mission.  Services were held at the Temperance Hall while the mission building was constructed north of the Rideau River.

Fifty years later, on Easter Day, April 4th 1926, the new brick Trinity Anglican Church building opened on its current site on the corner of Bank and Cameron. The original building was disassembled, moved and reassembled in the village of Ridgemont, now Alta Vista, becoming the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle.

As spring arrives a century later in Old Ottawa South in 2026, Trinity will begin its 150th anniversary celebrations with special Easter services at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on April 5th, the culmination of a full week of Holy Week services.

“This Easter we have a big 150th anniversary surprise planned for our music,” hinted Fabien Tousignant, Trinity’s Music Director, when pressed for details. “You won’t want to miss it.”

The week begins with Palm Sunday services on March 29 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., symbolizing the poignant arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem just days before his death.

A Maundy Thursday service will take place on April 2 at 7:30 p.m., commemorating the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples, and his final instructions that we should love one another.

The observances continue with Good Friday worship on April 3 at 11 a.m., remembering the crucifixion of Jesus and the events leading to Easter.

The celebrations conclude with Easter Sunday services on April 5 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., marking the most joyful day of the Christian calendar and celebrating the resurrection of Christ.

As always, music throughout the week will be led by Trinity’s musical director, Fabien Tousignant and the Trinity choir, with contemporary music at the 4pm Sunday service led by Paul and Evelyn Mugarura along with Tousignant.

“It’s amazing to think that Trinity has been serving the community of Old Ottawa South for 150 years,” remarked Trinity’s priest, the Rev. Mark Whittall. “That’s worth celebrating.”

A full year of 150th anniversary activities and events has been planned, including the sponsorship of a refugee family that is expected to arrive in Ottawa in the second half of the year. Stay tuned for more details.

Trinity Anglican Church is located at the corner of Bank Street and Cameron Avenue in Old Ottawa South. Visitors and community members are warmly welcome to attend.