The Anglican Church of Our Lady (Southwood, Ont.) is a church within the Trinity-St.Alban's Anglican Parish (Bala, Ont.)
Before the construction of the Church of Our Lady (Southwood, Ont.), the Anglicans in the area would have travelled to St. Alban's Anglican Church (Torrance, Ont.). On one such visit in September 1927, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Chapman of Southwood asked Rev. James Hutton regular services in Southwood would be possible. Rev. Hutton attempted to hold regular services in the schoolhouse until he suggested a proper church be built. This church would be built in memory of his wife, Beatrice Hutton.
The first church began construction in November 1927 on a piece of land given by Fred Chapman. The church was of a rough style, excavated and set into the earth a few feet. The walls only about five feet high from the outside. First services were held in January 1928, for the Feast of the Epiphany. The bell was donated by the Canadian National Railways. Vines were planted along the outside.
Unfortunately the building sustained quick damage and wear from the elements. In the first vestry meeting held on February 28, 1935, they discussed building a new church. Funds were raised through donation and an appeal to the Canadian Churchmen, which resulted in over $100 from across Canada. Construction began in the summer of 1936; the cornerstone was laid on August 9, 1936. The congregation rebuilt the church with pine, drawing the logs out of the bush by hand and dressed them on site. The log construction church seats 27 parishioners.
Incumbents have included: Rev. James Hutton (1927-1929), Rev. Thomas Daniel (1929-1931), Rev. John Robinson (1931-1934), Rev. R. C. Warder (1934-?).
Sources:
- Gary Denniss, "A Brief History of the Churches in Muskoka", 1996, Synod of the Diocese of Algoma fonds, Algoma University Archives, 2009-156_002_009.
- "Service Register and Parish History" 1927-1937, Church of Our Lady (Southwood, Ont.) sous fonds, Algoma University Archives, 2009-215/001(001).
