Church of the Ascension Celebrates 175 Years

By Emily Andrus

The Church of the Ascension celebrated the 175^th Anniversary of its founding by hosting a Festal Evensong service and catered dinner on Thursday, May 29^th, 2025, in Hamilton.

One of the earliest Anglican churches in the province, with a church incorporation date of 1850, the land for the Church of the Ascension was donated by one of the first wardens of the church, R. Juson. The building opened for service on June 22, 1851.  As an example of a mid-19th-century Gothic Revival church, the designated Heritage Building is a significant property of historic and architectural value.

Bishop Susan Bell presided over the beautiful Carol Service of Thanksgiving with over 125 parishioners, former clergy and distinguished guests in attendance, including the Reverend Dr. Peter Widdicombe, Reverend Canon Bahman Kalantari and Venerable Terry DeForest. We were honoured to have special guest Richard McLaren from London, Ontario, whose family was instrumental in establishing the church. Long-time dedicated parishioner Ruth Roberts gave a speech about the history and special memories of the church over the years. Esteemed choirmaster John Laing led local Hamilton musicians and choir members in song.  Chair of the 175^th Anniversary Committee, Emily Andrus and team— Celeste VanderBent, Alex van Nostrand and Shelley Waring— worked with other parishioners to make the special evening a success.

In her moving and hopeful remarks, Bishop Bell expressed a strong appreciation for the good works accomplished by Church of the Ascension members over the past 175 years, including significant outreach to homeless persons in Hamilton. She highlighted the Ascension’s dedication to the Christian call to support and sustain Christ’s presence in the parish and local community.  The congregation, currently led by the Reverend Leonel Aboroa-Bolona, priest-in-charge, continues the tradition of reaching out and helping those in need.

We give thanks to God for sustaining us over these 175 years, providing us with the means to serve God through the good works of the clergy and parishioners who have come before us. In the Doxology, we recognize “God’s glory from generation to generation,” and we remember all those parishioners who have served and made the church what it is today. As we move forward, we will remember one of our church mottos, “new days, new ways, love stays.” May God continue to bless us as we move forward and help us to discern our calling for His glory.  Thank you to all who attended for their generous donations and assistance.