The following history was taken from 2002 publication called Emmanuel Anglican Church Photo Directory:
"The birth of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Arnprior took place in 1861, the year the town was incorporated, when Rev. Morris came from Fitzroy Harbour to conduct services. Early services were held in the Orange Lodge over the Blacksmith's shop (corner of Daniel and Rock Lane), and the upper flat of the Arnprior Public School House, where Rev. Oris Hackett held the first confirmation class in 1863. The church and rectory were built in 1869. The church spire, a porch and organ were added at a later date, Emmanuel's Centennial Year 1961, saw the construction of the Parish Hall dedicated to the memory of Carlton Reid on land donated by Mr. Eric McLachlin. Major renovations were required to the rectory in 1988 following a fire. During this restoration the back of the building formerly known as the servant's quarters was removed. After over 124 years of standing the church required some repair and in 1993 an extensive structural restoration began. It is still possible to "buy a brick today". The last 4 years have seen many changes to the beauty of Emmanuel. In 1999 the interior of the Church was painted and new carpeting was installed.
In April 2000 the church's organ underwent a full restoration at a cost of $20,000.00. The year 2000 saw many changes to the look of the Parish Hall. The kitchen was completely remodeled and modernized. In the fall of 2000 an office extension was completed. This extension allows the Rector and the Secretary to be in close working contact. It also included a handicap assessible washroom as well as an automated door. On December 15, 2001 Bishop Peter Coffin announced that a new rector had been appointed to Emmanuel. January 27, 2003 Linda Hill began her ministry with Emmanuel."
Priests who have served at Emmanuel, Arnprior:
1867-1870 Rev. C.T. Denroche
1870-1878 Rev. E.W. Beaven
1878-1884 Rev. K.C. Jones
1884-1886 Rev. A.F. Echlin
1886-1890 Rev. T. Bailey
1890-1892 Rev. W. Mercer
1892-1899 Rev. A.H. Coleman
1899-1906 Rev. T.J. Stiles
1906-1920 Rev. A.H. Walley
1920-1930 Rev. C. Saddington
1933-1940 Canon T. Iveson
1940-1947 Rev. H.O. Hodder
1947-1964 Rev. R.G.Fiander
1964-1969 Rev. Harry Hobbs
1969-1977 Rev. Allan Meakin
1977-1982 Rev. Allen Box
1982-1986 Rev. Archie Hunter
1986-1989 Rev. Bryan Beveridge
1989-1993 Rev. David Crawley
1993-2002 Rev. Bruce Ferguson
2003-2010 Rev. Linda Hill
2010 - Rev. Canon Roger Young
Acquisition Source
1965 booklet was donated by Eric Ridgen in April 1999. He is a member of Emmanuel Church and held the position of Warden of the past Rector. Al Graham donated the other booklets and historical articles up to and including 2012 members book.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of three booklets and other historical articles about the Anglican Church in Arnprior.
a) Emmanuel Church Parish Visitation, dated October 1965. The booklet provides such information as the following: a brief history of Emmanuel Church from 1861 to 1965, and photos of the choir, the parish council, the church school and the servers’ guild.
b) Emmanuel Church 1861 - 1961 (2 copies)
c) Emmanuel Anglican Church 1861 - 1986 ( 2 copies) of black and white photographs of church families and the story of Emmanuel Church since 1861.
d) photocopy of Emmanuel Church 1957
e) Photocopy of Diocesan newspaper Crosstalk article Nov. 2002 by Glenn J. Lockwood.
f) Correspondence, transcription and illustration of Emmanuel church as it appeared in the Dec.20th 1887 Arnprior Chronicle.
g) Emmanuel 150 Anglican Church booklet with introduction by the Reverend Canon Roger A. Young. Booklet provides a short history of the congregation.
h) Emmanuel Anglican Church, Arnprior Ontario 2002 with message by Bruce Ferguson