As the United Church of Canada and other mainline denominations across the country continue to face the reality of dwindling numbers and increasingly empty pews, Ottawa’s Dominion-Chalmers United Church is no different. The 37,000 square feet church, which takes up almost an entire city block at the corner of Cooper and O’Connor Streets, is struggling to stay afloat at time when more and more people no longer belong to communities of faith. If the church is ever forced to close its doors, the city wouldn’t just lose a historic house of worship, but a community gathering space and renowned performing arts venue known for its rich acoustics. Here’s that story.
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- Of the largest churches in Ottawa, Dominion-Chalmers takes up almost an entire city block at the corner of Cooper and O’Connor in the downtown core.
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- Rev. James Murray, the minister at Dominion-Chalmers United Church says congregation is significantly smaller than it used to be. Once home to over 2,000 members, now, just an average of 100 turn up for Sunday worship.
Produced by Kaitlin Fisher, Naomi Librach, and Noah Richardson
Special thanks to Peter Fisher, Rev. James Murray, the staff at Dominion-Chalmers United Church, and Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra
Music by Chris Zabriskie