Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks - Free Audio Guide
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, 301, Mohawk Street, Brantford, Ontario, N3S 2X2, Canada
His Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, located in Brantford, Ontario, is the oldest surviving church building in the province and the first Anglican church established in Upper Canada. Constructed in 1785 by the British Crown, the chapel was gifted to the Mohawk people, led by Joseph Brant, in recognition of their support during the American Revolution. It was originally named St. Paul's but is commonly known as the Mohawk Chapel.
The chapel holds significant historical importance, having been designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981. In 1904, it was recognized as a Chapel Royal by King Edward VII. The site features the tomb of Joseph Brant, alongside memorials for other notable figures, including the writer Pauline Johnson.
Architecturally, the chapel embodies the Carpenter Gothic style, with a simple wooden frame and painted clapboards. It has undergone several renovations, including the installation of stained glass windows that depict the history of the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation.
For visitors, the chapel not only provides a glimpse into Ontario's early religious history but also showcases the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada, making it a meaningful destination for both history enthusiasts and those interested in Indigenous culture.