RCMP CHAPEL
The Little Chapel On The Square.
Originally a canteen, the Chapel building was constructed in Eastern Canada and moved in sections, by flat-cars, steamer, and ox-cart, to Regina, where it was assembled in 1885. In 1894 it was converted into a place of worship at the suggestion of Mrs. L.W. Herchmer, wife of the fourthCommissioner of the Force. Through the years, changes and improvements have been made in its appearance. Much of the work has been done by members of the Force. The strong gray tower was designed and constructed by the staff of “Depot” Division, and on December 10, 1939, dedicated to the Glory of God and in loving memory of the officer and men who participated in the “March West” of 1874, from the Dufferin Camp in Manitoba to the foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Pulpit, choir seats and benches are also the work of the Mounted Police personnel.
From inside the doors and looking toward the altar and Reredos, one sees the beautiful stained glass windows on either side of them. The window on the right portrays a trumpeter of the Force sounding “Reveille” – symbolic of the Resurrection – and underneath the quotation “For The Trumpet Shall Sound.” The one of the left bears the figure of a Constable of the Force in Review Order, standing in the attitude of mourning with carbine reversed. Beneath is the quotation “Blessed Are They That Mourn.” These window were the gift of the Maritime Provinces Association of Regina, and at the top of each are the Coats of Arms of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. On June 18, 1944, the windows were dedicated “to the memory of the men of Maritime birth who died while in service of the Force.”
The other two stained glass memorial windows are on either side of the Nave nearest the Chancel end of the Chapel, and are of more recent origin. Plans for their installation were first announced by the Commissioner – then S.T. Wood, GMC – in 1947. The windows were to commemorate the members and ex-members of the Force, and the sons of members and ex-members of the Force, who hd paid the supreme sacrifice in World War II. One was to be installed from public funds; the other was to be purchased through the donations of the families who had suffered bereavement during the war. Design of the windows was Gothic, and this eventually led to some delay in their installation when it was decided to alter all windows in the Chapel to the classic form.
By 1949, the alterations were complete and the windows were ready for shipping to Regina. Another delay in the plans occurred when an inspection of the Chapel building by officials of the Department of Public Works revealed that certain repairs to the structure were imperative. The renovation and installation of windows was completed two years later, and the two memorial were dedicated and unveiled on November 4, 1951. The Right Reverend E.H. Knowles, LL.B, D.D., FRGS, Chaplin of the RCMP conducted the dedication service, assisted by the Very Reverend Dean W. Cole, D.D., E.D., Assistant Chaplain.
The windows are known as “The Resurrection” and “The Nativity.” The former, on the west side of the Chapel, is dedicated “To the Glory of God and in memory of members and ex-members of the Force who gave their lives in the Second Great War.” Facing it, from the east side of the building, “The Nativity” is dedicated “To the Glory of God and in memory of the sons of members and ex-members who gave their lives in the Second Great War.”
In the Sanctuary is a chair used at the Coronation of Their Majesties, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth by the Dowager Marchioness of Reading, GBE, and given by her to the Chapel. Of the Altar furnishings, the Cross was a gift from he Right Reverent and Honourable A.J. Anton, first Bishop of Qu’Appelle; vases, by the officers and members of the Force and by Sgt. B.G. Metric; the brass candlesticks by Dr. J.E. Little hales, in memory of his mother; the brass boo-rest by Bishop Knowles; and the brass alter rails by officers and members of the Force.
The lectern was carved by Gerald Spring-Rice of Pense, afterwards British Ambassador to Washington, U.S.A. The flags, hanging on either side of the chancel, flew over Fort Walsh between 1875 and 1880 and were presented by Mrs. Cora McGannon, daughter of the late Supt. J.M. Walsh, one of the original officers of the NWMP. At the entrance of the Nave stands the Font, presented by the parents of Cpl. W.H.T. Lowry, who died of wounds received in action at Cut Knife Hill during the North-West Rebellion of 1885. Several memorial tablets cover the walls on either side of the Nave.
On April 27, 1941, a fine new Hammond electric organ was presented to the Chapel by the Robert Simpson Co. Ltd., with Mrs. C.L. Burton, president of the company, officiating. Bishop Knowles conducted the dedication service.
On May 25, 1939, His Majesty King George VI, Honorary Commissioner of the Force, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, visited the Chapel and expressed great interest in the Memorial Windows and Tablets.
On April 23, 1941, the Governor-General of Canada, the eEarl of Athlone, and Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, visited the Chapel. His Excellency manifested much interest in the Tablet in memory of Inspector Church, whose he knew intimately in his old regiment, The Horse Guards.
On October 17, 1951, Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth and Her Royal Consort, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited the Chapel. The Princess remarked “It was my mother’s wish that I should note the Memorial Windows behind the Altar,” and took particular interest in them and in the Fitzgerald Memorial.
On June 3, 1956, a lengthy association was terminated when Bishop E.H. Knowles, D.D., LL.B., FRGS, conducted his last service as Senior Chaplain of the Force, and tendered his resignation to the Commissioner. The post has since been filled by the appointment of the Right Reverent M.E. Colman, D.D., Bishop of Qu’Appelle.
Source: t.ly/WVfa
RCMP Veterans' Association, Vancouver Div.
Family trip to Regina, Saskatchewan.
Attending Troop 18 Graduation Ceremony of a family member at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police "Depot" Division.
