"Old Chapel Presents New Problem"

Following a wide-ranging discussion of problems relating to Her Majesty's historic Chapel of the Mohawks - extending from heating plant and fire prevention to the forthcoming unveiling of "the Queen's window" - decision has been reached to seek the advice of architects. This would determine the actual state of the old building (erected in 1785), prior to making any installations.

A special committee, convened by Rev. Canon W. J. Zimmerman, principal of the Mohawk Institute, and presided over by the Bishop of Huron, Rt. Rev. G. N. Luxton of London, met here on Saturday afternoon.

It was confirmed that the Queen's window would be installed this summer, and the guarded hope was expressed that it might be possible for the Duke of Edinburgh - who will be in Canada in connection with his Commonwealth study enterprise - to participate in the dedication ceremonies. Another stained glass window, donated by the Six Nations people through their council, and depicting the arrival of their ancestors under the leadership of Captain Joseph Brant, following the American Revolution, will be a further addition to the unique series. Still another, sponsored by the Cockshutt family, will contain a memorial inset to Rev. Robert Ashton, a former principal and chaplain. This will complete the set of eight windows.

Canon Zimmerman outlined the immediate needs at the chapel and stressed the desirability of adding a chapel room or hall and facilities. Such a room would be for use in connection with public participation in chapel events and would also lend itself to a better display, for the benefit of visitors, of work done by the Mohawk Institute children.

Bishop Luxton, emphasizing the community aspect of the chapel, pointed out that it was "held in trusteeship for the whole of Canada, not for the Anglican communion alone."

Warning against any precipitate modernization, his lordship said: "One of the special charms of this building is that it should retain unspoiled its primitive simplicity and naturalness. This calls for careful advice from architects."

While consideration is being given to an alternative plan which would place the parish room in a fully excavated basement beneath the chapel, Dr. Luxton indicated a preference for the erection of a separate building "contiguous to the chapel, yet far enough removed not to spoil the setting." He envisaged "a place for adequate accommodation in the continuing life and service of the chapel," Such a hall, he suggested might house Indian relics which could be ranged along the walls. He said he was not thinking in terms of a museum, as such, since there were already such places in Brantford, but of having, nevertheless, some representative Six Nations artifacts and pieces.

It was noted that the coming year would see the marking of two anniversaries of special moment to the people of the Six Nations. One will be the 250th anniversary of the presentation by Queen Anne of the Bible and silver communion vessels now kept at the Mohawk Institute and used at the chapel. The other will be the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the War of 1812-14 between Canada and the United States, in which Six Nations Indians played an important military role. (Captain John Brant, son of Joseph, fought at the Battle of Queenston Heights and in other engagements, leading his own warriors.)

At the bishop's suggestion, the chapel committee, which includes representation from the Six Nations, will be a continuing one. "It is important," his lordship said, "that the Chapel of the Mohawks be maintained and preserved as a lasting memorial to the faith and comradeship of our two races."