Choir of Christ Church, Russell, 1923
Back row, left to right: A. Astbury, Margaret Roberts, G. Cope, Mrs. P.H. Nelson, Mrs. Nelson, Winnie Dupre, Joe Slack, Mrs. Lucas. Middle row: Jean Gray, Rachel Walker, Rev. Partington, Mrs. Astbury, Agnes Walker. Front row. - Enid Slack, Millie Gee, Phyllis Slack.

CHRIST CHURCH RUSSELL, The First Church, 1889

In l 889 the late Honourable Major C. A. Boulton gave one acre of land at the intersection of Memorial Avenue and Assiniboine Street as a site for a church.

At a meeting of the Vestry held on the 9th of September, 1889, Mr. F. Fisher read a release of the mortgage on the church property. It was then moved by Mr. Alfred Clee and seconded by Mr. M, Simpson, "That the release of the mortgage on the church property be considered satisfactory and registered, and that the building of the church be proceeded with forthwith."

This was carried with joyful acclamation, and, as the bulk of the material was already on the ground, a body of willing workers started on the erection of a church without delay, under the direction to the late Wes Thompson. It was completed and opened for service in November 1889. The building was 30 feet long, and 20 feet wide, without porch or vestry, and seating accommodation was provided by chairs.

In 1896, Rev. George Gill, with the help of the newly-formed Women's Auxiliary, added a small vestry and beautified the interior of the church by the erection of a sanctuary screen. He also introduced the use of coloured altar hangings appropriate to the seasons of the Church. These he had brought with him from the Motherlands some of them coming from the celebrated Church of All Saints, Margaret Street, London . He also secured a handsome set of solid silver communion vessels presented by the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament formed at the Church of St James, Hatcham near London.

In this year also, thanks to the efforts of the Women's Auxiliary, the church building was cleared of debt, and pews took the place of chairs. In 1897, the Women's Auxiliary and the Girls' Guild provided funds for the erection of a turret containing a sweet-toned bell. At Evensong, December 18, l 898, Archbishop Machray consecrated the church and also held a Confirmation Service. In 1903 the Women's Auxiliary and the Girls' Guild presented a new organ to the church. In 1908 Mr. G. A. Cope received from his former Rector, Rev. Canon Rhodes Brislow, of the Church of St. Stephen, Lewisham, Kent, a very handsome set of coloured stoles for use in the church. In 1909, thanks to the efforts of the then incumbent, Rev. B. L. Whitaker, a chancel was added to the church, being first used for service on Christmas Day. Easter Day, 1910, Eucharistic lights were added to the altar furnishings. In 1911 a porch was built at the west end of the church, adding greatly to the comfort of the congregation .

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