Christ Church Museum

Established in 1854, historic Christ Church is Lakefield’s oldest Anglican church. Under the sponsorship of St John’s, the building now operates as a museum and event space. 

One of the most fascinating items in the Christ Church Community Museum is the church’s Burial Records which cover a span of thirty years from 1855 to 1886. This comprehensive documentation paints an interesting picture of life–and death–in the small village of Lakefield in the 19th century. 

Many of the district’s early settlers were buried at Christ Church, including Samuel Strickland and his family, Thomas Traill, husband of Catharine Parr Traill, and Margaret Charlotte Warren, wife of the first incumbent Rev. Percy Warren. Stroll around the church yard and you’ll also see names such as LeFevre, Lillicrap, Warren, Casement, Steele, Bowker, Dench and Hill. 

Funded by donations, the Christ Church Committee has been diligently restoring several of these historic graves - professionally cleaning monument stones, repairing degraded tombstones, and uncovering several flat cemetery stones that have been long buried.

Events at Christ Church

Visiting Christ Church museum is a must for visitors to Lakefield, but the church is also open for morning prayer during the summer. These Sunday services take place on the holiday weekends in July, August and September as well as the Sunday of the Lakefield Literary Festival.

Christ Church is also a popular space for ceremonies such as baptisms and weddings, as well as events including musical performances and carol concerts. Comfortably accommodating up to 48 guests, the beautiful stone chapel is a unique and intimate space in which to exchange vows or welcome a new baby. 

For further information, contact Patti McAllister 705-868-6493 or by email pattimcallister4@yahoo.ca.

Donate to Christ Church Community Museum

All donations go towards the ongoing maintenance of CCCM, and in 2024, the stone masonry restoration of the historic 1853 bell tower. 

There are several ways to donate:

1. E-transfer to CCCMlakefield@yahoo.com. (please put your name and address in the subject line).

2. Cheque made out to Christ Church Community Museum. Please mail cheques to: CCCM, Box 1542, Lakefield, Ontario, K0L 2H0

All donations gratefully received. Tax receipts will be issued for donations $20 and over.