Emmanuel Anglican Church in Arnprior is the community’s oldest and most historic church building and has been in use since it was begun in 1869. Before that time, services were held in a number of locations until the land for the church and rectory were donated by Daniel McLachlin. The parish began as a mission and the first Anglican services were held in Arnprior in 1861 by the priest from Fitzroy Harbour, The Rev’d Ebenezer Morris. Arnprior was on the edge of what then seemed a vast wilderness. In 1863 it is recorded that services were held in German, reflecting the immigration pattern of that time and possibly providing an explanation for the naming of the parish Emmanuel. The first Confirmation was held in 1865.

The history of a parish is usually the story of buildings and memorials, and we have been blessed with a beautiful building, grounds, and facilities due to the hard work and generosity of many in the past and present. However, the story of a parish is really the story of God’s People and their faithfulness to the call of God and the Gospel of Christ in their ministry in the world. People have worshipped, prayed, worked, and cared for each other for generations and today to write the story of Emmanuel in its life and mission.