OHSWEKEN – Barry Hill’s book St. Paul’s H.M. Royal Chapel of the Mohawk is finally completed and ready to be sold and used as an interesting look the chapel’s place in Six Nations’ history.
Hill came to last week’s Six Nations Elected Council general meeting to let elected know that the book is finished and to thank council for their support, they purchased one full box of his books to show their appreciation for the years of hard work and research Hill put forward.
Originally called St Paul’s, this chapel was the first Protestant church in Upper Canada and is now the oldest surviving church in Ontario. It is one of two Royal Chapels in North America, but the only one located on a First Nation Territory.
“Built by the Crown in 1785, it was given to the loyalist First Nations, primarily Mohawks, but accompanied by Onandagas, Cayugas, Senecas, Oneidas and Tuscaroras who had supported the British during the American Revolution. They were led by Tyendenaga, Joseph Brant. Their choice cost them their lands in New York. To compensate for the loss, the Mohawks and such others of the Six Nations who accompanied them were granted 950,000 acres on the Grand River. Although the Chapel has undergone many alterations, it stands as a reminder of the important role played by the Loyalist First Nations in the early settlement of Ontario,” reads the Mohawk Chapel’s website.
The book gets into a lot more detail when describing the chapels history and also showcases some of the different artwork on display inside. Hill also makes a point to acknowledge several of the various dignitaries and high-profile individuals who have made visits to the chapel.
Books sell for $32 each and there will be an official book launch in the near future.