CONTINUED ALLIANCE
TO THE CROWN |
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Many Mohawk people, as military allies of the British Crown
throughout the American Revolution, were proud of their status and
designation as United Empire Loyalists. During the War of 1812, the
Mohawks again answered the call to arms on behalf of the King and in
defence of Canada. The Mohawk warriors fought side-by-side with His
Majesty's troops at the battle of Queenston Heights and at Beaver Dams,
where the Mohawks from Kanawake, Akwesanse and Kanesetake won eternal
laurels. In the autumn of 1813, the Tyendinaga Mohawks came from their
villages and stood in the flanks of His Majesty's troops in the decisive
battle of 11 November 1813 at Crysler Farm. Following the death of Sir
Isaac Brock, the judicious position taken in the woods by the Mohawks from
Oshweken turned the tide of battle at LaBelle Famille near Niagara. Yet
again, when Canada was threatened by internal insurrection in 1837, the
Mohawk people remained steadfastly loyal to the British Crown. In more
recent times, during the Great War, and in the Second World War, His
Majesty's faithful Mohawks volunteered in numbers unprecedented and
disproportionate in comparison to percentage and population, to fight in
the defence and preservation of Britain, Canada and the Empire. These
Mohawk volunteers distinguished themselves in battle and were particularly
honoured to serve throughout the years 1939-1945 alongside His Majesty's
troops.
ROYAL GIFTS HOUSED
AT CHRIST CHURCH
The royal gifts proudly displayed at the Royal Chapel
include, a triptych in the Mohawk language and a bell given by King George
III, a royal coat of arms given by King George V, a bible given by Queen
Victoria. A communion chalice was given by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984 to
commemorate the coming of the United Empire Loyalists to Ontario. The
historic Queen Anne Communion Silver given to the Mohawks in 1711 is used
on special occasions.
Queen Anne
Communion Silver
Courtesy of the Mohawks
of the Bay of Quinte |
The Mohawk Singers at the 1984
recording of Mohawk Hymn album "
At her Majesty's Mohawk Chapel." |
Queen Elizabeth II
Chalice
Courtesy of Christ Church,
Royal Chapel of the Mohawks |
The chapel also houses a memorial window given by
Dr. Oronhyateka, the first academically accredited Native American Medical
Doctor, a graduate of the University of Toronto and who attended Oxford
University in England. He was a member of Canada's first Wimbledon Rifle
Team, a personal friend of the Prince of Wales, and a founder of the
Independent Order of Foresters and is buried at the Royal
Chapel.
Her Majesty and Prince
Philip autographed the
1840s Bible from Christ
Church at the Public
Archives, Ottawa while
on their Silver Jubilee Visit,
October 1977,
Courtesy of Mrs. Verna Hill
and the National Archives Canada |
In 1788 the Mohawk Chiefs and the Reverend
John Stuart (a former Chaplain to the Mohawks)
divided the Queen Anne Silver between the
Mohawks of the Grand River and
Tyendinaga.
The Queen Anne Communion Silver was displayed,
together for the
first time since they were divided,
for Her Majesty the Queen in October
1977.
Courtesy of Heirloom Publishing Inc. |
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Dr. Oronhyateka,
1841-1907
Courtesy of the Mohawks
of the Bay of Quinte
The Memorial Window
given by Dr. Oronhyateka
and the triptych given by King George III.
The Ontario Government Heritage Plaque.
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