Christ Church, Ashton

Ashton is a small village on the western boundary of the City of Ottawa.  The City of Ottawa now occupies the area of Carleton County.  Ashton is about 45 km from downtown Ottawa and 15 km west of the village of Stittsville, the next village between Ashton and downtown Ottawa.  Ashton village, which has about – occupants and four churches, two of which are still used regularly, is just 1.5 km south of King’s Highway # 7, a major route connecting Ottawa with Peterborough and Toronto to the west.

Ashton was first settled in 1818 by ex-soldiers.  The first Anglican services were held in private homes by clergy from Richmond .  Christ Church was built in 1845 from local limestone by John Shore (Carpenter), and John Bobier (Stonemason), whose families remained active here for many years and continue to do so.  Christ Church was attached at various times to the Parishes of Richmond and Franktown.  St. Augustine’s, Prospect and St. Stephen’s, Munster were active congregations until closing in 1967 because of dwindling membership.  For many years they formed a three-point Parish with Ashton .  St. Thomas', Stittsville was joined with Ashton for some years until 1987 when St. Thomas' decided to go on its own.  For only the second time, Christ Church, Ashton, was on its own as a self-supporting single point parish (the first time was between 1863 and 1870).  The Rectory was built in 1891.  Ashton was a thriving community in the 19th century with a grist mill, black smith shops, hotels, general stores, tailors and shoe makers.  The construction of the railway and highway by-passes resulted in businesses moving away.  Ashton has remained much as it is now for nearly 100 years.

Construction to make highway #7 four lanes to Carleton Place is in progress, and it is expected that this will create new developments close to Ashton. We look forward to new families joining our community and our parish.

Additional info - Goulbourn Historical Society and Museum (Ashton and Area)