Who We Are

We’re a congregation of The United Church of Canada – about 350 family groups of different shapes and sizes – with a worshipping history in Kingston, Ontario since 1847. Numerous volunteers provide leadership along with our devoted ministerial and music staff.

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We’re a congregation of The United Church of Canada – about 350 family groups of different shapes and sizes – with a worshipping history in Kingston, Ontario since 1847. Numerous volunteers provide leadership along with our devoted ministerial and music staff.

Our current building was built in 1888. People have been proudly using it since then to gather weekly for worship and engage the community and the world. Despite a devastating fire in 1995, our current sanctuary seats over 550 people, has a broad and spacious platform/stage, a beautiful grand piano and an amazing organ.

The extraordinary acoustics of the Chalmers sanctuary make it a wonderful venue for small or large events. We are well connected to the Kingston musical community. David Melhorn-Boe leads the dedicated choir and offers musical leadership in a variety of ways. Through a state-of-the-art sound system, we deliver extraordinary sound in the sanctuary and provide online streaming of our services. Archived sermons and other material is available for listening right here on this web-page – Click here!

Our Moderator, Jim Reynolds and countless volunteers are dedicated to ensuring Chalmers is a place where worship, music and thoughtful reflection on faith and life mingle in the celebration of God.

Where We Are

Chalmers United Church is located in Kingston, Ontario, at the intersection of Barrie, Clergy and Earl Streets. We’re just behind the old city courthouse and City Park, on the edge of the campus of Queen’s University. On Sundays, you’ll find us also live-streamed at 10:30 (ET) right here on this web site.

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Chalmers United Church is located in Kingston, Ontario, at the intersection of Barrie, Clergy and Earl Streets. We’re just behind the old city courthouse and City Park, on the edge of the campus of Queen’s University. On Sundays, you’ll find us also live-streamed at 10:30 (ET) right here on this web site.

The easiest way to get to Chalmers is to either head down Barrie St. towards the waterfront from Princess, Brock, or Johnson, or to head up Barrie from the waterfront and King Street.

If you are using an internet maps utility (such as Google Maps) our church is located at:

212 Barrie St, Kingston ON, K7L 2L8

What We Do

Chalmers is on the thoughtful, liberal edge of the United Church. We honour the Judeo-Christian traditions, interpret the Bible using the best scholarship and insights we can, and try to offer weekly worship that brings some meaning to the world in which we live.

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Chalmers is on the thoughtful, liberal edge of the United Church. We honour the Judeo-Christian traditions, interpret the Bible using the best scholarship and insights we can, and try to offer weekly worship that brings some meaning to the world in which we live.

Growing in faith is important for us all; we offer a variety of programs for children, youth and adults. Engaging with the community and the world is a part of who we are – we have both ongoing benevolent work and regular mission projects.

We offer LIVE AUDIO STREAMING of our Sunday Services, which you can listen to at 10:30 AM (ET) Sunday morning, every week.

Chalmers is an ideal place for a marriage or other significant life events. Baptism is often the way that families connect here and we are glad to have conversation about that important decision. We welcome all, including same gender couples and families. The Sacrament of Communion is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. We offer a Sunday Service every Sunday from 10:30 (ending between 11:30 and 11:45) and afterwards you can enjoy refreshment and conversation in McCallum Hall.

We are proud to offer our building and technical services for rentals. Our sanctuary has amazing acoustics and an outstanding new sound system; it’s a perfect place for large celebration or meeting. With the large number of rooms, both in Chalmers and in our Church House, we are confident that we can provide the size solution to meet your meeting needs.

Weddings

We welcome you interest in recognizing your marriage commitment in this church and within the context of the Christian community. We rejoice with you in this important decision in your lives, and offer you our prayers and support. We offer the following to assist you in your planning.

Marriage within the Christian Community

When you ask the minister of a Christian church to conduct your marriage,you declare your desire to seek God’s blessing and to acknowledge the context of your faith in the service.

First Steps

Call the church office (613-546-3263) and make an appointment for you and your partner to see one of our ministers. At the first interview, preliminary arrangements will be made and the time and date for your wedding will be confirmed.

Legal Document

Marriage is both a civil contract and a Christian covenant when it takes place in the church or with a minister presiding. You can purchase a marriage licence at any municipal office in Ontario. The licence must be delivered to the church (with fees) at least two weeks before the wedding.

Music

All arrangements for music will be made through the organist of the church, David Melhorn-Boe (david.melhorn-boe@chalmersunitedchurch.com or 613 546-3264).

Photographs and Recordings

No flash photography is permitted during the wedding service either by a professional or by guests. However, pictures may be taken as the procession comes down the aisle, during the signing of the register and as the couple leaves. Video recordings may be made from a tripod only located at the side of the church. All arrangements must be discussed with the minister beforehand.

Decorating The Sanctuary

At Chalmers we understand the desire to make the space your wedding will be celebrated in feel special and beautiful. We would ask that you work with our caretaker to ensure your decorations do not pose a structural risk to the building and similarly that they do not damage the sanctuary in any way. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Several guidelines follow .

Candles are a beautiful way of enhancing your ceremony, however, they do pose a very real fire threat to the church. In using candles we would ask you check first with Chalmers staff as to the number and nature of the candles to be used.

Animals are not permitted in the sanctuary.

Flowers may be placed at the front of the sanctuary. Please coordinate the time of the flower delivery with the church office.

Confetti, rice, flower petals and soap bubbles are not to be used inside the church. Confetti and rice are not to be used outside the church.

Adhesives: We ask that adhesives (tacks, nails, tape and glue) not be used inside or outside the sanctuary.

Wedding Honorariums

Members/adherents/active participants in the congregation: $250.
Deposit payable at time of booking $ 50.

People with no involvement at Chalmers United Church $850.
Deposit payable at time of booking $250.

These fees are in effect for the 2010 calendar year and subject to change.

Contact Information

Chalmers United Church
212 Barrie Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3K3
Phone: (613) 546-3262
E-mail: office@chalmersunitedchurch.com
Fax: (613) 546-3340