Worshipping
"Action Catholique" and the War
Olivar Asselin, an associate of Henri Bourassa, details his opposition to Canada's participation in the war in this pamphlet.
"The Nation and The War"
Although it was printed in 1942, this evangelical pamphlet relied heavily on the First World War in its discussion of the role of the British nation in wartime.
Words of wisdom for soldiers
This collection of prayers, poems, thoughts, and messages (by people such as Winston Churchill, Robbie Burns, Walter Lippmann, and John Oxenham) was produced by the YMCA to be distributed to Canadians overseas and in uniform.
A Chaplain's Christmas message
Montreal clergyman Allan Shatford enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1915 and eventually ministered to Canadian soldiers overseas. He usually prepared a special Christmas message to the troops and distributed it in booklet form.
Pastoral Letter
Written by the Archibishops and Bishops of Quebec, Montreal, and Ottawa, this pastoral letter was issued in the fall of 1914. The letter aimed to solicit contributions from parishioners to the war effort; half of each contribution would go to the national Patriotic Fund and the other half would be directed to assisting local families who would be reduced to poverty during the impending winter, whether due to the wartime or other circumstances.
Decorating graves in Nova Scotia
Even small towns felt the effects of the world wars. The Canadian Legion branch in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, held its annual memorial ceremony on 24 June 1951 to place wreaths on veterans' graves and on the Memorial Cross.
Marking the beginning of the Great War
Just a few months after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles that ended the First World War, the citizens of Hamilton, Ontario, assembled to give thanks on the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the war.
An infantry battalion remembers
The 34th Battalion had been raised in Guelph, Ontario, and in 1933 brought its wartime chaplain back to officiate at a memorial service.
Giving thanks for peace
Sold at $1 per hundred, this leaflet provided a standard service that could be used by any of the Protestant denominations to mark the end of the Second World War.
A Toc H anniversary
Toc H was a non-denominational organization, established during the First World War by a British chaplain, that spread to Canada in the 1920s and 1930s.
Victory Day Service
This Royal Canadian Navy Draft Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia, held a church service to mark the German surrender in May 1945.
Sunday School in wartime
Services such as this one were intended to ensure that children understood the meaning and significance of the First World War in its religious context.
A soldier's funeral
Gilbert Thomas of Lucknow, Ontario, died of disease not long after he enlisted in the 5th University Company, and his body was brought home for burial.
Church service for soldiers
This order of service for use in military training camps began with the exhortation "All are requested to join heartily in the Prayers, Psalm, Creed and Hymns."
Remembering a fallen airman
Alan Pilcher was flying with 544 Squadron RAF when he was killed in a flying accident in Britain on 2 December 1943. A memorial service was held in his hometown of Fort Steele, British Columbia.
Reconsecration Pledge 1941
Dated September 1941, this leaflet was probably intended to be given to church-goers as a pledge of their commitment to the war effort.
Patriotism at Sunday School
Special patriotic services were common in Canadian Sunday Schools during the First World War.
Patriotic Hymn
Sung to the tune of ‘God Save the King,’ this hymn was written by Isaac Tovell, a Methodist clergyman in Walkerville, Ontario, in 1917.
Toc H Canada: An Introduction
Toc H was a non-denominational movement, established during the First World War by a British chaplain, that spread to Canada in the 1920s and 1930s.
Application for membership in Toc H Canada
Toc H was a non-denominational movement, established during the First World War by a British chaplain, that spread to Canada in the 1920s and 1930s.