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The Rothwell congregation first worshipped together in 1958 in a primary school in Gloucester Township outside the then eastern city limits of Ottawa. When Presbytery bought the parcel of land for the construction of the church, the Rothwell family, which had farmed the acreage since 1830, granted an additional parcel of land. In 1960, construction of the church began. It was completed and officially opened in 1962. A two storey addition constructed at the back of the church and dedicated in 1982 offered additional space for church activity, especially the Sunday School.
Through the 1970s and 1980s, Sunday services were so well attended that dozens of folding chairs had to be placed in the adjacent Fellowship Hall to accommodate everyone. Similarly, the Sunday School classes were bursting with children and there was a very active UCW. Rothwell members played key roles in establishing the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard, the services of which, sadly, are now in greater demand than ever. Guide and Scout groups met regularly at Rothwell, as did a unit of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The opening of Orleans United (OUC) in 1978 helped take the growth pressures off Rothwell as
OUC began to serve the fast-growing Orleans area.
In 1997, the church abandoned its septic sewer system in favour of the municipal sewer system. The need to dig up a large area on the east side of the church presented an opportunity for the Sunday School to create a Bible Garden between the building and the parking lot containing a range of plants mentioned in the Bible. The garden flourishes to this day.
Covid prompted the broadcast of services on Youtube, a practice that continues. Some Sundays, there are as many joining the service online as there are in the sanctuary. In 2023, an audio-visual specialist was contracted to bring a degree of technical professionalism and consistency to the online services.
The Rothwell Constitution says it is to bring ourselves and others closer to God through a knowledge and love of Jesus and by following his example of fellowship and service.
Governance at Rothwell is led by the Church Council. The Council includes a rotating Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Chair of Ministry and Personnel, Chair of Finance and Property, Chair of Worship Committee, Chair of Trustees, two Members at Large, and the Minister.
Music Director
The Director of Music is engaged to play the piano/organ and direct the choir from September through June with other musicians engaged to play for services in July and August. The choir practices once a week and performs an anthem every week. The current director is a talented pianist, song writer and composer who is well-connected within the wider Ottawa community.
Office Administrator
The Administrator is the first point of contact for people visiting or contacting the church. Our friendly and capable administrator ensures the successful operation of the church office as it relates to office communication, event management, bookkeeping, resource planning/administration, and the coordination of activities between the various Rothwell United ministries and tenants. This person works 25 hours per week September to June. The hours are reduced to nine per week in the quieter summer months. She is assisted with some of these tasks by a volunteer in the summer months.
Custodian
Rothwell’s hard-working custodian keeps the facilities clean. He invariably greets others with a smile and is always willing to lend a hand.
Audio-Visual Support
The audio-visual technician was hired in Spring 2023 to bring a more professional and consistent approach to the broadcast of services on Youtube. Lately, this valued member of our team has taken on managing our website.
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