The first Anglican Church Services in the area were in Glendale in 1879. The first service within the town of Neepawa occurred March 1, 18895 in the home of Dr. J.J. McFadden and was preceded over by Rev. Mark Jukes of Minnedosa. There was no resident Anglican Minister in Neepawa until December 13, 1888 when Archbishop Machray appointed Rev. C.R. Littler to St. James Parish Neepawa and St. George's Parish Glendale, as well as Eden.

St. George's Parish Glendale was officially formed May 17, 1888 and Neepawa's St. James Parish January 2, 1889. The Parish of St. Martin's, Bridge Creek was formed April 12, 1889.

Rev. Littler saw the first St. James Anglican Church built in town on the southwest corner of First Avenue and Ellen Street. The land for the church was donated by Mrs. Sophia Davidson, wife of J. A. Davidson. This church burnt down on February 27, 1897. Services were held in the Court House until a new church was built on the southeast corner of Main Street and Mountain. The church was consecrated by Archbishop Machray August 7, 1898.

In 1896 services were discontinued at St. George's Glendale due to the decrease in Anglican parishioners and the increase of Methodist and Presbyterians in the area. The church building was moved to Bridge Creek and reopened its doors in 1898. Bridge Creek has been associated with St. James of Neepawa except from 1908-12 when it was joined to a group of Missions including Clanwilliam, Bethany, West Hope, Edna and Rookhurst. The parishioners of Bridge Creek church began to diminish and the church was closed in 1946. The church is now part of the museum at Austin, Manitoba.

The first Anglican service at Arden was held in May, 1894 in the Presbyterian Church. In 1902 the Anglican Church of ascension was built and opened its doors August 3. In 1976 the church was closed and in 1982 it was sold and torn down. The Museum has in its possession: the church cross, the altar and altar rail, pulpit, lectern, baptismal front, and a couple of pews. Back to The Chapel