This is the text of a booklet, author unknown, that was published to commemorate the parish centenary in 1961

EMMANUEL CHURCH, Parish of Arnprior, Diocese of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, nestles in the northwest corner of a picturesque town that began in 1823 when Archibald, a Laird of the Clan MacNab, obtained the right to settle his clansmen in a surveyed township on the banks of the Upper Ottawa.

The high-crowned, timbered peak of the historic church follows the natural symmetry of the stately triangular pine whose rich green verdure has framed her background since 1861. The birth and early growth of Emmanuel Church is one with the story of the town of the McLachlin era.

It was in 1851 that a McLachlin took the seat of the M'Nab of M'Nab. The McLachlin became known as the biggest producer of white pine during the great era of Canada's lumber industry.

One should know somewhat of the early history of Arnprior town and McNab Township to understand the early development of the church.

A detailed factual account can be read in the book The Last Laird of MacNab by Alexander Fraser, and in the later book by Rolande Wilde that tells of The Chief's life on the Upper Ottawa. .

To capture the romance of the colourful era of the Laird one should read The Kinsman, a historical novel, written by Percival J. Cooney son of a man who was employed by the McLachlin family.

No doubt Anglican Missionaries visited the area of McNab Township before regular services were held at Arnprior but the earliest record is of services held in 186I by Rev. Morris of Fitzroy Harbour. He received $4.00 per service.

 Last known web page for more church info was: http://www3.sympatico.ca/bgilhuly/index.htm