Order Of Niagara

In 2000, the Bishop of Niagara established an award known as the Order of Niagara.

The purpose of the Order of Niagara is to recognize and honour lay members of the diocese who have demonstrated outstanding service over a significant period of time through their volunteer ministry within the parish, the diocese, and the wider Church. We give thanks to God for the work and witness of these faithful lay persons, who, in living out their baptismal ministry, reflect the light of Christ and respond to the call to “let your light shine before others.”

The bishop approves one nomination per parish each year.

Parishioners may submit names to their incumbent and wardens, who select a single nominee to forward to the bishop. Nominees must reside within the diocese and be parish members; employees and clergy are not eligible. Awards are not given posthumously.

The incumbent must submit nominations to the bishop’s office by May 15 using the official form. Each submission must include the nominee’s name, address, phone number, email address, preferred certificate name, and a brief citation (maximum 100 words).

Once approved, nominees will receive a letter informing them of their appointment to the Order of Niagara.

In addition to parish nominations, the bishop may confer further appointments, typically recognizing lay members whose service has extended across diocesan or, while rooted primarily in parish ministry, has had a broader impact beyond their own parish.

Presentations take place at two annual Order of Niagara services each fall at Christ’s Church Cathedral, Hamilton. Services are held by region: one for Brock, Lincoln, and Hamilton-Haldimand, and another for Greater Wellington and Trafalgar. All are welcome. The services will also be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.

The Order is a medallion worn around the neck on a tri-coloured ribbon. It may be worn at:

• special occasions within the parish or at the diocesan level
• services or events where the Bishop of Niagara is present
• Synod and other diocesan gatherings
• the installation of new members

Members who wear military medals may wear them alongside the Order. In such cases, the order of precedence is as follows:

• the Order of Canada
• the Order of Ontario
• any Order of the Commonwealth or foreign nation
• the Order of Niagara

Upon the death of a member, the medallion may be placed on the casket.

Members may use the post-nominal letters “O.N.” (e.g., John Doe, O.N.) and will receive a small lapel pin for everyday wear.

A record of all appointments is maintained at the diocesan Synod Office.