Ottawa Citadel Band History

Ottawa Number 1 Corps, now known as Ottawa Citadel, was formally opened on March 25th, 1885. The Ottawa Citadel Band started its ministry a year later, in 1886, and has provided uninterrupted service to our Corps/Church, the Ottawa community and most importantly to God, ever since. The first band consisted of seven men, including William Smith, one of the Army’s first converts in Ottawa. He served as drummer for over 50 years. Seventeen men have served as Bandmaster, the longest serving, James Harris, led the Band for 40 years!  The more recent leadership includes Archie Smith (son of William Smith), Doug Burden, Peter van Gulik and the present leader, Geoff Linklater.

The Ottawa Citadel Band continues to be a resilient and dedicated group that strives  to serve the Lord with that same fervent spirit as in the past.