The Church of St. Bartholomew was completed in 1868 and is located across the street from Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. It is known as The Guards' Chapel, regimental chapel of the Governor General's Foot Guards.
The parish received early support from Rideau Hall. Canada's third Governor General and his wife first showed a sustained interest, both Lord and Lady Dufferin regularly attended services and hosted many parties and events in support of the parish. This close connection continued through the past century. Various former rectors regularly conducted services at Rideau Hall for the Vice-Regal household. The son of Lord Bessborough, Canada's 14th Governor General, was christened at St. Bartholomew in 1932, with Sir Robert Borden, Canada's Prime Minister, standing in for the child's godfather, King George V. The Right Honourable Vincent Massey, the 18th Governor General, who was an active member of the congregation, is commemorated on the south wall.
Roland and Norah Michener moved into Rideau Hall in 1967 and remained there until 1974. Roland came to the office of the Governor General from a distinguished diplomatic career, and both he and his wife were awarded many honours for their philanthropic work. In a few short years, they established strong ties with the Church of St. Bartholomew, so strong that
they requested their ashes be deposited in the walls of the beloved church.
Archdeacon Christie had a close relationship with Rideau Hall and was chaplain to the Governor General's Foot Guards from 1947 to 1958, and later from 1967 to 1980, a Lifetime Member and chaplain to the regiment, as well as chaplain at Government House. As a chaplain long associated with the Governor General's Foot Guards, Archdeacon Christie oversaw the formal recognition of St. Bartholomew as the The Guards' Chapel on 5 November 1972. It is unclear if those who succeeded Christie - Wright, Playfair, Kimmitt, Beall, Schollar - took on the padre role. Rector David Clunie (retired in 2022 after a 14-year tenure), renewed the padre role in 2008. He was very supportive of the regiment-Church relationship which flourished in the recent years of his tenure.
The regiment performs a Carol Service in the Guards' Chapel every year, prior to the celebration of Christmas.