“None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” – Mother Teresa
How fitting this quote from Mother Teresa is today! Together, we have restored our beautiful church, and strengthened it for the years to come.
When we look back on all that our parish has taken on and accomplished in the last few years, it is simply amazing. As of December 23rd, 2020, the loan for the last restoration project has been paid off, 1 year & ½ early! To fully understand the impact of this accomplishment, we need to look back on all we have done.
Starting back in 2013 the roof of the church was replaced, and 4 new crosses were erected, this project amounted to just about $100,000.00, and by the time the project was complete, we had raised all the funds to pay for it!
In 2014-2015 the hall basement was renovated to make room for catechetics classes, the Knights of Columbus meeting room, a general-purpose area, and washrooms. Heat pumps were also installed in the basement and the main floor. Also, during this time, the railing was built and installed on the upper balcony/choir loft in the church, in order to meet insurance regulations.
In the summer of 2015 painting of the outside of the church was being planned, but then the furnace in the church quit, and needed replacement. Thankfully, insurance replaced the furnace.
In February of 2016 it was decided that instead of painting a new siding (made to look like old shingles) was the best option for the church, as painting it would cost $30,000-$40,000 and would have to be done every 10 years.
Tenders for the project went out in April of 2016 and the Bishop approved the parish to spend only $75,000. Therefore, only one side of the church was completed that year. We raised the money and paid for it and the next year we started again. This second phase would prove to be more difficult though, as substantial rot was discovered in some walls, the vestry walls, and the bell tower, so it all had to be fixed before the siding could go on. The large stained-glass window at the front of the church was also in bad need of repair if we were to save it.
The attic & basement were insulated, the vestry was renovated, and a new bathroom was installed. In the end, it was a good thing that we decided to do the siding instead of painting, as the rot may not have been discovered, and the structure of the building would have become compromised.
Work was finally competed in July 2017, just in time to celebrate at our annual picnic! In total the last project cost $400,000.00, and only $150,000.00 had to be borrowed with a 5 year term.
A Mass of Thanksgiving was held on February 1st to celebrate, with Father Danny & Father Kishore as celebrants! We have worked hard to see this day, many parishioners, their families, and friends, have devoted hours of work organizing events, making phone calls, selling tickets, cooking, baking, buying tickets, attending events and much more. The support we’ve received from outside of our parish has been tremendous. We can’t thank the local businesses, and the public in general enough, your support is very much appreciated.
We have also received many donations in memory of loved ones and would like to thank the families for choosing St. Anthony’s as a benefactor of these donations.
We were very blessed to have Father Danny Wilson lead the charge on all these renovation projects. He is an amazing leader& project manager, and we are sure he will be putting his skills to good use at his new parishes down east.
On behalf of the parish, we would like to send a special thank you & congratulate the St. Anthony’s Fundraising Committee on an excellent job. Well done!
Blessings to one and all!