The Town of Huntsville has agreed to provide $25,000 to the Madill Church Preservation Society to show support and help the community organization leverage a further $100,000 it is hoping to receive through a Heritage Canada grant.
Council heard at its January 24 meeting that the Society has managed to raise $70,000 and fundraising efforts continue as it tries to reach a goal of $250,000.
According to a letter submitted to council by Madill Church Preservation Society president Carolynn MacKay, the church is recognized as one of the few remaining square-log buildings in Ontario. “The historically significant landmark was built by pioneer families to serve as a hub for the community.”
She noted that once the building, which will be turning 150 years old in 2023, is restored it will be available for rent for family events and also serve as a hub for artists and musicians wanting to host art shows and small concerts.
MacKay also explained that “the story of the church and its founding families will be told through artifacts and interpretive display.”
The letter notes that if the Society is not able to secure the grant it will continue with its restoration plan in May 2022 and focus on priorities such as structural deficiencies as it continues to raise more funds.
The Society has also developed a three-year plan for events it hopes will be held at the church once it is restored.
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Great work Gang…Looking forward to the concerts .
Great that Carolyn and her team are saving this little church. Too many of them just get torn down.
In grade school we took a class trip to see this building. It was then, at least in my grade school opinion, just another “old wood building” and we did not get to go inside it on that trip.
Now it is still just another “old wood building” but it seems the words “historically significant” need to be added to that description.
I encourage all who can to send a donation to help preserve this building.