As 2012 draws to a close I wanted to take a few minutes to bring everyone up to date on the results of our fundraising efforts to restore our Church and Village landmark.
I would like to highlight the success of our fundraising efforts and the donations that we have received from people far and wide. It is with this support and dedication that will help make our project a success.
The United Church building has a strong connection to the past and present. By restoring and protecting the building we will ensure that the Church will be connecting and bringing people together for the next 150 years.
I have always felt that you cannot know your future unless you know about your past. This building has been the home to many different life events and holds special memories for us all – children who have been christened here, couples married, singing in the choir, children preforming in the Christmas Eve service, loved ones laid to rest and, of course, a weekly meeting place for friends and acquaintances. These Church walls hold so many stories from years past and all the way back to the early settler day on the Richibucto River – if only the walls could talk.
Many ships sailed up into the harbour loaded with new settlers from distant ports in Europe, returning loaded with lumber from the area. Some of the sea captains of these ships were laid to rest in our Cemetery. Two of the early captains were Captain Simon Graham who sailed the world, and transported settlers to our area. Another was Captain Carruthurs. The Jardine ship builders of Kingston employed both captains.
But, back to the results of our 2012 fundraising efforts which have been extraordinary! We have raised $305,000.00. Early in the New Year we have to consider our strategy for 2013, and how we will raise more funds to complete our project.
As it looks right now we will be able to complete a new foundation, and hopefully the entire exterior of the church. We are presently making arrangements to proceed next year with construction.
We are going to investigate the possibilities for funding from several government agencies in the New Year. If we are successful we will share the details with the community.
On behalf of the Restoration committee I would like to thank everyone who has assisted us in so many ways – for your time and donations. We could not do it without all of your help.
Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year!
– Paul Warren