Century-old church needs some upgrades

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

St. Andrew-Chalmers Presbyterian Church will be looking to the congregation and the wider community for help with a fund-raiser in the coming months.

St. Andrew’s-Chalmers Presbyterian Church in Uxbridge plans on upgrading some necessities this summer, with help from public donations. Photo from YouTube.com

John Gould, chair of the church's building maintenance committee, said the church needs about $300,000 to make some improvements to the building. They will include installing a new accessible washroom in the area of the church hall, plus a wheelchair-accessible elevator to help people get from the sanctuary to the church hall. Additionally, there will be changes made to the kitchen, including a serving hatch for the weekly soup lunches and expanding the kitchen's area.

Dave Phillips, a long-time member of the church, will be leading the fundraising, but admits it will likely be low-key. Phillips said the church hopes to obtain some of the money by way of grants and will be aiming at raising $100,000 from donors. He said there will be no major initiatives,

"Fundraising is a lot of work for a little money," he said. "Basically, we're asking people in the church."

He said he has had "overwhelming" support from the congregation, but nevertheless donations from the wider community would be welcome.

Gould said work on the building improvements will begin this summer, and June 18 will be the last weekly soup lunch before the construction begins. He said he expects the soup lunches to resume after Labour Day. Gould said attendance at the weekly soup lunches has been growing.

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can contact the church at 905-852-6262. Donations can also be make by e-transfer to sacpc40@gmail.com, or directly through the church’s website at standrewschalmers.ca