WHITNEY PIER, N.S. -- More than a year and a half after fire destroyed the sanctuary, Saint Mary’s Polish Church in Whitney Pier has risen from the ashes, holding an open house Sunday to celebrate the rebirth.
“We’re all so excited,” said parishioner Marilyn Gillis. “It came together so quickly, we cannot believe. We’re just ecstatic.”
The atmosphere Sunday was a far cry from the day the community watched their church go up in flames. Fire ripped through the former sanctuary more than a year and a half ago, completely destroying the structure.
That day brings emotional memories for many parishioners.
“I’ll never forget that day. It was horrific,” said Stephanie Melnick-Black, another parishioner. “We felt we lost our heart, our soul, our culture. Everything.”
The $1.6 million rebuild features a modified Polish gothic-style architecture, with the site maintaining it’s heritage designation.
“Every step was carefully thought out,” said Tom Urbaniak, chairperson of the parish council. “There were many elements of historic church that were valued by parishioners and by others in the community, so working with our architect and management team, we tried to make sure those would get incorporated.
Insurance paid for most of the reconstruction of the church, but the pews, chalices, and a stained glass window were all donated by other churches in the area.
The altar came all the way from Manitoba, and symbolizes a historic connection with the congregation in Whitney Pier.
“Our first pastor in 1915 moved to Manitoba and helped the Polish community there start it’s church, so the community there raised money and sent two of the parishioners with a trailer and the altar here.”
Urbaniak says that heartfelt support was needed during a devastating time, and today the parish is thankful for a community that was there for them.
“Our motto is, open door and open hearts,” said Urbaniak. “We will, in the years and generations ahead, return the love that has bestowed on us to reach this day.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.
