Fundraiser to save historic, deconsecrated Nova Scotia church falling short of goal
A 32-day fundraising campaign to preserve a huge and historic Acadian church in western Nova Scotia has raised only a fraction of the funds needed to save the building.
The chairman of Nation Prospere Acadie, a non-profit group leading the campaign -- which ended Tuesday -- says about $116,000 of the $2.5-million goal has been donated toward repairing Saint Bernard Church and creating a trust fund to preserve it.
Michel Cyr says the money raised is not enough to purchase the building from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, or for the roof repairs and other upgrades required.
He says it's expected the fundraising effort will continue for several more weeks, as his group approaches government officials and other potential donors more directly to save the building from being listed for sale and potentially demolished.
"The second phase of the campaign would be more direct," he said in an interview Wednesday. "It's not one where it's passive and we're expecting people to give us donations, but rather we're going door to door to ask for donations."
The 1,300-square-metre landmark southwest of Digby, N.S., which opened in 1942, was constructed with 8,000 blocks of concrete hauled into the town of St. Bernard over three decades. But the years have taken a toll on the building, and the number of people attending mass has shrunk to the point where the church was closed and deconsecrated.
The original goal of the campaign was to raise the money to buy the land and building from the diocese and to install a metal roof, repair water damage and upgrade the heating system. All of this was to occur in time for the World Acadian Congress, scheduled in the nearby Clare and Argyle region in August 2024.
Cyr said that despite the emotional attachment some feel toward the structure, raising money is challenging in an era when people prefer donating to local recreational facilities rather than to the restoration of religious landmarks.
In addition, Acadian communities -- which in earlier generations often struggled economically -- seldom have long-established trust funds and foundations dedicated toward the preservation of historic sites, he added.
Cyr said he didn't think the slow pace of fundraising was due to any hostility to the Roman Catholic Church itself, noting his organization's goal is to eventually develop an alternative use for the building.
Donations will continue to be accepted, he said, adding that if the fundraising goal isn't met, the money will go to Saint Bernard Heritage Society, a non-profit group in the community.
In its original news release announcing the campaign, Nation Prospere Acadie said the building had been a central part of the local landscape for more than 80 years, "and it is incumbent upon all of us, as heirs to this proud heritage, to safeguard it today."
"To succeed with this endeavour is one of the greatest tributes we can pay to the Acadian people of Nova Scotia."
The construction of Saint Bernard Church began in 1910 under the leadership of Rev. Edouard LeBlanc, who in 1912 became the first Acadian bishop.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2023.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.