Residents Celebrate Progress in St. Joachim Church Restoration

Lakeshore residents gathered on September 14, 2023, for an open house at the historic St. Joachim Church, where they learned about ongoing restoration efforts. The event, organized by the 927 St. Joachim L’Association, aimed to update the community on the conversion of the old church into a vibrant community centre.

Founded in 2022, the not-for-profit association focuses on preserving the church, which has significant historical value. Volunteers have worked diligently over the past year to restore the building’s exterior, including refinishing and replacing windows. Unlike last year’s event, which restricted public access due to health and safety concerns, this year’s open house welcomed guests inside to observe the renovation progress and explore various information booths.

“The purpose of us holding the open house is to inform the community as to where the project currently stands,” said Larry Mailloux, head of the association. He noted that the future of the property had faced uncertainty, particularly with concerns about potential demolition, similar to recent events in Stoney Point.

Many local families, including the Mailloux family, have deep ties to the Francophone community and share cherished memories of the church. The association envisions hosting various events at the renovated venue, such as weddings, baby showers, concerts, and farmers’ markets. Additionally, Saint-Ambroise School, located adjacent to the church, has expressed interest in using the facility as an emergency shelter if needed.

The church, originally constructed by French pioneers in 1882, has been confirmed as structurally sound by two engineering firms, despite facing significant challenges, including nearly two feet of water in the basement for two decades. Over the past year, the team has removed 12 dumpsters of rotten drywall and flooring, remediated mold, connected electrical services, and purchased new furnaces. Exterior repairs have been completed, including fresh paint and window replacements, with new basement entrances also constructed.

Looking ahead, the next steps include addressing water services and restroom facilities. Paul Mullins, a volunteer leading the renovation project, expressed satisfaction with the progress made. “You can see the great shape the building is in. Two feet of water didn’t even come close to undermining the structural integrity of the building, especially the basement,” Mullins stated. He added, “What is truly enjoyable is seeing how excited people are to return to the church, even though hope for the building had seemed to fade.”

To further the restoration efforts, the association is actively seeking additional funding and volunteers. They have partnered with the Proverbs Heritage Association and Dr. Brian Walls of the John Freeman Walls Underground Railway Museum, allowing them to issue charitable donation receipts for tax purposes. For more information on how to contribute or volunteer, interested individuals can visit their Facebook page at 927 St. Joachim L’Association.

The open house served as a reminder of the community’s dedication to preserving a cherished landmark, showcasing the collective effort to breathe new life into the historic St. Joachim Church.