The Preserving the Past for a Brighter Future campaign committee thanks the Cobourg community for overwhelming support and looks ahead to what’s next for this historic building.
September 26, 2022, Cobourg, ON – Though the bells have been silent since 2021, if you’ve walked down College Street in Cobourg lately, you may have heard sounds of construction ringing out from St. Peter’s Church. In less than two months, a community fundraising campaign has raised more than $180K for critically needed repairs and restoration to the church’s roof, ceiling and bell tower.
The Preserving the Past for a Brighter Future campaign launched in early August and included a successful “Heritage Dinner at the Docks” on August 25th, sponsored by the Cobourg Yacht Club, Gordon Insurance, Stadtke Plumbing & Heating, Arthur’s Pub, and The Dutch Oven. Funds raised through the campaign, combined with parish contributions, grants and loans, have brought the total raised to $1.58M, ever closer to its goal of $2.7M.
“We are overwhelmed by the community’s support for this classic heritage building, which has been a vital part of Cobourg’s historic streetscape and community life for nearly two hundred years,” says Peter Delanty, former mayor of Cobourg and co-chair of the fundraising committee. “While there is still work to do, the funds we’ve raised to date have allowed us to get hammers moving and we are thrilled to see progress.”
Inside the shuddered doors of the sanctuary, crews of historic conservation specialists have recently completed the work to restore the church’s plaster ceiling. Repairs to the roof and bell tower will follow.
With enough funds raised, the committee hopes to see the project completed in 2023.
“Cobourg is rich with historic treasures and St. Peter’s ranks high on the list. It’s a victory that we have been able to preserve this building and every donation, big or small, has had a hand in that victory,” says Randy Barber, co-chair of the fundraising committee and vice president of the Cobourg and District Historical Society. “On behalf of our fundraising committee, we thank everyone who has contributed to this effort.”
With construction underway, St. Peter’s is turning attention to ensuring the historic space serves the pressing needs of the Northumberland community, especially those who are most vulnerable. Future phases of St. Peter’s planning include expanding meal and shelter programs for homeless and marginalized populations, enhancing community-based programs for seniors and children, increasing public events, including concerts and lectures, and evaluating the use of campus land.
Community members wishing to make a donation are able to do so on the campaign’s Canada Helps webpage.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
