It’s been a long journey, but the grand opening of St. Peter’s Anglican Church takes place on Sunday, May 7, 2023 in Cobourg.
In 2018 the church area was in need of dire repair after over 170 years of serving the community.
Cracks in the ceiling due to water damage made it dangerous for parishioners and it was time for an overhaul.
Restoration costs to repair and restore the magnificent church cost in the area of three million dollars.
With the support from the church community, the first service in several years will take place.
Father Matthew McMillan said, “we’ve been blown away from the support we’ve had from our local trades, local skilled professionals that have been helping us finish the restoration work at St. Peter’s.”
“We almost didn’t think we’d get there, but it’s been a hive of activity and when everyone is working towards a common goal – it happens.”
The pews have been reinstalled, the scaffolding has come down and the glorious inside shines through the windows.
“The stain glass pops, the colours are lovely hues of blue that tie into the lake and really let nature enter into the space.”
“It’s a place where everyone can come, be still and just feel the heart of the space that’s been a spiritual centre of Cobourg for over 200-years.”
When Father McMillan arrived in Cobourg with his family his first view of the church was a dust covered church with tarps and scaffolding covering the church floor.
“We were right in the middle of our final stages of the plaster restoration.”
“I came in, in the middle of a lot of work being done and there were good people that were keeping it moving. And I’ve just been blessed with more skills, more trades bringing their gifts along side.”
With the church organ being turned off for the last five years, when it was turned on they found a surprise inside.
“We found a few dead bats in some of the pipes.”
“And of course the dead bats were in the 16-foot ones – those were a little bit tricky to tip upside down to get the bats out.”
The Chairperson of the restoration passed away recently but was very active in the community and church.
“She knew when people worked together and focused on serving and lifting up others and not just themselves, that the fun became bigger.”
“Her faith was something that reminded her and her family and those closest to her that we can’t do everything ourselves. As big as we become, as successful as we become, as grand as our dreams are – when they are offered to higher purposes and higher callings – they just become bigger than we could ever ask, or imagine. For her this church in Cobourg has always been a sign that we’re not alone in this world.”
“We’re just thankful that she was one of the guiding lights that brought us to this place.”
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
