Society will soon control stone church property

The Stone Church Restoration Society expects to soon have the deed to the St. Alphonsus Church property.

Society president Melanie Sampson said the deed to the property is expected in four to six weeks.

“We are very excited, the diocese (of Antigonish) is in the final stages of land subdivision,” she said.

Sampson said they’ve seen a preliminary plan, both parties agreed to some adjustments and the final plan is being submitted for review. The surveyor was at the Cape Breton Regional Municipality offices on Jan. 25 and things have been moving forward.

“The survey is all in the final stages now.”

Sampson said the society cannot apply for grants until they are the official owners of the property and have the deed.

She said in the meantime they are continuing to raise money to pay for the first project which will be the restoration of the roof.

“We’ve been holding little fundraisers throughout the community to keep the spirit of saving the stone church alive,” she added.

The Stone Church society was formed in February 2014 and in September 2015, the diocese accepted an offer of $40,000 from the society for the sale of the former church. As per the agreement, payment was made in four installments, the last in August 2016.

Difficulties subdividing the land caused the delay in transferring the deed.

The society’s objective is to turn the stone building into a wedding chapel, tourist attraction and a venue for community events.

She said the next fundraiser will be the third annual St. Paddy’s dance at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 128 on Saturday from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

“It is a joint effort between the Whitney Pier Legion and ourselves. We are looking forward to a large crowd and a night of fun while preserving a part of our history at the same time.”

Sampson said the first two St. Paddy’s dances were a huge success.

“We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the community for their ongoing support the past three years but most of all for believing in us,” she said.

“We are looking forward to having ownership soon so that we will finally be eligible to apply for grants and host outdoor events on site.”

For more information contact the society at cbstonechurch@hotmail.com or phone Melanie Sampson at 902-3711946.