CHURCH REBORN

Former 19th century place of worship getting new life as Grand Victorian – a wedding and events venue

Couple brings new life to former 19th century place of worship as The Grand Victorian – a wedding and events venue

A historic church in rural Prince Edward Island has a new lease on life after being transformed into a wedding and events venue.

Built in 1877, the former United Church was a mess when a couple purchased it in December 2016. But they say they knew the property had the bones of something special.

Marly and Greg Anderson from Charlottetown, decided to buy the historic church and transform it into a business after their own wedding experience.

“Our wedding planning was kind of stressful. We had our ceremony, the reception and dance and everywhere for pictures. It’s stressful trying to get people organized, as well as transportation. We wanted to create this one-stop place where you would have everything under one roof,” said Anderson of the ideas behind The Grand Victorian.

Renovations included turning the balcony into a wedding suite for the wedding party to get ready. There’s a full

bathroom and bedroom decorated with impressive chandelier fixtures hanging from a high wooden-beam ceiling and antique furniture and décor.

The basement has been converted into an area for the groomsmen with a pool table, a poker table, TV bedroom, kitchen and bathrooms.

There are two separate entrances, front and back, so the bride and groom can enter separately.

Guests can expect a fully licensed bar and a newly built deck that overlooks a peaceful garden. And the venue is wheelchair accessible.

“When we first came through here, we felt like we we’re on vacation,” said Gary Anderson, “strolling around the small village, our three-year-old daughter running free. Where we come from in Charlottetown we couldn’t really do that, and (we) wondered how it would be like to live here.”

Four weddings have already been booked this summer.

“We want to create a very elegant wedding experience, as well as an events venue for businesses looking for something different,” explained Anderson.

The couple, who met working in the service industry, plan to have a grand opening on Saturday, June 24.

More information is available at grandvictorianpei.com

DESIREE ANSTEY/JOURNAL PIONEER Marly and Greg Anderson stand in front of the former Victoria United Church, which is now The Grand Victorian. The couple is transforming the property, while keeping its nostalgic feel, into a wedding and events venue.

DESIREE ANSTEY/JOURNAL PIONEER The current owners Marly and Greg Anderson purchased the historic building in December 2016.

DESIREE ANSTEY/JOURNAL PIONEER Renovations are still underway, but Marly and Greg Anderson are feeling optimistic about the grand opening on Saturday, June 24. They picture both the bride and groom posing on this curving stairway.