Demolition crew takes down aged Trenton church
Linda Stephenson felt a little blue as she watched the church she’s attended her entire life reduced to a pile of boards, shingles and dust.
“It’s a lot of history gone, but it couldn’t be helped,” said the church council chairperson about the demolition of First United Church in Trenton. “It’s sad to see it go. There are a lot of good memories in it.
“When I saw the claw go into the roof for the first time, it was pretty dramatic,” she said.
“I know the church is very important to the community and our church family, but the church family are people, not the building,” said Stephenson.
A group of about 20 neighbours and congregation members watched on Tuesday as the building was torn down. The small crowd watching the demolition covered their noses and mouths as clouds of dust and dirt blew toward them as the main part of the roof came down.
Dale Watters, chairperson of the board of trustees, said it’s hoped the congregation will continue to exist for a long time, but in a more sustainable building. “We’re not seeing it as the end of the congregation, but just another process in its survival and moving forward.”
“I must say I surprised myself,” said Rev. Wade Reppert. “I expected to be tearful… but the spirit of the people affected me profoundly. There hasn’t been a tear shed here.”
Reppert has been the minister of the church for two-anda-half years, and was the last minister to preach in the building. The congregation has been worshipping in the church hall since January 2015, and the church building was decommissioned in November.
The building was constructed in the late 1800s, and the congregation is now in its 126th year. The structure started its life as a Methodist church, and was then a Presbyterian church before it became First United.
Items from the building were salvaged prior to the demolition, including the church bell, which dates back to 1916 and is in storage in the hall.