Historic church and hall nd new life

A former United Church and hall will be christened in its new role as an arts and community centre with a celebration in the heart of Maitland, today.

“ e centre has already been hosting events and providing space for community groups to gather,” says CHART ( Culture, heritage & Art) president, Warren Yuill.

“But we want to o cially show o how these historic buildings can serve the people of Maitland and surrounding communities with a fun event of music, food and information.”

e grand opening of the High Tides Arts and Community Centre is today, 1 to 4 p.m. Food, live music, a ribbon- cutting ceremony, building tours, a kids’ corner, and other activities will demonstrate the centre’s potential for community use. Entry to the grand opening is free, and everyone is invited.

When the former St. David’s United Church and Hall closed in 2015 and was put on the market, CHART decided the buildings — at the top of Church Hill in the centre of Maitland on the Bay of Fundy — needed to stay in the hands of the community. e society applied for charitable status and was able to purchase the buildings for $1, plus $500 for the remaining furniture and kitchen equipment.

CHART acquired the church and hall in November 2016, and using federal and provincial grants, has been renovating the buildings to bring them up to code, including a commercial kitchen in the hall and an expanded stage.

A wide range of concerts have been hosted including folk, opera, rock and a sold-out Stanfields show last October. Music at the grand opening will be local folkrock band. Hants County’s Basin Brothers.