GTA churches aim for rebirth after devastating Easter fires
Parishioners keep the faith while raising money for new structures
Two GTA churches that were reduced to ashes after Easter fires are on their way to rebuilds, thanks in part to the fundraising efforts of their respective communities.
St. Elias the Prophet Church in Brampton has received $500,000 in donations, half of which came from an anonymous donor at a recent benefit concert and dinner.
“The local community has really supported us,” said parishioner Lu Bobyk after the Sunday service, which has been held in the atrium of St. Augustine secondary school since the fire.
The church burned to the ground in early April after incense ignited. A week later, the 135-year-old Aurora United Church caught fire while undergoing roof renovations.
Since the accidents, both congregations say they’ve received widespread support from within their own communities as well as other churches of other denominations.
Bobyk said the St. Elias’ insurance will cover $3.8 million for construction of the new building plus $1 million for interior furnishings. The church has not yet officially started fundraising, he said, but more money will be needed for furnishings.
“We’ll need significant funds to refurbish the inside with iconography.”
Built from wood in 1976, the church contained religious artifacts dating back centuries, according to Bobyk.
“There was probably more art in there than a lot of current galleries.”
Father Roman Galadza said the architects of the new church, which will have a wooden structure very similar to the old one, are in the final phase of their drawings. They recently met with city staff to discuss the next steps toward reconstruction.
“The city knows our parish and our community,” he said. “It regrets the loss along with us and wants to see the building back.”
The plan is to break ground in May and complete construction by summer 2016.
In the meantime, both Bobyk and Galadza said the congregation’s 175 or so families have remained tightknit while attending services at St. Augustine.
Reverend Andy Comar of Aurora United Church said his congregation recently completed a general vision statement and in the coming months will be looking at options for reconstruction.
“Hopefully, by March we’re going to have different proposals to take to the congregation.”
Insurance will cover part of the exterior and interior costs, said Comar, though community members have independently already raised around $53,000.
“The community has been wonderful, really overwhelming.”
Sunday services for the parish’s 400 households are currently being held at Trinity Anglican Church.