ASSUMPTION REBORN
Local lawyer Paul Mullins, who is leading the restoration of Assumption Church, shows off the newly finished section of the ceiling on Thursday.
It's future still in doubt just a couple years ago, significant repairs continue to be completed in the extensive restoration effort to save 175-year-old Assumption Church.
An inside look was granted Thursday at the latest rehabilitation work at the landmark Windsor church at the intersection of University Avenue West and Huron Church Road. Much of the painting and plaster restoration of the east wall has been completed as part of the $1.65-million second phase of the ongoing project.
Original patterns and emblems have nearly been fully restored with only the back portion of the wall yet to be completed. That work is expected to be finished by this summer, according to local lawyer Paul Mullins who is leading the restoration endeavour.
“Much of the east wall has been completed, we've taken the scaffolding down and there is a full view of the new decor,” he said. “We have replaced everything identical to what was there — except for one change to grout lines that instead gives a cleaner look and emphasis to the windows and stencils.
“It's really encouraging and exciting to see the finished product and that section now clear. Newly painted, it really stands out.”
Assumption Church had fallen in disrepair and the community it serves struggled, starting in late 2014, to raise sufficient funds to save the landmark which ended up shuttered for several years due to safety concerns, its fate unknown.
Mullins got involved a few years ago and helped raise sufficient funds to complete a first phase of repairs that included a new roof and heating system that stabilized the church and allowed it to reopen for mass more than 18 months ago.
The current second phase of work on the east wall involves interior plaster work and painting restoration, as well as new lighting, fire alarms, catwalks, electrical wiring, insulation and some asbestos removal.
In terms of fundraising, the current phase is still $200,000 short, but Mullins is confident the funds will continue to be available through donations.
“We are at least three quarters done, but we will be finished (the east wall) by summer for sure,” he said.
The next phase involves a similar effort on the church's west wall which carries a $1.25-million price tag, Mullins said.
That will be followed by restoration of the centre of the church's ceiling, with plaster and mural repairs that come at an estimated price of $1.65 million.
“We will pay-as-you-go,” Mullins said. “Hopefully, we can keep it rolling.”
Weekend mass at the church was put on hold during the pandemic but recently resumed with limited capacity restrictions.
“It's been incredibly encouraging that we have been able to continue working (on restoration) and get (funding) support during the pandemic, Mullins said. “Being open again should hopefully help strengthen the finances going forward.
“It's hard to believe two years ago we wondered if the church could be saved at all. We see this project as a real symbol of confidence and hope for the future.”