Photo courtesy of MPP David Piccini.
By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.
The Wesleyville Village Church celebrated its grand re-opening Sunday.
The structure was heavily damaged by a fire several years ago, and a group of volunteers have worked to restore the historical church ever since. Sunday marked the completion of the restoration of windows, roofing and interior fixtures through an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of approximately $177,000 over the past two years.
“The significance of these Ontario Trillium Foundation grants cannot be overstated,” said Sue Stickley, Chairperson of the Friends of Wesleyville Village. “These grants have made year-round community use of Wesleyville Village possible. By reopening the beloved fire-damaged Wesleyville church and improving access to the 1899 village schoolhouse, an important milestone in our mission to conserve this heritage village to serve community needs has been met.”
Yesterday’s celebration of the Celebrity Bake Auction, but also for area residents and visitors to see first-hand the successful rebuilding efforts. MPP David Piccini acted as auctioneer for the event.
“Wesleyville Village is an important part of our local heritage, and these investments are helping preserve it for future generations,” said Piccini. “By supporting Friends of Wesleyville Village in their efforts to restore the church and improve the historic schoolhouse, we are helping bring back an important piece of history to life.”
The Wesleyville Village Church was constructed in 1899.
