spot_img
Friday, August 8, 2025
spot_img

After 3 years of leaking, St. Columbanus Church in Elgin finally undergoing roof repairs

spot_img
LAURIE WEIR

After three years of ongoing water leaks resulting in damage inside the church, the roof of St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Elgin is finally getting some much-needed repairs.

But is it too little, too late?

Sue Brus, a long-time church member, said parts of the roof have been repaired, but water continues to seep through the interlocking wooden ceiling, onto the pews and flooring.

“There are a couple of small areas with patches, but it was still leaking Saturday (Nov. 30) at Mass,” Brus said, noting the ongoing challenges the congregation faces.

Fr. Ihedoro Cyprian, who oversees St. Columbanus and three other area parishes in Westport, Bedford, and Sharbot Lake, confirmed with Hometown News that a contractor has been hired to address the church’s long-standing roof issues. “The work is going slowly, but it’s happening,” he said in an email.

Brus explained that the ceiling continues to leak, forcing churchgoers to rely on Tupperware containers and buckets to catch the drips during rain storms and melting snow. She said she worries that the insulation will have to be replaced due to possible mould from the constant dampness, not to mention any electrical work, or ceiling damage that may be required. And what will the total cost be for the entire roof and ceiling repair, she wonders. 

“This isn’t just about the roof—it’s about the health and safety of everyone who comes to Mass,” Brus said.

Ann Androvich, another long-time member, said the situation is deeply concerning.

“When you’re saying the rosary, there are so few people left to project their voices, and my sister and I end up coughing because of the smell and dampness. It’s awful,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Androvich remains hopeful. “We give every week, my sister and I. There’s even a separate envelope for the roof,” she said. “We love this church, but it’s hard to see it like this.”

Once filled with families, St. Columbanus now sees only 25 to 30 worshippers at Saturday services. The front section (about five rows) is roped off to prevent people from sitting there.

The congregation initially sought to hire a contractor they had worked with previously on a smaller project. However, this contractor was not approved for the roof repair due to insufficient liability coverage and noncompliance with WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) regulations.

Instead, a new contractor was hired. Brus said the parish has raised about $41,000 of the approximately $100,000 needed to repair the roof. However, the Archdiocese wouldn’t release the $50,000 they hold in trust to the previous contractor due to their lack of proper insurance coverage. They told the congregation they needed to find a contractor with proper coverage.

In an October email, Archbishop Michael Mulhall explained that all contractors must comply with WSIB and liability regulations to protect the parish and the Archdiocese from legal and financial risks.

While parishioners acknowledge the need for compliance, they remain frustrated by the lack of direct support. “No one from the Archdiocese has come to see the church’s condition,” Brus said. “This church is worth saving. It’s not just a building—it’s a piece of our history.”

A church with deep roots

St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Elgin is undergoing some much-need roof repairs. Laurie Weir photo.

St. Columbanus Catholic Church, built on land purchased from Philip Halladay for $320 in 1896, reflects the dedication of its community. During the winter of 1896-1897, parishioners hauled materials by horse and wagon or sleighs to the site. Sandstone was cut on nearby farms, while stone for framing the windows and doors came from Kingston by horse.

The church and rectory were completed for $9,000. The stained-glass windows, crafted by Mackey Stained Glass Company of Toronto, were installed in March 1901. The church bell, weighing 1,500 pounds, was made in Troy, N.Y., and cost $460—more than the land itself.

Today, fundraising work continues, driven by a shared hope to preserve this piece of history for future generations.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

Smiths Falls Police address crash, bar incident and youth assault in series of responses

SUBMITTED No injuries after collision with hydro pole. Driver facing...

King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes exceptional Canadians

LAURIE WEIR In a special ceremony hosted by Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston MP...

UCDSB to host holocaust survivor Andy Rèti as Tour for Humanity returns

SUBMITTED The Tour for Humanity mobile classroom will return to...

Smiths Falls History & Mystery: Farmer grocer solider reeve

Ambrose Halladay moved into the Keyhole House in Smiths...

Impaired charge laid after a collision on Roger Stevens Drive

SUBMITTED A Toronto resident has been charged following a single...
spot_img

Stolen boat motor recovered in Arden

SUBMITTED BY OPP EAST REGION Arrest Warrant To Be Issued...

Council divided over veto, integrity complaints, and strong mayor powers in Rideau Lakes

LAURIE WEIR CHANTRY — The controversy around the Chantry office...

Disturbance results in multiple charges

SUBMITTED BY LANARK COUNTY OPP CARLETON PLACE - The Lanark...

Butterflies take flight again in Perth for second annual memorial release

Community gathers Aug. 20 to honour loved ones through...

Canada Post clarifies that the red flag’s only use is for outgoing mail

LAURIE WEIR PORTLAND — Rural residents, did you know that...

Six charged in Smiths Falls police investigations including impaired driving and animal cruelty

SUBMITTED / SMITHS FALLS POLICE SERVICE Breach investigation results in...

HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS: Markets, music and family fun this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img