Historic St. Mary's church in Indian River is receiving some government money to help transform the facility into a permanent musical venue.
The church is the venue for musical performances for the internationally recognized Indian River Festival.
The project involves the refurbishing and maintenance of the church. Currently, structural deterioration leaves the building vulnerable to demolition.
A variety of maintenance tasks including window repair, site drainage and roof and door repair will result in the continued usage of the church as a musical venue for the festival. The project is expected to be completed by March 2011.
Gail Shea, Canada's minister of Fisheries and Oceans and MP for Egmont, says the Indian River Festival is a major tourist attraction and helps contribute to the economic well-being of the region.
Carolyn Bertram, P.E.I. minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, says the investment will help to sustain "this significant cultural and historical structure for years to come."
"Indian River Festival is proud to be in a position to take on this major restoration of St. Mary's church," said RenÉ Hurtubise, chair of the Indian River Festival Association.
"The church is an integral part of the festival and of the community and we would not be able to continue our activities without the use of this exceptional building."
Susan Ashley, vice-chair of the Friends of St. Mary's, says the church has been a sacred space for the people of Indian River, Kensington and surrounding areas for many generations.
"The Friends of St. Mary's are pleased with this new milestone in the building's history and for the ongoing relationship with Indian River Festival," she said. "The restoration will allow future generations to appreciate the architectural, historic and cultural significance of this treasured building."
Under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the provincial and federal governments are each providing $119,039.
The balance of funding for the $357,000 project is being provided by the Indian River Festival Association.
Funding to help restore St. Mary's church in Indian River
- Published on December 17th, 2009
- Published on June 15th, 2010
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Staff ~ Farm Focus
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Comments
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- It was Critchlow Harris
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:40:54
Let's get the facts out. The church was designed by Critchlow Harris, the Island's most celebrated architect.
It is definitely worth maintaining and adapting for a new use. I understand the acoustics are outstanding so perhaps it can be used for music year round.
Harris designed many of the great churches on the Island. His work is celebrated in the Confederation Centre along with that of his brother, the painter Robert Harris.
The Island was indeed fortunate to have these two outstanding talents in its formative years.
Examples of their work are close enough for anyone to take in. Congratulations to both governments for maintaining this outstanding legacy.
