CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - The Kirk of St. James has launched a five-year, $1-million capital campaign to repair and restore the historic downtown Charlottetown church.
The campaign will raise funds to weatherproof the building, restore stone and brick work, repair the church’s stained glass windows and provide new washrooms, including barrier-free facilities.
Campaign chairman David Hooley announced the launch at the church’s Epiphany service on Jan. 6, saying, “This campaign is all about breathing new life into both our physical facilities and into our Christian ministry and community outreach. We chose the campaign name and theme ‘Renewing Hope’ most of all because that’s exactly what this campaign is all about: renewing hope, charting a bright new future for the Kirk of St. James.”
Church minister Rev. Amanda Henderson-Bolton, who is eight months pregnant, noted in her sermon that launching the fundraising campaign — like expecting a baby – brings a range of emotions.
“I feel anxious about this baby coming and how it will shake up my life, my routines and my sleep. There are tons of anxieties and questions and concerns. But more than any of it is the potential and excitement,” she said. “I feel the same way about this campaign. I am nervous and anxious, but more than anything I am excited to see what God will do with us. He has been working with us for nearly 200 years, and I know he is not done with us yet – we still have things to do.”
The Kirk of St. James was established in 1825 as the original Presbyterian church in Charlottetown. The current stone Kirk sanctuary was completed in 1878, just over 140 years ago. The phased, five-year schedule of building restoration and improvement envisioned by the capital campaign should prepare the Kirk to celebrate 200 years of service to the Charlottetown community in 2025.
David Robinson, the action clerk of session, said the building is more than a place to worship Sunday mornings.
“Whether it is serving meals at the soup kitchen, visiting seniors in their nursing homes, helping Habitat for Humanity provide needed homes for people, supporting the Salvation Army Helping Hampers campaign at Christmas, building a family farm in Guatemala or helping to welcome a refugee family from Syria, we are living out our faith together,” he said.
“This campaign is all about breathing new life into both our physical facilities and into our Christian ministry and community outreach. We chose the campaign name and theme, ‘Renewing Hope’, most of all because that’s exactly what this campaign is all about: renewing hope, charting a bright new future for the Kirk of St. James.”
- David Hooley
“This capital campaign will help ensure that the Kirk remains a beacon of Christian hope on the corner of Fitzroy and Pownal streets for years to come.”
Those who wish to learn more about the Restoring Hope capital campaign or who would like to make a tax-deductible donation are invited to contact the Kirk’s office at 902-892-2839.
