927 St. Joachim L’Association holds open house to highlight St. Jochim Church restoration efforts

By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

Lakeshore residents received information about restoration efforts at the former St. Jochim Church during a recent open house at the historic building. The 927 St. Joachim L’Association was able to update residents on the progress of converting the old church into a community centre.

The not-for-profit association was founded last year with the main goal of preserving the building. Over the past year, a team of volunteers has helped restore the exterior of the towering structure, including refinishing or replacing windows.

Last year, a similar event was held; however, people were not permitted into the building for health and safety reasons. This time, the doors were thrown open wide, and the public was invited in to see the progress on the renovations and visit several information booths.

“The purpose of us holding the open house is to inform the community as to where the project currently stands,” said Larry Mailloux, the head of the association. The future of the property has sometimes been uncertain, especially given previous fears that the building could be demolished, similar to what we recently saw in Stoney Point.”

The Mailloux’s, like many other local families, have deep roots in the Francophone community and are long-time residents with strong memories of the building’s history.

Mailloux shares that they are planning to hold events such as wedding and baby showers, concerts, and farmers’ market. Saint-Ambroise School, situated next to the church, has expressed interest in using the building as a shelter, should the need arise.

The strength of the St. Joachim Church, built by French pioneers in 1882, has been confirmed as structurally sound by two engineering firms, despite nearly two feet of water sitting in the basement for 20 years. Over the last year, 12 dumpsters of rotten drywall and flooring have been removed, mold has been remediated, hydro is connected, and furnaces have been purchased. New basement entrances have been built, all exterior repairs are completed, painted and windows replaced. The next priorities include water service and washrooms.

Paul Mullins, a volunteer who spearheaded the renovation, is pleased with the progress of the project.

“You can see the great shape the building is in. Two feet of water didn’t even come close to undermining the structural integrity of the building, especially the basement.” Mullins said.

“What is truly enjoyable is seeing how excited people are to return to the church, even though hope for the building had seemed to fade,” Mullins explained.

As funds become available, the association hopes to continue restoring the church into a property that benefits the community. To continue the plight to save the St. Joachim landmark, the group is looking for volunteers and funding.

The 927 St. Joachim L’Association has also partnered with Proverbs Heritage Association and Dr. Brian Walls of the John Freeman Walls Underground Railway Museum, allowing them to now issue charitable donation receipts for tax purposes.

You can find out more information at their Facebook site at 927 St. Joachim L’Association.

Volunteer members of the 927 St. Joachim L’Association, pictured here, held an open house on Sept. 14 to inform the public about the progress of the renovations and proposed repurposing being done at the old St. Joachim Church.