Members of the Trinity United Church will soon be able to worship in their original and upgraded location. A devastating fire forced the church to close its doors almost three years ago. After two years of insurance paperwork, the construction bid was accepted by Silverado, a division of Treay Enterprises from Cranbrook. Reverend Paula Ashby explains how the insurance process actually benefited the church.
“There’s this tiny little clause that says ‘replace existing.’ Those two words, they really mean what they say. However with changes in the building code since the building was first constructed, there’s been numerous upgrades and the result is absolutely breathtaking.” Ashby elaborates, “One of the things we really wanted to do with the new rebuild was to make it fully accessible in all ways. So there’s no stairs, for example, and the doors are extra wide.”
The Reverend adds that community space was considered first and foremost for the redesign. Other installations of note include:
- A state of the art sound system with two sound boards
- A renovated hall that can host concerts or recording events
- Space for self-help groups that will be offered at an almost free-of-charge rate
- A commercial kitchen open to the public
- A thrift store that will be open for donations soon
Ashby says that she has already received multiple bookings in regards to the facilities listed above.
The fire forced worshipers and community philanthropists alike to host events in other locations.
“Since the fire, we’ve been worshiping at the Rotacrest Hall and all of our other ministries have been happening around town.” Ashby gives thanks to the organizations and people that extended their hands in the church’s time of need, “We’re very grateful to the seniors centre who’s [sic] provided us with a kitchen so that we could continue, uninterrupted, our free Wednesday lunch for the community.”
According the the reverend, the anticipated date of reopening was May 26. Unfortunately, delays due to electrical and ‘nature’ postponed completion.
“What we’re waiting for is for the insurance company to complete their payment schedule with the contractor, and then we have our inspection to go through… and then we get the keys!”
More information on the Trinity United Church can be found on their website at crestonunitedchurch.ca