Protecting the St. Mary the Virgin Church in New Maryland: Progress on the Restoration Plan and Community Use of the Church

 

After the 1987 establishment of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Nasonworth, the church of St. Mary the Virgin in New Maryland fell into disuse and structural difficulties began to occur. In 2013, a committee was established by the Vestry of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church to consider the future of St. Mary the Virgin. The Committee report recommended continuing to protect the church as a community building and as a Protected Historic Site (Heritage Conservation Act) with the help of a community organization.

 

Since this time, there has been considerable progress toward eventual restoration of the church:

 

1. The New Maryland Heritage Association (NMHA) was established in 2018. The Board of Directors includes: Judy Wilson-Shee, Chair; Tim Scammel, Vice-Chair; Pat Burns, Secretary; and, Susan Curtis, Treasurer. A liaison with Vestry is also a member of the Association (Jane Tims).

 

2. Business Plan: New Life for an Old Church –The objectives of the NMHA with respect to the St. Mary the Virgin Church are: 1. to maintain the special historic designation of the building; 2. to provide a place where community can gather and celebrate aspects of its culture; 3. to operate in a sustainable manner, generating sufficient funds to operate and maintain the building.

 

The building will provide community services such as space for display and celebration of cultural elements including artistic endeavors, music, history, etc.; space for training and education in cultural elements; space for sale of local products associated with cultural endeavors; and, space for occasional services of worship (weddings, etc.).

 

3. Community celebration: On September 23, 2018, the New Maryland Heritage Association and the people of the area celebrated the 155th anniversary of the first use of the church with an Open House. The open house was well-attended with over 220 people.

 

4. The St. Mary the Virgin Church was deconsecrated on October 3, 2019 by Bishop David Edwards.

 

5. A ten-year Lease between The Corporation of the Anglican Parish of New Maryland, and the NMHA was established in 2019.

 

6. Social Media: Two related sites operate on Facebook—New Maryland Heritage Association and Friends of the Historic New Maryland Church.

 

7. Restoration Plan: In October 2020, staff of Heritage Standing Inc. did a structural evaluation of the church. The result was a restoration plan (December 22, 2020) and a road map for the NMHA to follow as they work to restore the church over the next years. The final report “St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church Condition Assessment & Project Planning” identifies the condition of features of the church and the site. It also lists fifteen recommendations for restoration in order of priority. High priority restoration activities are: improving site drainage; repairing the stone foundation; stabilization of walls; chancel arch repair and roof replacement.

 

8. Funding: Various fund-raising activities have occurred to support the work of the Association and a $5,000 provincial government grant (Heritage Place Conservation Grant, Component A) was used for conservation expertise and specialization in the creation of a Restoration Plan by Heritage Standing Inc.

 

9. Other symbolic undertakings: as symbols of faith and community spirit, the bells of the church have been rung, candles shine in the church windows and a Christmas wreath has been hung on the door.

 

Conclusion:

 

Considerable momentum has been created towards restoring the St. Mary the Virgin Church and creating a space in the community for arts and other endeavors.

 

The New Maryland Heritage Association is excited to continue towards creating a restored community space in New Maryland and in protecting the status of the St. Mary the Virgin Church as a Protected Historic Site under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA).

 

The Vestry of the Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity continues to be enthusiastic about the prospects of seeing the St. Mary the Virgin Church restored and again taking part in the life of the community of New Maryland and the surrounding areas.

 

 

Click here to see the Restoration Report