The historic McDougall United Church in downtown Edmonton has been saved, at least for a few more years, after the province pledged $750,000 to make the most urgent repairs.
The 105-year-old building is in need of $18.4 to $25.5 million in repairs. If some of those repairs are not done within the next year, the church will be lost.
The provincial funding gives the congregation more time to find the rest of the money.
The city is also prepared to contribute $500,000, pending approval from city council.
A crowd gathers in front of the McDougall United Church in 1923 to view the scoreboard on the Edmonton Journal building across the street. (Alberta Culture and Tourism)
The congregation has so far resisted applying for a historic designation, which would prevent the church from being demolished, because it would ruin the resale value of the land.
With the funds promised by the province, they are now planning to apply.
“Our governments have given us genuine encouragement with this sum,” church treasurer Greg Greenough said in a news release.
The government’s contribution will also kick off a fundraising campaign to raise the $24 million still needed to preserve the building.
A community group called The Friends of McDougall Church will work with the province, the city, and the church to come up with a long term plan.
The church is also hoping downtown businesses will pitch in.
“I am hopeful the business community will come forward as we move to establish a framework that allows the building to remain a vital part of downtown Edmonton,” Greenough wrote.
The church was built in 1910 as a place of worship, but has since become a haven for emerging artists.
The acoustics in the building have made it a popular music venue for all kinds of performances, from choirs to rock bands.
