JOSHUA ALLAN
The 1019 Report
Just as the snowy weather arrives, the reconstruction of St. James Anglican Church in Hudson took a major visible step forward this week as the main components of the new roof were put into place. It is an important step for the 182-year-old stone church, which was devastated by a fire last April.
“It’s a very big step for the church, because until now it’s been mostly demolition,” said Judi Meade, the church’s choir director and organist. “It’s the first really visible positive thing that is happening and we’re quite excited about it. It’s hopeful.”
Once the new beams for the roof are installed, decking and insultation will follow. A protective tarp will likely be used to cover the roof during the winter months prior to the final step of installing metal cladding.
Marcus Owen, the church’s building and grounds manager, has been leading the reconstruction project. Progress has been “very good” thus far, he explained to The 1019 Report. Contractors are expected to complete the permanent roof before Dec. 20.
“And then, when the weather gets more amenable, they’ll put the membranes on,” Owen explained, adding that the roof will look “exactly as it was” before the fire.
Plans to finalize the restoration of the church’s large hall, an adjacent structure used for social activities and community gatherings, have been progressing as well. The hall now has electricity and heating, with work to restore the building’s basement completed.
A trailer with three temporary washrooms has also been installed at the site.
“A lot a lot of work has taken place,” Meade said.
She is hopeful that the hall will be open by the end of December for winter holiday-related activities.
“We hope that our Christmas pageant that we do with the children and families can take place in that hall on Christmas Eve,” Meade said.
After the holiday break, contractors will resume their work on Jan. 6.
It is still not known when services at the church will resume, Owen said. The space has been cleared of debris but requires more work before parishioners can be welcomed back.
“We would hope that we’re back in the church before the end of next year (. . .) the end of 2025,” he said.
The roof of the church was completely destroyed by fire on April 14, when flames engulfed the structure. Despite efforts by firefighters, much of the building was damaged, including the adjacent community hall. It is believed the fire started due to an electrical problem in the church’s kitchen, which had been undergoing renovations.
St. James, built during the early 1840s and completed in 1842, was named after the parish’s first minister, James Pyke, and cemetery on its grounds lays claim to being the oldest graveyard in Hudson.