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From an uncertain future to a thriving community hub
For more than 130 years, Merrickville United Church has been a central place for community members in Merrickville, Ontario to gather and connect. In recent years, the property’s future became uncertain due to a lack of resources required to maintain it. The Congregation contacted UPRC to find the best path forward.
Through understanding the context and community consultations, UPRC worked with the local municipality to establish and run the co-op The Pews, bringing together nine local organizations to establish a village centre. The vision for the co-op is a place where bonds are strengthened, generations connect, and the essence of Merrickville thrives in community space that would preserve the historic property and positively impact the community. The co-op leases the space from the United Church at a nominal rate to support the long-term maintenance of the building, with ongoing property oversight provided by UPRC.
VITAL TO SUCCESS:
Deeply understanding the needs of the community to develop a solution that preserves the Church’s historic property while creating a vital gathering space for the people of Merrickville.
From collapsed ceiling to foundation for the arts
Built in 1851 and restored in 1900, the St. John’s United Church in Brockville suffered a devastating ceiling collapse on New Year’s eve, 2014. With tremendous community and financial support, the Congregation rebuilt their much-loved sanctuary into a preferred performance space and community hub.
In 2022, facing new financial pressures, the church worked with UPRC to chart a path forward. Following extensive community conversations, and understanding the local needs and challenges, UPRC supported a strategy designed to protect and revitalize how the Church could continue to serve the community.
The Congregation established the St. John’s Foundation for the Arts, now known as ArtsHub Brockville. The church building is today the centre for visual and performing arts, as well as Sunday worship. St. John’s United Church, now financially stable, has protected not only the legacy of the Church, but the beauty and majesty of living culture.
VITAL TO SUCCESS:
The work with UPRC demonstrates how a church can not only be adapted to spiritual and community uses, but can be transformed into a vital pillar of the arts.
Disbanded but still a distinctive community builder
Keswick United Church, after 150 years of being the cornerstone of the Lake Simcoe community, decided to disband in 2023. Not content with a complete shuttering, the Congregation worked with UPRC to ensure the Church would have a continuing legacy in the community.
UPRC worked with the Shining Waters Regional Council to build long-term financial sustainability while ensuring the legacy of Keswick would continue to serve the community. UPRC reconfigured how the church spaces might serve other local needs. The building underwent critical repairs and renovations. The Sanctuary was transformed into a versatile space that could host a variety of activities and groups. The Hall was renovated and leased to a local childcare provider.
Today, UPRC provides property management, ensuring that the building is open and accessible to the community for years to come. While no longer a formal faith congregation, the Church continues to play a vital role in serving and hosting the community. Be it Girl Guides, a childcare center, or a volunteer organization meeting, the Church is the locus of community building, all the while generating the revenue needed to ensure the future of the physical space.
VITAL TO SUCCESS:
Understanding that even when disbanded, the church can continue to be a vital community builder.