Restored St. Joachim church shows off first stage off renovations

For the first time in years, St. Joachim church was again a site for the community to gather.

Closed for more than two decades, rehabilitation efforts allowed the space to open for a public house on Sunday afternoon to show off the work.

In recent months, a team of volunteers have helped restore the exterior of the towering building, including the refinishing or replacing of windows.

Larry Mailloux, the head of 927 St. Joachim Association, a not-for-profit helping lead the effort to convert the building into a community centre, was “surprised” to see the church make it this far into the process.

“Today was to bring the people of the community in to see what we’re going to offer them and have them decide whether this is going to continue or not,” Mailloux said.

At times, the future of the property has been uncertain, with previous fears it could be knocked down. The cleanup process required 11 dumpsters to get rid of rotten and ruined debris.

A key figure tied to the communities Francophone roots, Mailloux said, longtime residents have deep memories in the building.

“I sang in the English choir. I was married in this building because I married a local girl,” said Mailloux.

“It means a lot to me to see the building still standing.”

Work is underway to install access to utilities and create a working washroom.

Built in 1881, Paul Mullins, a volunteer in the renovation efforts, said it’s done well to maintain structural stability.

“You can see the great shape it’s in. Two feet of water didn’t even come close to undermining this building,” Mullins said of the church’s basement.

Though hope for the building had seemingly faded, Mullins said the excitement has been restored in recent years.

“What’s really enjoyable is to see how excited people are to be able to come back into the church,”

As the funds become available, the association hopes to continue work restoring the church to a property that benefits the community.