A final mass will be held at Windsor's historic Assumption Church before the doors close, and the parish moves to Holy Name of Mary Church.
There are three masses being held today, at 9am, 11am and 7:30pm.
Mayor Eddie Francis hopes the Diocese of London will reconsider the closure after the city committed $250,000 out of the city's heritage fund for renovations. Fixing the masonry, roof and load bearing walls will cost up to $15-million, but in a letter to the Diocese, Francis says the loss of the church will negatively impact the entire community. "It is a landmark, not only on the University of Windsor property, but also in the western part of this community," he says. "Given its historical connection to the community, given its heritage value, icons like Assumption Church deserve to be saved and protected."
Two years ago, parishioner Alan Quesnel donated $1.25-million for immediate repairs. Last year, he was willing to put up another $3.5-million if the community matched it. "For whatever reason, the bishop's just undecided as to what to do with things and I've since decided to start making donations to other charities."
The parish dates back to 1728, and the current building dates back to 1842.