St. James Middleton Church at the intersection of Huron County Road 13 and Tipperary Line, near Bayfield (photo by Bob Montgomery)St. James Middleton Church at the intersection of Huron County Road 13 and Tipperary Line, near Bayfield (photo by Bob Montgomery)
Midwestern

'Save The Church' effort starts near Bayfield

The great, great-granddaughter of the founder of the St. James Middleton Church outside Bayfield is part of a group trying to save the building.

Janice Middleton said the church at the intersection of Huron County Road 13 and Tipperary Line was established in 1872. It was deconsecrated in January because the size of the congregation had shrunk to the point that the church was no longer viable.

Middleton said they've been granted a year by the Huron Diocese to come up with a re-purpose for the building.

They are attempting to raise money to support the church's expenses, which are largely insurance and repairs. She said she estimates that wouldn't be more than $5,000.

"I'd like to see it as a community centre and I'd also like to see it as an off-shoot of the Huron County Museum, as a satellite museum and I'd like to see it remain open that people can use it for activities, for lectures, for services," she said.

Middleton said their first goals it to prevent it from being demolished.

Part of their fund-raising will be a barbeque at the Bayfield Arena on Sunday, August 11 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

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