Central United Church at the corner of George St. and Brock St. in Sarnia. September 25, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Central United Church at the corner of George St. and Brock St. in Sarnia. September 25, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)
Sarnia

Future of iconic Sarnia church in doubt

Financial struggles for Central United Church in Sarnia has forced the non-profit religious organization to explore its options for the future.

The church, at the corner of George Street and Brock Street North, was built in 1882 and Reverend Lilian Patey said repairs and overall maintenance of the building are costly.

Patey said the Vision Committee, in place for the last three years, has been looking at ways to continue the ministry of the church while developing ways to gain income from the building itself.

"And they're trying to vision what we want in the future and how we can improve it," said Patey. "I have seen some churches that build apartment buildings around them, low income apartment buildings or for seniors, so many churches have done that. And we as a church are looking for an investor to help us do that, and then we can hopefully keep worshipping together as a community."

The site is listed for sale by modified tender through CBRE Limited. Proposals for the site and future investment can be made until November 14.

"We're hoping and praying people will come to the church and support it," said Patey. "We have many different activities and many do come, but we need more people and we need people's support and interest."

The church was built in 1882 and there is no historical designation on the building.

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