Sharbot Lake United Church Centre Rededication

Dianne Lake | Oct 24, 2013

On October 19, 2013 the Christian Education Centre at Sharbot Lake United Church was a-buzz for the ribbon cutting ceremony to rededicate the centre after extensive renovations. We received an Ontario Trillium Grant in 2012 to install two new fire exit doors, a new steel roof and insulation for walls, floor and ceiling; the total grant money was $23,400. Our first application early in 2011 was turned down because of lack of funding, but we were encouraged to reapply, and we did receive the grant on our second try.

Some of what is now the Education Centre started out as the drive shed, wood shed, and stable for the manse when it was built in 1895. In the early 1940's more space was needed for the women's group, the Sunday school, and a growing youth group, so these three sheds were made into a small usable building. But fuel was cheap and no insulation was added to the walls. In 1965 an addition had been completed at Sharbot Lake High School and the portables that had been in use at the high school came up for sale.  The United Church bought one and had it added on to the small building that was being used. The building housed the public library for years until the present Township office and library were built.

We have many groups that use our building, including Weight Watchers, Tai Chi, line dancing, the Masonic Lodge, Liberal Association, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alzheimer Society, as well as other churches who need the space for dinners, showers, funeral lunches.  The volunteer man hours to see this project complete totalled over 500, as well as the two contractors that where hired to do the exterior work and insulation. With the work complete we feel we are now economically viable with our heating bills as well as being energy efficient. The steering committee for this project are George Conboy, Dianne Lake, Colleen Allison, Bill Raeburn, Cathy MacMunn.