Historic Georgetown church has fresh exterior as interior renos continue

The former Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Georgetown, P.E.I., has a fresh new look these days, as renovations continue inside to prepare the building for its next life. 

The building was erected in 1842 — but by 2019, it was in such dire shape that a demolition order was issued. 

The P.E.I. government stepped in with a commitment to repair it, and the plans to demolish it were scrapped. 

"The rot was extensive, [it was] infested by rodents, and the roof was in terrible shape. Just the whole structure, the outside was bad," said project manager Carl MacAulay, who is overseeing the project for the provincial government. 

"To look at the church, your first thought was to tear it down. But once we got into it, things changed."

The renovations were delayed several years, in part because of COVID-19. When work in close quarters became possible, he said, "we wanted to get the church back to its original self as much as we could, and keep it a structurally safe place to use."

MacAulay said that meant going with a metal roof and pre-painted shingles for the siding, which they hope will stand up better to the elements.

He said there is still work being done on the actual steeple of the church, and to a large stained glass window on one end of the building. 

Restoring the interior will be phase two of the project. That is still in the planning stages, including a need to determine whether the basement is salvageable.

MacAulay said there will be space for 100 people to be seated in the building, along with a couple of washrooms, and a new wheelchair ramp has also been installed. 

He said residents seem to be pleased, so far. 

"When we first started the project, [people] were leery of what it was going to take, and what it was going to look like," MacAulay said. 

"But, as you can see, it certainly took shape. People are very happy, I think."

Phase one of the project was awarded to CP Construction for $870,000.