KAGAWONG—Billings Township council has passed a resolution to enter into an agreement to purchase St. Paul’s On the Hill United Church in Kagawong.
“We (council) and the museum board looked at the church building,” Billings Mayor Austin Hunt said at a council meeting last week. “They feel it is an historical building and that it should be purchased and thought given on what it could be used for.”
Councillor Brian Parker said that one of the suggestions that has been made is “that once purchase the church, maybe we could tender our for someone to lease it.”
Councillor Barb Erskine questioned how much the cost of hydro has been for the church being used, on a monthly basis.
John Christian, a representative of the church, said the building has only been heated for regular church services in the winter. He pointed out the hydro would be turned on on Saturdays so the church would be warm for Sunday services. And he said the hydro costs have been $2,700 a year for the past couple of years.
“I was interested in having the month to month hydro billing costs separated out,” said Councillor Erskine. “I do love the long history the church has had in the community.” She pointed out, “there are also accessibility and water issues with the church building. Do we need to anticipate what all the concerns are or could be before we make a final decision to take on the ownership of the building? And we have another month before a final decision is needed.”
“I just think we need more discussion on the building and have a plan in place for its use before we look at purchasing the building,” said Councillor Erskine. “I think we should give this another two weeks thought.”
Councillor Nora Bath-Haring wondered what the church feels would be a reasonable offer for purchase of the church building.
“The congregation has recommended a nominal fee be paid to purchase the building,” said Mr. Christian.
Councillor Erskine called for a recorded vote put forward on a resolution put forward by Councillors Brian Parker and Sharon Alkenbrack for the township to enter into an agreement with the United Church to look at purchasing the church building in Kagawong. Councillors Bath-Haring, Parker, Sharon Alkenbrack and Mayor Hunt voted in favour of the motion, with Councillor Erskine voting in opposition to the motion.
