After 3 years of leaking, St. Columbanus Church in Elgin finally undergoing roof repairs

LAURIE WEIR

After three years of ongoing water leaks resulting in damage inside the church, the roof of St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Elgin is finally getting some much-needed repairs.

But is it too little, too late?

Sue Brus, a long-time church member, said parts of the roof have been repaired, but water continues to seep through the interlocking wooden ceiling, onto the pews and flooring.

“There are a couple of small areas with patches, but it was still leaking Saturday (Nov. 30) at Mass,” Brus said, noting the ongoing challenges the congregation faces.

Fr. Ihedoro Cyprian, who oversees St. Columbanus and three other area parishes in Westport, Bedford, and Sharbot Lake, confirmed with Hometown News that a contractor has been hired to address the church’s long-standing roof issues. “The work is going slowly, but it’s happening,” he said in an email.

Brus explained that the ceiling continues to leak, forcing churchgoers to rely on Tupperware containers and buckets to catch the drips during rain storms and melting snow. She said she worries that the insulation will have to be replaced due to possible mould from the constant dampness, not to mention any electrical work, or ceiling damage that may be required. And what will the total cost be for the entire roof and ceiling repair, she wonders. 

“This isn’t just about the roof—it’s about the health and safety of everyone who comes to Mass,” Brus said.

Ann Androvich, another long-time member, said the situation is deeply concerning.

“When you’re saying the rosary, there are so few people left to project their voices, and my sister and I end up coughing because of the smell and dampness. It’s awful,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Androvich remains hopeful. “We give every week, my sister and I. There’s even a separate envelope for the roof,” she said. “We love this church, but it’s hard to see it like this.”

Once filled with families, St. Columbanus now sees only 25 to 30 worshippers at Saturday services. The front section (about five rows) is roped off to prevent people from sitting there.

The congregation initially sought to hire a contractor they had worked with previously on a smaller project. However, this contractor was not approved for the roof repair due to insufficient liability coverage and noncompliance with WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) regulations.

Instead, a new contractor was hired. Brus said the parish has raised about $41,000 of the approximately $100,000 needed to repair the roof. However, the Archdiocese wouldn’t release the $50,000 they hold in trust to the previous contractor due to their lack of proper insurance coverage. They told the congregation they needed to find a contractor with proper coverage.

In an October email, Archbishop Michael Mulhall explained that all contractors must comply with WSIB and liability regulations to protect the parish and the Archdiocese from legal and financial risks.

While parishioners acknowledge the need for compliance, they remain frustrated by the lack of direct support. “No one from the Archdiocese has come to see the church’s condition,” Brus said. “This church is worth saving. It’s not just a building—it’s a piece of our history.”

A church with deep roots

St. Columbanus Catholic Church, built on land purchased from Philip Halladay for $320 in 1896, reflects the dedication of its community. During the winter of 1896-1897, parishioners hauled materials by horse and wagon or sleighs to the site. Sandstone was cut on nearby farms, while stone for framing the windows and doors came from Kingston by horse.

The church and rectory were completed for $9,000. The stained-glass windows, crafted by Mackey Stained Glass Company of Toronto, were installed in March 1901. The church bell, weighing 1,500 pounds, was made in Troy, N.Y., and cost $460—more than the land itself.

Today, fundraising work continues, driven by a shared hope to preserve this piece of history for future generations.