Revs. Sheilagh Ashworth (left) and Dawn Davis blesses the 1862 rectory next to Trinity Church Aurora during a ceremony Sunday. The renovated building now houses charities that work to assist those facing financial difficulties.
Aurora
October 11, 2008 10:00 PM
By: Amanda Persico
No one lives in the rectory next to Trinity Church Aurora.
Not since community and church volunteers came together to transform the old building into a graceful home for ministry services.
“It’s a place of compassion, where people will find hospitality and support,” Rector Dawn Davis said.
The church was given about $170,000 by a private donor to complete the renovations. Community members and tradespeople volunteered their time to turn the building into a communal space.
“It was about $250,000 worth of work, for the price of $170,000,” said Gary Dawson, one of the church’s senior wardens. “The idea was there, but the donation really turned things around.”
The old rectory building was given a new roof, furnace, windows and accessibility ramps and the washrooms were refitted for accessibility.
The five-month project stemmed from a group of about 60 people within the congregation who decided the rectory should become a place of ministry.
Proposals for the building from the community included a women’s shelter and a Christian school, Rector Davis said. But the group decided the best use was for church outreach programs to assist people facing economic challenges.
The building, at the corner of Victoria and Metcalfe streets in Aurora, houses three charitable organizations and two non-profit organizations: Clothes Closet, Welcoming Arms, ABLE Network, Interfaith Ministry Council and InterChurch Health Ministry Council.
“People in need don’t have to jump around,” Rector Davis said. “The services are all together in one place and the doors are open.”
For more information, visit
www.trinityaurora.ca or call 905-727-6101.