It's only the birds these days who call Barnston Baptist Church (left) their home but in its heyday, the modest handsome church was home to a thriving congregation. A small group of Coaticook-area residents hope to patch holes, shore up the foundation, and refurbish the church so that it may once again thrive as a cultural centre.

$200,000 NEEDED
Heritage Barnston was formed this past spring to raise the estimated $200,000 needed to restore Barnston Baptist, the fourth oldest church in the Estrie region of the Eastern Townships. The Baptist community in the region was founded in 1812 with the arrival of settlers from New England. The Barnston congregation formed in 1833, the church built in 1837 on land donated by the Cushing family.

Seating up to 160, the interior was renovated in 1874 to include Diamond-style woodwork, which still exists today. The congregation, on the other hand, does not. The dwindling congregation disbanded about 13 years ago, joining churches elsewhere. Since then, the building has been used only sporadically for weddings, funerals, and special services. Summer services ended five years ago.

VANDALS
More recently, vandals have broken some of the stained glass windows. Furniture, including a deacon's bench, was stolen, light fixtures smashed, even a small fire set. Heritage Barnston hopes to rescue the building before it is destroyed or falls apart completely. "It's an incredible heritage," said Shirley Lavertu, a member of Heritage Barnston. "It's the oldest Baptist church in Estrie."

Before embarking on the project, the committee sought the consent of the remaining Baptist community. The only provision was that the building not be turned into a bar. Lavertu says the committee foresees the restored church being used not only for religious services but also as a cultural centre, perhaps a religious museum.

Roger and Shirley Desruisseaux (left), members of Heritage Barnston, stand in Barnston Baptist Church. The last service in the church was four years ago, the funeral for Roger's brother Robert, a church deacon. "Too bad Robert's not here to see [the fundraising efforts]," said Shirley Desruisseaux. "He tried so hard to have it fixed up." (Photo: Ross Murray).

NEW FOUNDATION
Heritage Barnston has hired an architect to determine what should be done to save the building. The major task and expense will be lifting the old building and pouring a new foundation. Last spring, the committee applied to the Fond du patrimoine réligieux du Québec for part of the $200,000 needed. Elsewhere in the region, the Quebec Ministry of Culture has provided churches with grants covering 85 percent of renovations. Progress was being made on the file when the Liberals won the Quebec election and froze spending in all departments.

"Instead of waiting for grants, we're going to amass what we can and do what needs to be done right away, like fixing windows," said Lavertu.

FUNDRAISER
The first fundraiser will be an Autumn Celebration this Sunday, September 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. This will be an opportunity for the public to see the church. The event will include a service at 2 p.m. followed by music and a social with apple pie, cheddar, ice cream, coffee and tea for sale.

For more information or to make a donation to the restoration fund, contact Shirley Lavertu at (819) 849-9166.


(Photos: The Stanstead Journal)