Matthew Farfan

Wesley United Church in Beebe is slated to close within the coming weeks, Reverend Doreen Moffat announced this week. Built by Benjamin Kezar in the neo-Romanesque style, this splendid sanctuary has served the faithful of the local Methodist and, after 1925, United community since 1891. Replacing an earlier church that was deemed too small, the church incorporates a large belfry, barrel vaulting, fine woodwork, and lovely stained glass behind the altar.

In recent years, the congregation has been dwindling. In fact, the local pastoral charge, United Steeples, shares four churches, all within a few kilometres of each other: Centenary United in Stanstead, the Stanstead South United Church in Rock Island, the Graniteville United Church, and Wesley United in Beebe.

The local congregations have also been faced with mounting repairs on all four of the buildings. Last year, Stanstead South was struck by lightning, which caused extensive damage to the steeple. A few years ago, Centenary Church underwent major repairs, including redoing the entire roof in slate. And although the Quebec government donated of about a half-million dollars to that project, the church being an important architectural landmark, the congregation had to raise tens of thousands of dollars on its own. Even the little wood church in Graniteville is in need of repair.

Of all the four churches, Wesley United made the most sense to sell. Needed repairs include a new roof, a new chimney, installation of wall supports, and exterior painting. Given the dwindling number of churchgoers and the mounting combined costs of maintaining all four churches, the only solution, it was felt, was to sell the building. Sad news for sure, but a necessary expedient, the church's trustees believe.

The asking price for the building has not yet been made public, though it is hoped a buyer will be found who will be able to undertake the necessary repairs and find a new vocation for this lovely heritage building.


(Photo: Matthew Farfan)