From here:
The Cowichan Station community is fighting back against a decision to close its historic St. Andrew’s Church.
The Anglican Diocese of B.C. voted in favour of disestablishing the more than 100-year-old church over the weekend, with plans to sell or lease the picturesque property.
Parishioners have been encouraged to join one of the remaining Anglican churches in the valley — but Cowichan Station isn’t giving up on St. Andrew’s just yet.
“Although the Anglican church may hold the deed to St. Andrew’s, we in the community have a strong sense of ownership as well,” wrote Sue Wells, chair of the Cowichan Station Area Association, in a March 3 letter to the Anglican Diocese.
“The church and former parsonage were built and paid for by our local community,” added Wells of the church that has since been maintained in part through community support.
Wells declined to comment on what she called a “sensitive” matter Tuesday, but spoke at length in support of St. Andrew’s presence in Cowichan Station in her letter to the diocese.
“We feel that we share St. Andrew’s — the heart of Cowichan Station — with the Anglican church,” she said.
“(The CSAA) is concerned (St. Andrew’s) closure would have far reaching implications for groups that come under its umbrella in the community,” wrote Wells of organizations like the Girl Guides, Alcoholics Anonymous, Your Third Place, GIFTS, Drums of Joy, Healthiest Babies, Pocket Market and more.
“We understand (the church) is in arrears on making payments to the diocese but as its model of community engagement has gained momentum over the past year, it has in fact accelerated its payments,” Wells added. “When it gets caught up on the portion for which it was in arrears — presumably sometime this year — it will in fact have a healthy financial statement.”
St. Andrew’s rector, Rev. Dawn Braithwaite, could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but Dale Huston, archdeacon for the Cowichan region, said it’s wait-and-see to find out what happens next in Cowichan Station.
“How that will shake down, at this point, is unknown,” he said. “If the community of Cowichan Station is assembling its resources, hopefully they will be making some kind of presentation to the bishop’s office.”
It appears likely this meeting will take place, with Wells and the rest of the CSAA planning to prove their case to continue “the church as vibrant place of worship and the vital heart of our community.”
Here’s a novel idea.
How about ANiC offer to buy the property for a fair price. Than offer the use of the building, with the only obligation being that the Parishioners cover the maintenance costs. If they want to remain part of ACoC, than say “OK”. If they want to be independant, than say “OK”. If they choose to become part of ANiC, than say “OK”.
At the very least it would show “good will” on the part of ANiC for other Christians. With the only obligation being cover the maintenance costs, no-one would be able to accuse ANiC of “poaching”.
It is so ironic that it is Susan Wells who feels that the parishioners have some ownership in the church – oh that her name-sake in Niagara would follow suit.
St Andrews is the final resting place for my father and other of our Kingscote family members who pioneered in the area and contributed to this beautiful little church thru-out their life times…I’m sure even when times were tough.
It is very disturbing to our family to think that this special, and historic place may not be preserved, and allowed to continue as it was intended..not only in respect of the settlers who now lay quiet below the green… but especially as it is still in use and important to the present community. I know what our ancestors would feel on this matter.
I just skimmed through the website (including the many links) for Cowichan Station Church. I found only one cursory allusion to “the Scriptures” (I couldn’t find the word Bible anywhere) as something that should not be followed literally. The gospel is absent, as are sin, the cross, and the resurrection. Pretty much everything else under the sun finds a place, though. Although I can understand the historical and familial attachments that some may feel, I don’t see how the closure of this “progressive” church will hinder the work of the kingdom.