Originally built in 1927, Stettler United Church celebrates major renovations with an open house this Saturday afternoon in the building that in July was declared a provincial historic resource.
“People in the church are thrilled with the new look and we’ve had great support from the congregation and community,” said Betty Birch, who chairs the church board.
Supporters will be specially thanked during a rededication service at 2 p.m. that will also feature special music, followed by an open house of the building, a light lunch and displays of various church ministries.
“We were out of the sanctuary for six weeks, so it’s good to be back,” Birch said.
Atop the renovations were a new roof, floor heating in the sanctuary, new flooring and a revised chancel, which was lowered to make it more appealing, said Larry Wilson, part of the renovation team that also includes Sylvia Peters.
Upgrades were determined in 2009 after an extensive inspection.
“The roof started to leak and it wrecked the organ,” Wilson said.
“The carpet was rippled and caused some people to trip.”
Downstairs was given a complete makeover, with a redesigned Sunday school room, new flooring, kitchen area, and reconfigured headquarters for Stettler and District Food Bank.
“The whole lower level was gutted and renovated,” Birch said.
It was likely the first upgrade since the church was built.
“I don’t think much was done since 1927 and had the originally electrical wiring,” Wilson said. “That needed a lot of work.”
While washrooms in the building were also modernized, the church added a lift, with financial support from longtime members, the late Dr. Bob Zender and his wife Audrey and family, and through the provincial government for the church becoming a heritage building.
Final touches are being made with painting and stucco to the north gable.