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(Montreal, June 9, 2015) The collective heart rate of the 300+ congregation of Union United Church is beating full speed as they anticipate their return to their 108 year old home in Little Burgundy, South West Montreal.
On Sunday June 14 at 1PM the congregation will open the doors at Union United, 3007 Delisle Street for a Celebratory Thanksgiving Service. Reverend Bill Jay will preside over the service due to the absence of Union’s minister, Reverend Emmanuel Ofori who is away on sabbatical. It has been 4 ½ years since the building fell into dangerous disrepair forcing them to seek refuge in other locations; four years at Rosedale-Queen Mary United Church and 3 months at Wesley United Church in NDG.
Union members have been homesick for more than two years having survived numerous setbacks and financial shortfalls. Members say, “Our original dream has been deferred and we’re returning to a much modified, but cozy setting for which we are thankful”. The renovations are incomplete but returning at this point is the most prudent option open to the congregation. Outdoor work which requires excavation will continue in the following months, as the funds allow.
In the meantime, The Capital Campaign, Union’s fund raising arm, is in full gear raising much needed funds to continue the renovations. Gifts in kind are also being solicited. To date, 1.2 million has been raised and a loan has been granted by the Montreal Presbytery to facilitate the ongoing renovations. Fundraising efforts, including the Dr. Oliver Jones Golf Tournament which will take place on Friday August 14, 2015, will continue in full force to reimburse this loan. Details of the tournament are available
below and on
Facebook.
Union United Church invites everyone to join them at 3007 Delisle Street, this Sunday at 1 pm. The combined choir will be in attendance and refreshments will be served after the service. The service on subsequent Sundays will be at 10 am.
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