MIlton - St. Paul's United Church Threatened

Milton, the fastest growing municipality in Canada, is facing a major controversy over the imminent demolition of the 1850/1890’s St. Paul’s United Church at 123

Main Street.

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          Image courtesy Milton Historical Society website

The church meets all of the criteria necessary for it to be designated by Milton’s Town Council. It has design value as a beautiful crafted example of an amphitheatre style church sanctuary, historical value having served as a focus of Milton’s religious, social and cultural life for nearly 120 years. It also has contextual value as a landmark presence anchoring the west end of Milton’s historic residential and downtown core. The Sanctuary features significant architectural exterior and interior features.

With a congregation of just over 600, the Church Council has decided that the building no longer suits its needs. Yes, the building requires maintenance and church requires roof repairs which they have raised money for, but they now want to put their resources toward outreach ministry. Less than 30 % of the congregation voted to pursue a development proposal which would attach a smaller multipurpose sanctuary to a 9-storey 105 unit life-lease building. In order to make this a profitable development, their developer has told them he will not proceed until he has a clean site to work with. The Church Council has applied for a demolition permit which will remove the sanctuary, the 1950’s addition and small house that may be the oldest building on Main Street.

This is a very divisive situation for our community. Our Town Planning Department has ensured that all the heritage protections are in place for designated buildings. However, lack of political will to interfere in matters of our churches has left us without the protection of our most significant heritage structures. The request for a demolition permit has brought the matter to a head just as we are entering a municipal election.

In the spring of 2009, a group of concerned citizens formed “Preserving Milton’s Heritage” committee, to work together to find common ground in our efforts to protect and preserve our Town’s heritage. Composed of members of St. Paul’s who want to save the Sanctuary, the Milton Historical Society, and Neighbours of the church, we have been researching and preparing for the submission of the church’s development proposal. We have gathered a petition, written letters to the local paper, attended Heritage Milton & Council meetings and been involved with the Town’s new updated Official Plan which has many heritage related aspects. We have a sign campaign in progress and an information tool kit to educate our Councillors and candidates. We will be asking our candidates where they stand on our Town’s overall heritage preservation.  This will be an election issue.

Our problem is designation. We know designation protects heritage buildings but the Church Council is threatening to abandon the church if it is designated.  We would appreciate suggestions, anything or anyone who could help save this grand gem? Letters of support about the value of preservation would certainly help and could be presented to Council as we move forward.

Pictures of this historic church are available on our website.

Much appreciated.

Marsha Waldie

President of the Milton Historical Society

16 James St.

Milton, Ont. L9T 2P4

miltonhistoricalsociety@bellnet.ca