Bats in The Belfry – A Church at the Crossroads

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Out at Gibsons Lake there is a small Anglican Church called All Saint’s. It was built in the 1800’s and for many, many years devoted church members looked after the church and the cemetery. It has neither electricity, water, nor much in the way of funds. But it does have bats! It is across the lake from St. Anne’s Summer Camp. Often campers would canoe over from the camp to attend services at the Church. One, who later became a counsellor, has memories of opening the doors and seeing bats fly out in the evenings.

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Over the last few decades, the group who has lovingly cared for the church has become smaller and smaller as people moved, aged or died. For the last number of years, the care has fallen to only two very devoted people. They resigned from the care committee this past spring. While some repairs were done this summer to the exterior, there are some holes in the foundation where animals can get under the Church and the roof will need replacing in a few years.

Inside the church there are bigger issues – repairs are needed to the main floor support beam and the bats have certainly enjoyed being the only occupants. There is bat guano and urine all over the pews and in particular, the carpet. The inside smells terrible! As there are health risks associated with bat guano, it has been decided that we cannot hold a service inside this year. In previous years members of the care committee would come to the church and clean it up weekly. That has not happened this summer.

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So, we will hold this year's Anniversary service outdoors in the graveyard on September 15th at 3pm. Please bring your own umbrella (just in case) and a lawn chair. This will be followed by a meeting to discuss the future of the church. Most importantly, please come having given some thought about the future of All Saint’s, Gibsons Lake. Are you willing, or not, to invest in its future? It will take time, talent, and treasure (fundraising). Will you become part of a new Care Committee? (If you cannot come to the meeting but would like to help, please contact the Parish Office at 902-532-0913)All Saint’s future is in your hands.

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Blessings,

Rev. Julia Ford