Historic Fredericton church takes next steps to raise millions for repairs

The Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton is facing a costly repair bill and an uncertain future.

A working group will soon be formed to take the next steps in fundraising millions for repairs at a historic church in Fredericton.

The Christ Church Cathedral at 150 Church St. also sits at the crossroads of Waterloo Row and Brunswick Street in the capital’s downtown.

Consecrated on Aug. 31, 1853, the cathedral is a national historic site in 1981 and is considered “one of the best and earliest examples of Gothic Revival in Canada.”

Earlier in April, over 200 Anglican representatives from across New Brunswick gathered at the church to discuss badly needed repairs at the nearly 175-year-old cathedral.

“I don’t think people understand the magnitude of the situation,” says Archbishop David Edward. “There is quite a bit of urgent work needed, the primary bits being the roof, the spire, and also the clearstory window.”

Edwards says it was decided at the meeting to try and mount a fundraising effort to cover the costly work. Other options included working in the cathedral until it became unusable, as well as turning it over to a foundation where there would be an occupancy agreement with the congregation.

The bill to cover repair costs at the cathedral is estimated to be at least $17 million, along with an endowment fund of up to $6 million for future upkeep considering inflation to the year 2030.

A total fundraising goal of $23.5 million has been set.

Edwards says the last major renovation at the cathedral was in the 1990s, adding that it’s notable just how well parts of the building have fared over the years.

“The green roof as opposed to the brown roof was put up there in 1912,” says Edwards. “So, it doesn’t owe us anything.”

Edwards says a short-term plan would be put together to prioritize immediate needs at the church – primarily the roof and structural issues – with requests for funding at all levels of government expected to be part of the efforts.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Lauren Roulston

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.