Save Our Irondale Church

We are Bark Lake Cultural Developments. (BLCD). Thank you for visiting us virtually. Our mission is to save the Irondale Church. If we fail, this will be the only way to experience its charm.

Every community needs a connection to the past; a heart – a place where concerts, art shows, community events, weddings and worship [for those inclined] can take place, where young and old, new and old, share time and space, and build connections. The heart of Irondale is the historic church. It’s not merely a quaint place to worship. It has the potential to become a vibrant community hub.

The building stands in its proud pioneer beauty today but it may not survive beyond this year. Without a renewed BLCD Executive, the Irondale Church will be sold. How did we get here?

A short history

The iconic white building at the juncture of Irondale Road and Salerno Lake Rd. was built in 1887, financed by a Pennsylvania industrialist, Charles Pusey. In his dreams he saw a mining empire built around profitable iron deposits in this northern community, thriving but nameless at the time. But time and geology proved Charles Pusey wrong; the iron ore was not commercially viable.

However as part of his investment in the community, this modest but beautiful church was constructed. To set foot in this church today is stepping into a time capsule; Beautifully preserved and profoundly spiritual in its simplicity. There are no stained glass windows, for the concept was that God’s beauty was best seen in nature. Through the original panes of flawed 19th century glass sunlight streams in, gracing the unadorned wooden interior.

It became an Anglican Church and remained so for nearly a century but 18 years ago, due to a dwindling congregation, the Irondale church was deconsecrated. It was, and is the last tangible representation of this once thriving community. Now it was up for sale and its future was unsure.

BLCD steps up

At that point a number of committed local residents took it upon themselves to keep the church in community hands. They pooled their resources to buy the building from the Anglican Diocese and created a registered charitable organization, Bark Lake Cultural Developments. Under their stewardship, particularly through the enormous dedication of President Carol Simmons, this church has remained part of the community since then.

A home to amazing events

Over those years an enormous amount was accomplished by BLCD; Events such as Spring Fling, Harvest Festival, countless community dinners, Historical walks, the Service, Courage and Sacrifice exhibition honouring veterans each November before Remembrance Day, Concerts featuring Juno Award winning artists and more. In addition, a small group hosts informal, non-denominational Sunday services in celebration of their Faith.

Julian Fauth performs at the Irondale Church

The need for a new president is paramount

However time does not stand still and those people who have done stalwart service are no longer able to serve on the Executive. A number of seasonal and local residents have agreed to join the Board as Directors but there is a pressing need for someone to spearhead this transition. We need a President! Without that person stepping forward, BLCD will be forced to wind down its activities, liquidate the assets and donate the proceeds to other charitable entities as determined by the rules of the Canadian Revenue Association (CRA). The church will be sold and this priceless gem will be lost to the Irondale community forever. This is an SOS. Can you help? Can you get involved? There are many useful ways to be a part of this community building eﬀort but there is one overriding need!

The clock is ticking

BLCD is in a stable financial position to survive for a couple of years, providing we can fill the Board vacancies. All is not lost, but the time for action is now! We have until September before Carol Simmons retires after 19 years of selfless service. That will mean the end of BLCD and the building will be sold. Until then you’ll be hearing from us.

Upcoming events

On Thursday, July 9 at 7 PM, there is a concert at the church featuring Eva Kabande, a talented Mexican singer who is on a Canadian tour, including an appearance at the famous Mariposa Folk Festival. Her music is passionate, melodic and authentic, proof of the adage that music is truly the universal language. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds go to the artist. Tickets are available by e-transfer to beth.knowler@gmail.com or at the door. For more information call 416-823-3130.

We invite you to experience what this beautiful space oﬀers. It is a marvellous place for live music. The acoustics are, dare we say, divine! Perhaps you'll be inspired as we are to preserve what we cannot aﬀord to lose.

There will be also a open meeting at the Church at 1PM on July 19 to discuss this crisis. We invite you to a attend, to learn more and ask questions.

We hope to see you at church!