St. Paul's Church Fire

St. Paul's Church, Aylmer (an 8 minute drive from the Champlain bridge that crosses from Ontario into Quebec). Cause of fire: Arson (a gasoline canister was found.) The fire started on June 9, 2011 at approximately 1:30 am.

From my apartment balcony which overlooks the Ottawa River, on that morning I had a good view of the smoke and church tower (what was left) through the use of my high-powered binoculars. I pretty well knew what went up in smoke. Since the blaze, I have seen the structure a few times and what it looks like.

Quite recently St. Paul's church was back in the local news as to whether the church should be restored to its former glory or to demolish it. Since it was back in the news, I thought I'd take some pictures and do a little research. The church has a rich and fascinating history...

"In 1838 permission was granted to build a church in Aylmer on land donated by Charles Symmes. The first church was built in 1840, a second, larger church was built slightly to the west in 1862. The presbytery was built on the site of the original church in 1878. A third church completed in 1894 was damaged by a fire started by lightning in 1895. Repairs were completed in 1905. (source: www.heritagepontiac.ca)"

It was truly a beautiful church to look at. There is an example in the photo shoot that I did today of what it actually looked like. The staff and clergy still work out of the rectory (the home) but it remains to be seen what becomes of this political juggernaut for the community: to save the church or to tear it down completely. Personally, I'd like to see it restored.