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$100K for Heritage Site Work
The Glengarry Fencibles Trust (GFT) has received close to $100,000 in federal money to help in its efforts to preserve the Bishop’s House, located just west of Iona Academy in St. Raphael’s.
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December 2020 Newsletter
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On March 31, 2016, the non-profit group Glengarry Fencibles Trust took possession of the historic Bishop’s House from the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall. Built in 1808, the house is among the oldest and most historic buildings in Ontario, and is an element of the celebrated St.Raphael’s Ruins National Historic Site.
The deal came after 11 years of campaigning and negotiating by the Fencibles to ensure the preservation of the grand, three-storey stone house, built in 1808 by Rev. Alexander Macdonell, parish priest of St. Raphael’s in the early 1800s and later first bishop of Ontario.
Restoration — following two decades of neglect and an effort to demolish the building — has been ongoing since 2016. With your help, its adaptive reuse as a thriving cultural and conference centre will happen.
It’s great news for the Bishop’s House, great news for St Raphael’s and Glengarry County, great news for the cause of historic preservation everywhere!
Historical Significance
Ontario's First Bishop
Ontario's First College
The Warrior Bishop
"Canada's Greatest Chaplain"
National Importance
Most Boards off Now!
In April 2015, at the same time as the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall applied for a demolition permit for the Bishop’s House, the windows of the venerable building were boarded up.
Since taking possession of the House on March 31, 2016, local charity Glengarry Fencibles Trust has done much to renew interest in what was an overgrown, seemingly derelict building.
Not only have we let light into most of the windows again, but we have also replaced the roof, removed unsympathetic alterations from the interior, completed extensive landscaping, and restored original lampposts.
In addition, the gracious front veranda and the balcony immediately above have been restored, and the dilapidated additions on the rear, removed. (The local heritage committee approved their removal as these 1930s/1980s additions had little heritage value.)
Ongoing projects include the continued restoration of the 1826 dry stone wall; mansard, masonry, and window repair; and repainting of the exterior’s heritage metal work.
SUPPORT THE REHABILITATION
We look forward to welcoming you as our partner.
Charitable registration number: 81549 4265 RR0001
BY MAIL:
Glengarry Fencibles Trust
4739 Frog Hollow Road
Green Valley ON K0C 1L0