Inukshuk
Aurora United Church
Posted on: 04/11/2014 17:17
The beautiful and historic Aurora United Church (Yonge and Wellington W) has been significantly damaged due to a fire today. It was reported that the chances of saving the building are slim. Easter prayers of new life go to all in the Aurora United family.
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crazyheart
Posted on: 04/11/2014 17:19
inukshuk, we must have been postig together
carolla
Posted on: 04/11/2014 17:44
Oh dear - I had not heard this yet. Always saddness with such a situation.
Last week a beautiful Ukranian church - all built of douglas fir, three beautiful domes, only built in 1995 - burned to the ground on Saturday morning. My Ukranian friends always took their beautiful Easter baskets there for blessings & a friend's dtr was married there not long ago. The two photos here are amazing http://www.saintelias.com/ca/home/
carolla
Posted on: 04/11/2014 17:47
Here's a link to some of the Aurora photos - looked like a beautiful building.
http://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/4461497-readers-posting-amazing-photos-of-aurora-united-church-fire/
Dcn. Jae
Posted on: 04/11/2014 17:52
I always find it sad whenever a church's building goes up in flames
Pinga
Posted on: 04/11/2014 18:26
I am hoping that no one is injured, including the first responders.
Let us also hope that they were insured in such a way that their options are open to them.
Dcn. Jae
Posted on: 04/11/2014 18:59
I am hoping that no one is injured, including the first responders.
Let us also hope that they were insured in such a way that their options are open to them.
One of the news sites I looked at reported that (thankfully) no one was injured.
Birthstone
Posted on: 04/11/2014 19:11
Torch down roofing?
No matter what, it is really sad, and awful for everyone.
Beloved
Posted on: 04/11/2014 20:07
Very sad.
carolla
Posted on: 04/11/2014 20:32
One man interviewed on the news tonight - baptized & married in the Aurora UC - said "it's only brick & stone - the church is the people - we have not been damaged - we are still here - we, the church, will continue."
mrs.anteater
Posted on: 04/11/2014 21:20
It always hits the wrong churches- we have two for sale that we can't get rid off....
Tabitha
Posted on: 04/12/2014 12:39
I was encouraged by the reports that it was a congregationof 500. Trusting they had insurance and hoping for a a more sustainable building replacing this one. maybe one with energy efficiency as well as beauty. In many ways it is an opportunity.
There are many congregations saddled with large enrgy eating buildings (utilities and repairs/upkeep) that could use an opportuniy like this.
My cousins attended there growing up-and I assume were baptized there.
seeler
Posted on: 04/12/2014 16:29
Sad to see the old and beautiful historic church in flames. Lets hope that the congregation, after mourning the loss, can find hope, courage and vision to continue as a church (whether they rebuild a new energy efficient building or decide to meet elsewhere).
stardust
Posted on: 04/13/2014 10:21
I'm fairly familiar with Aurora. My daughter and her ex bought a new house there some years ago. Her live-in bf's family live in Aurora. I've been going to his family events, thanksgiving dinner, bbq, b-days etc. I was there in Dec. during our ice storm for Christmas eve and xmas dinner. Its too bad this had to happen after having been restored. Lucky the Anglican church has welcomed them until they are back on their feet.
Quote:
The population is forecast to reach approximately 62,288 by 2015 and 69,688 by 2020. In 2010, average household income in Aurora was $155,463, making it one of Canada's most affluent towns.[9]
Toronto Star Apr.13
In 2008, the declining United Church congregation from nearby Oak Ridges merged with Aurora United and donated proceeds from the sale of its property to renovating the old Aurora church.
Steve Falk said the restoration work was glorious. There were new sound and light systems, modern audio-video equipment, high-speed wireless. Pews were taken out and refinished, floors were redone as well. The ceiling was repainted light blue. The sanctuary was bathed in bright golden light. “It was gorgeous.”
“There was a debate about whether they wanted to keep the old pews, because they’re uncomfortable,” he said. “But there was tradition. It wasn’t going to turn into yoga hall. It was going to be a church with pews.”
Falk said that when the church reopened at Thanksgiving 2009, “It was ‘Like, man, look at that!’ ”
The church suffered ice damage this winter. Roofers were repairing it Friday. When it comes to a cause for the blaze, Falk said, the combination of “flame, tar and a 150-year-old building” doesn’t leave much to the imagination.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/04/12/aurora_united_congregation_carries_on_despite_historic_churchs_fiery_demise.html
Inukshuk
Posted on: 04/18/2014 09:24
Appears to be similar to the Waterford United fire, a few years back - the roofer did it - Crazyheart, could you have a word with him....
revjohn
Posted on: 04/18/2014 10:56
A contingent from Aurora United Church will be making a trip down to Waterford in the next few weeks to see what we did with our rebuild.
They contacted me last week looking for some guidance and I in turn gave them contact to some of the key figures in the congregation at the time of our fire. I am aware that there has been much discussion via e-mail and our congregation is very happy to share with the congregation of Aurora United Church all that we learned from our journey out of dust and ashes.
For those who have not seen it the following link outlines our rebuild from start to finish:
http://wucphotos.blogspot.ca/
You need to scroll to the very bottom to find our starting point.
Grace and peace to you.
John
carolla
Posted on: 04/18/2014 14:32
Interesting photos revjohn - thanks. Good to hear of the cooperative spirit, reaching out, learning and support between the churches.
stardust
Posted on: 04/20/2014 13:06
The new Waterford church is surely beautiful.
I wish the Aurora congregation the best as they explore their options for rebuilding.
Off topic:
Here is an extremely poor quality video of the original Waterford church in 2007 before the fire there in 2008. I'm sure it may nevertheless be of sentimental value to somebody.... nostalgia.
Video - Christmas 2007 - Waterford UC before the fire in 2008