SAVE ST BRIGID’S                                                         

BULLETIN #14

August 2^nd ,  2006

1. Sister Betty Ann Kinsella opened the meeting with a prayer  for a special prayer for a successful meeting and for a successful result from all the hard work and prayer to save the church.    
2. The chair discussed briefly, the items from the meeting last week, and then introduced Mr. Hubert Gratton, who Viola Smith had recommended we talk to.  He was involved in the rescue and preservation of Beechwood and Notre Dame cemeteries in the late 80’s.  Mr. Gratton spoke eloquently for sometime of the pitfalls and difficulties then in challenging the Archdiocese and particularly Archbishop Plourde.  The group headed by Mr. Gratton and Mr David Crabtree, had the support of the major heritage groups of the time, and 21 VIP’s of significant stature.  The concern was the Archbishop wished to sell a parcel of land for high rise buildings (30 stories).  They mounted a good campaign, which meant challenging the city, but eventually was able to success in modifying the building concept to low rise construction.  The cost of legal fees was in the neighbour hood of $20,000 (85 and 86),  In the late 60’s, the Archdiocese wished to demolish St. Charles, and spread rumors that the steeple would fall on their heads.  It is still standing on Beechwood.  He suggested that they were too polite, and should have taken their gloves off.  The City of Ottawa also has a dismal record of preservation as well and the diocese (Gloucester Convent, Bytown Hotel, Carnegie Library in front, Rideau  Convent, Little Theatre, Capital Theatre.  Sacred Heart, Notre Dame in Hull and several others have all been destroyed in addition to present day buildings (St. Patrick’s hall,  
3.  Business

The Chair reported that the lawyers were working on the case to follow up on the actual transfer of the priests slated for the end of August. 

The roof was also discussed in detail, and the prudence to start it now, when we were not assured of the future of the church.  It was determined that the responsible approach would be to commence the specifications and the tender process which would take most of August to get the heritage data together with accurate pricing, and then determine whether it was feasible to proceed.  This process in lieu of waiting for decisions was the most appropriate, and if necessary leans could be looked into, after the roof was completed.  The materials considered will be metal to resemble slate, rather than asphalt which seems not to be able to stand up to the warrantees.  Heritage specifications will be prepared in conjunction with the Ontario Heritage Foundation.  Parishioners who were aware of contractors who wished to bid were to approach Marilyn Donoghue with names..

Postcards were provided both in French and English for parishioners who wish to send them off to the Archbishop or give them to friends and supporters.  Discussion followed regarding the printing of 4,000 at a cost of $450.  As there are no funds available (we cannot expend church funds on this project) a number of parishioners came forward with the financial commitment.  It was also suggested that a fund be set up for this type of project, so that we will have some revenue for expenses.  Envelopes will be provided for those parishioners who wish to contribute to the Task Force Initiative.  The Task Force have already signed a commitment for the court costs.  Sister Essie suggested she had a printer who perhaps could do it for less, which will be investigated. 

The Commemorative Mass is scheduled for August13^th, and the evening before will be planned for an evening of Celtic music, dancing and food.  Julienne White and Alice Hilchie will plan the mass, hopefully with the choir.  Special invitations will be sent out to honoured guests, and the program will take into consideration all the events of that day in 1890.  A program will also be developed as a keepsake. Names were requested of older parishioners and former parishioners who have a history with the church. 

Consideration and discussion took place regarding an Open House, where individuals could talk to the press, while the video was running, and tours of the building could take place.  (in lieu of a press conference).  A good time would be Sunday after mass.  It was emphasized however that we stay focused on the approach we are taking, and not go backward.  We have court proceeding and much emphasis should be placed on getting the business case together or proposal for keeping the church and options for fund raising.  The article in the newspaper this week regarding an arts community with concert activities is worth pursuing.   

6.                       The meeting closed with a prayer from Art Cuenco.

Next meeting will be held on August 9th, 2006, 7:30p at the parish hall.