'We're not going to let it go': Community working to rebuild historic Interlake church following vandalism
Residents of the Interlake community of Fisher Branch are hoping they will be able to restore a historic church following a spree of vandalism early this week.
Fisher Branch RCMP responded to a call of mischief at the disused Ukrainian Catholic Church on Tache Street at around 8:05 p.m. on Tuesday.
Mounties said several windows had been broken and items in the church had been damaged.
"Very disrespectful of them to do that, whether it is a private residence or a church, but especially, gee whiz, a church – it is very disgusting," said Cliff Skibinski, the president of the church council.
Skibinski looks after the grounds of the church – which is more than 100-years-old. He said a few years back, the church was declared a historic site.
"It’s a beautiful building, it's got beautiful paintings on the wall inside."
He said the town was shocked by the damage done to the building, which was built around 1913 by original European settlers to the area.
"They all got together and cut the logs and sawed the lumber and built the church and this is relatives – great-grandparents," Skibinski said.
"It's got a lot of history, a lot of people passed through there."
Due to dwindling congregation numbers, the church closed its doors for regular service a few years ago – but the building was still held in high regard in the community.
Skibinski grew up attending the church. He was married there and both his parents' funerals were held there.
"All these thoughts went through my head and it – it really hurts," Skibinski said. "It really hurts that somebody would do that."
Ron Malkowich grew up in Fisher Branch and attended the church with his family well into adulthood, serving for a time as an altar boy.
He said the damage is considerable, though they are still awaiting an exact estimate.
“They smashed all the windows, the stained glass windows and everything," Malkowich said. "They broke in – we have a big door that they ripped off. They went inside and vandalized some paintings on the wall that were hand-done years ago."
In the days since the vandalism, Skibinski said the community has rallied – with one neighbour buying wood and boarding up all the broken windows at the church so rain wouldn't get in.
Malkowich said the town will likely do some fundraising to cover the cost of repairing the damage.
Police say the investigation into the vandalism is continuing.
-With files from CTV’s Daniel Halmarson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.