'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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.