'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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.