GUELPH ? The Guelph Black Heritage Society accomplished something special when it bought the historic BME Church on Essex Street. Now it has another challenge: raising half a million dollars to fix it up.
The society hopes to raise $500,000 to help pay the mortgage and fix up the 133-year-old building that has played a focal role in Guelph?s black community.
The society kicks off a fundraising campaign Friday with a free concert by local musician/composer Andrew Craig at the historic church, now called the Guelph Black Heritage Society Cultural and Spiritual Centre.
That will be followed by a free family open house Feb. 23, both events also helping celebrate Black History Month.
?You really never know in a fundraising campaign until you ask,? said Society president Marva Wisdom when asked about the chances of raising half a million dollars in today?s economic climate.
?If I didn?t think we?d be able to do it I would not have taken this on,? said Wisdom, who has numerous fundraising endeavours on her resum?, including past chair of the annual United Way campaign.
?I feel very optimistic about the interest that I have seen in this building, not only in Guelph locally, but elsewhere. For that reason, I think we will be able to do it,? she said.
The society finally completed the purchase of the building a few weeks ago. While the cost of the building wasn?t revealed, it was originally listed at $200,000.
Wisdom said there are numerous improvements needed to the building before it?s ready for use as a cultural and education centre, possible church services and rental for performances. Those improvements include washroom and storage, utilities, flooring and wheelchair access.
There really weren?t any surprises.
?We knew there were issues. We went into this with our eyes wide open and we knew we wanted to get the church no matter what the challenges are because it was important to continue the historical legacy of the church,? Wisdom said. ?We know we have a little ways to go.?
She said the fundraising campaign is ?all about planning and process? and she feels ?really good? about the people involved in the campaign.
So far new carpet and a quick paint job have made the building, which seats around 130, more attractive until the major work can be done.
In addition to Craig?s performance on Friday, Rev. Chester Searles, head of the BME Church of Canada, will speak about the church?s history.
The family day on Feb. 23 includes drumming, crafts and storytelling.
tsaxon@guelphmercury.com
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