Town seeks heritage designation on historic Burns church building

ERIN - The town will proceed with a “friendly” heritage designation of the former Burns Presbyterian Church building, to ensure that the brick exterior and stained glass windows remain an attractive asset within the community.

On March 19, councillors authorized the Town of Erin Heritage Committee to withdraw up to $10,000 from its reserves to fund the project.

It will include professional research on the history of the building, constructed in 1881, supplementing information already supplied by parishioners.

“It’s the most architecturally pleasing building in the whole village of Erin,” said Mayor Allan Alls.

Councillor Jamie Cheyne, a long-time member and current co-chair of the committee, had unanimous support for his motion to proceed. He said the designation is considered friendly, since the Presbyterian congregation, which still owns it, is in agreement.

“The Burns people are worried that someone could buy it and demolish it, and build something else once we have an expanded town,” said Cheyne. He noted that the designation is likely to cost the town much less than $10,000, since the owners plan to make a substantial financial contribution.

“The intent is to protect the exterior and stained glass windows. Changes could be made to the interior.”

Council has always refused to consider imposing a heritage designation on any building without the support of the owner, since it would block demolition, affect site development and possibly reduce the purchase price.

The Burns congregation held its last service there in June 2018 after 170 years together, including 137 years in that building. Due to low attendance, they have merged with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Hillsburgh.

The Erin Village Alliance Church (EVAC) has leased the building, with the intention of eventually buying it.

It is the largest church building in the Town of Erin and a landmark, featuring a vaulted ceiling, four spired buttresses topped with arrow finials, lancet windows and large stained glass installations.