Last month Huntingdon MNA Claire IsaBelle announced, on behalf of the minister of culture and communications, Nathalie Roy, a grant of $47,590 to restore the window shutters of the Russeltown United Church in Saint-Chrysostome.
“This financial assistance will help preserve this architectural gem that has been part of the Saint-Chrysostome landscape for nearly two centuries,” says IsaBelle. “Accompanied by Gregg Edwards, chairman of the board, I had the good fortune to visit Russeltown United Church, which was erected in 1826 and founded by Mrs. Mary Ball Forbes. It stands out for its [bright white facade] and green shutters which make it a historic building of great value.”
The grant is part of the Program for the protection, transmission, and enhancement of cultural heritage of a religious nature recently announced by Roy totaling $15 million. Across Quebec, 73 projects will be carried out using this amount. This program has made it possible to finance up to 80 per cent of the costs of projects that have gone through a rigorous selection process by the Quebec Religious Heritage Council.
“This charming church catches the eye of the many tourists passing through Notre-Dame Street and is often the focal point of photographers,” says IsaBelle. “It is important to invest in our heritage buildings, because it is to keep our history and our culture alive.” (RP)
