On June 6, 2022, the Archbishop Lynne McNaughton of the Diocese of Kootenay, Anglican Church of Canada, will deconsecrate Balfour’s historic St. Michael’s and All Angels’ Church. When a building is initially consecrated, it is dedicated for Christian worship. Located in the heart of the old townsite of Balfour, the landmark Church held its first service back in 1892. Since then, it has not only been faithful in its ministry and mission for 129 years, it has also remained a popular community focal point, hosting everything from weddings, to countless fundraisers and even served as lodging for the Ktunaxa peoples at certain times of the year. The last Anglican service held in St. Michael’s was on December 24, 2019. The service is slated to start at 10:00 a.m., and will begin with Archbishop McNaughton inviting memories and visiting various points inside the church before proceeding outside, where the service will come to a close. The public is welcome to attend depending on COVID-19 gathering limitations.

There is always a sense of sadness in saying farewell to a beloved structure, especially a church like St. Michael’s, with all the years and generations of memories it carries. But, along with all the fond memories there is also a sense of enthusiasm within the community that St. Michael’s legacy will continue to positively impact Balfour and the Outlet communities in its new secular role as St. Michael’s and All Angels Chapel and Performance Centre. The Balfour and District Business and Historical Association (BDBHA), who purchased the heritage building in the spring of 2021, did so with the hope of regenerating it into a self-sufficient, vibrant community hub that will stand for many years to come. The Association believes this can be accomplished without materially altering the Chapel’s historical character.

The Association has already started making the heritage Chapel more accessible. A new wheelchair accessible ramp and entranceway have been completed and a new septic system is currently in the works. A small addition is also planned on the Chapel’s north side to add a few amenities and storage. Inside, some minor upgrades in electrical, heating and signage will be needed as well as a few modifications to improve handicap accessibility.

              Located in the old townsite of Balfour, the former Anglican church was built in 1892 and has remained a popular religious and community focal point ever since it opened its doors. The 129-year-old wooden landmark has seen many changes over its lifetime, but it still retains its quaintness and charm, from its intricately carved doors, its distinctive circular, stain-glass window above the entranceway, to its vented steeple. The last Anglican service held at St. Michael’s was on December 24, 2019.

             The decision by the BDBHA to purchase the historic church from the Diocese of Kootenay, Anglican Church of Canada, was not easy.  The Association owes a debt of gratitude to the Diocese for extending the sale agreement a year to allow for successful donation campaigns and fund-raising drives. Like all non-profit organizations, the Association has had to deal with the challenges of raising money during the difficult and transitional times of Co-vid -19 precautionary protocols. But through the generosity of so many individuals and family groups who believed the old church was worth preserving as part of the community, and with the encouraging support of corporate and financial institutions for grants and donations, the goal was reached.

              Special thanks to Columbia Basin Trust for its funding support for the acquisition of the church and post-acquisition initiatives. Other organizations that made contributions include the Regional District of Central Kootenay through Director Ramona Faust, the Columbia Power Corporation, the Nelson & District Credit Union and Kootenay Lake Tourism.

             Once the purchase has been finalized, the church will be re-named St. Michael’s and All Angels Chapel and Performance Centre and the Association will begin implementing a three-phase plan that will see the historic Chapel transformed from its present state as a church into a community-accessible, flexible facility that will last for many years to come. The minor regeneration upgrades, which the Association feels are necessary to meet the needs of the future, will not materially alter the Chapel’s historical character or detract from its sense of place in the Outlet community.

           In addition to purchasing St. Michael’s, the rest of Phase One will focus on improving public access to the Chapel. In this regard, the Association has already received grant funding of approximately $7,560.  The total amount budgeted for Phase One is $28,300. These upgrades include construction of a wheel-chair ramp along the north side of the building, foundation stabilization, emergency lighting and minor renovations to the interior of the Chapel. All these will ease movement, enhance safety and improve accessibility.

          Phase Two will start immediately after the completion of Phase One. This phase will focus on building a small structure, approximately 2.5 metres x 3.0 metres (8 x 10 feet), on the north side of the building. This will house a handicap-accessible washroom. A septic sewer system will also be installed on the grounds. The amount budgeted for Phase Two is $22,500, of which $7,500 in grant funding has already been received.

          Phase Three will see the construction of a small meeting room, approximately 3.7 metres x 5.5 metres (12 x 18), also along the north side of the building. This room will be available for those using the Chapel to assemble prior to their performance or wedding, for storing equipment, wardrobes, etc. while performances are being staged and also function as a meeting room to supplement activities being held in the Chapel itself.

           With Covid 19 health measures still in place, it’s difficult to predict when the Chapel can open its doors to host future events and performances. Some of the exciting ideas brought forward for possible usages at last year’ open house include musical performances, film screening, storytelling festivals, lectures, poetry readings, education classes and art shows. The Chapel will continue to be home to the Christian Science Church. While the purpose of the Chapel will change, its role in the community will not. St. Michael’s and All Angels Chapel and Performance Centre is on track to become an economically-viable venue in the future , while still retaining its strong historic ties to Balfour and the Outlet communities.

            The hard truth is that only with community support will the repurposing of the Chapel become a reality. To volunteer, make a donation or track our progress, please visit the website: http://balfourchapel.org . If you have any questions, please send an email to: info@Balfour chapel.org. or write to the BDBHA at PO. Box 2, Balfour, BC, V0G-1C0 Att: Balfour Chapel.

Where: Kootenay Lake – race starts at Proctor’s Red Wassick Memorial Wharf and ends at Harrop-Proctor Ferry

Guess how long it will take the duck to float from A to B! First place prize of $500 with many additional prizes from our great local businesses to be won!!

Get your tickets online at BHFR.ca/duck-race or printed tickets at Proctor General Store, Gill & Gift, BHRS Board Member, Balfour Superette, Jones Boys Boats or a BHRS volunteer!

The MV Balfour will be running instead. Possible delays are expected.

For full ferry schedule information check

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/passenger-travel/water-travel/inland-ferries/kootenay-lake-ferry/kootenay-lake-ferry-schedule

The Anglican Church has recently closed Saint Michael and All Angels Church in Balfour due to dwindling congregation and lack of attendance at services. Final services were held in December.

The Heritage Committee of the Balfour & District Business & Historic Association has made an offer to purchase the building, which has been accepted with a one-year period in which to raise the necessary funds.

With generous funding from the Columbia Basin Trust and the Regional District of Central Kootenay, there is a total of approximately $35,000 to be raised. The group will be applying for grants and asking for community support through fund raising events and direct donations.

The church has been renamed as Saint Michael and All Angels Chapel and Performance Centre to reflect its new role in the community. While the Christian Science Church will continue to meet there, the building will be available for weddings and other events such as concerts and lectures.

Some renovations will be required including installing flush bathrooms and a wheelchair accessible entrance.

For more information about the project, please contact Committee Chair Josh Smienk at 250-229-5601 or Secretary Truus Zelonka at 250-229-4527.