Mr. Bert Hill, a retired reporter for the Ottawa Citizen, has recently completed research into the origins of the construction of the church and the people who built it.  Specifically, Bert has written an article on Mr. Isaac Johnson, ex-slave and stonemason, who was responsible for much of the stonework in the Winchester United church.

This fascinating re-telling of Isaac Johnson's life and the original construction of the church lends credence to the historical significance this building continues to have in the Winchester area.

You can find this article on the church website.

As part of the first phase of our remediation project, we have had the bell tower wrapped in fabric to help prevent any loose stones from falling out and potentially hurting anyone.  This also allows us to re-open the north entrance to the sanctuary.

Quite a neat wrapping job - all we need now is a big red ribbon around it!

​​​The rebuilding of the east gable wall is now complete and only the final outer covering of the hall roof remains to be finished, which due to the time of year, will become a springtime project.  The bell tower is receiving a precautionary wrapping, just in time for Christmas, to safeguard against further damage and any remote chance of stone dis-lodgement resulting from possible seismic or other events.  Repairs are expected to be undertaken in Spring / Summer 2016.

This marks the conclusion of the first phase of the remediation project and we are in the fundraising mode to enable the completion of the next 2 phases of remediation. Donations are most welcome and can be made directly to the church or in trust to Ault & Ault Law.