Update on St Mary's Fulford

Last week after consultation with the Diocese, the Parish Executive including Ruth Pickett Seltner, Sally Carr, Simon Wheeler and Gloria McEachern met to discuss the future of St Mary’s. The Rev Paul Schumacher was present at this meeting in an advisory capacity.

St Mary’s has structural challenges which have been looked at by a group of parishioners led by Simon Wheeler in his capacity as Associate Bishop’s Warden. They have identified a number of issues that need to be addressed before the building is useable. These include but are not limited to: 
1.      Dry shallow well which has resulted in no water for the building in the summer and questionable water quality in the winter.
2.      Red tagged oil tank which requires replacement. Alternatively, installation of a heat pump to sufficiently heat and preserve the building is required.
3.      Possible mold in a bathroom wall which requires investigation and rebuilding.

The concerns around St Mary’s have been discussed at the level of the Diocese. In December, after consultation with the Diocesan Building Manager (Bob Brandle) the building was closed to use because of problems with the water supply. Despite significant expenditure in December, there is not a reliable water supply for the building. 

 A full inspection of both All Saints and Saint Mary’s was undertaken by Bob Brandle in February of 2024.  The above issues were identified as significant. 

While there is some money available which could be used to address the issues at St Mary’s, and acknowledging the use of the building by Star of the Sea, there are also significant projects which need to be completed at All Saints. Our funds are limited, and we need to give priority to the building which is currently our home. We need to focus on priority projects as discussed and agreed upon by Parish Council in June (Kitchen, Ramp, Roof). St Mary’s continued use also represents a legal liability given the structural, heat and water issues.

The Executive, with support from The Chancellor, has made the difficult decision to shut St Mary’s for further use until such time as prioritized projects at All Saints have been undertaken. This decision was made by consensus following significant discussion.  The Diocese strongly supports the decision of the Parish Executive and will continue to work with us to facilitate future decision making when needed. 

The closure of St Mary’s will necessitate a change of location of meetings of the Star of the Sea, They will be offered alternative meeting space at All Saints by-the-Sea.
 
Sincerely,
Ruth L Pickett Seltner  
Simon Wheeler     
Sally Carr
Gloria McEachern
Parish Executive (Wardens)
The Anglican Parish of Salt Spring Island