by The Diocese of Antigonish has granted St. Alphonsus Church in Low Point a reprieve from the wrecking ball.
St. Alphonsus along with St. Joseph in New Victoria and St. Agnes in New Waterford are all slated for demolition by the Diocese because it can’t sell the buildings.
However, Diocese spokesperson Father Donald MacGillvrary says St. Alphonsus has been taken off the demolition block while it reviews a proposal from the Stone Church Restoration Society.
The society was formed four years ago but members decided the more than 600-thousand dollar cost to restore the church would be too big a project to take on.
Word of the pending demolition of the church got members talking about the project again.
The Society says the plan now is to launch a national fundraising campaign to restore the church inside and out.
It adds some people have already pledged funds.
Meanwhile, the tenders for the demolition of the three churches was set to close about 10 days ago, but has been extended until March 26.
MacGillivray says there was some interest expressed in the other churches, as well, but nothing from an established society and no serious offers.