By E. Antonio and Lana Meier
A campaign to preserve one of the area’s oldest landmarks is now underway as supporters of Victoria United Church work to raise $65,000 for critical restoration projects needed to protect the 143-year-old building for future generations.
Shirley Williams unveils the new Victoria Cemetery map and directory during the annual Father’s Day service at Victoria United Church on June 21
Built in 1883 by a small Presbyterian congregation in the Victoria district south of Balmoral, the church has remained a place of worship, remembrance and community connection for more than a century. Located beside Victoria Cemetery on Road 84 between PTH 7 and PR 236, the church continues to draw descendants and visitors who come to honour loved ones buried there.
The Victoria Church Capital Campaign Committee officially launched its fundraising effort during the church’s annual Father’s Day service on June 21.
Shirley Williams, a committee member, said the goal is to maintain and preserve the history of the church while ensuring it remains safe and operational for many years to come.
“We’ve been working very, very hard to try and repair the building, little by little,” she said. “I am so excited about our restoration projects because we’ve talked about them for a really long time and now, they are actually happening.”
Over the years, significant restoration work has been completed. The windows and roof have been repaired, the porch has been rejuvenated and the interior was restored in 2008. Much of the furniture, including the chairs, pews and pulpit, has remained unchanged. Ongoing maintenance of the property also continues, with plans for future headstone restoration projects.
Williams noted that several improvements have been completed over the past year, including the installation of a new roof, repainting of the church porch and continued work to improve cemetery navigation. She credited volunteers and student workers for helping maintain the grounds and cemetery throughout the season.
The church continues to operate without heat, electricity or running water. Members use an on-site portable toilet, and one service is held annually on Father’s Day. All church maintenance is funded entirely through donations, making community support critical to preservation efforts.
The next major project involves replacing the siding and front door and making repairs to the building’s stone foundation. Trustees say the work is essential to ensure the building remains standing for future generations.
The campaign officially kicked off during the church’s annual Father’s Day service on June 21, with Rev. Mary Best officiating.
Best said Victoria Church represents the faith and commitment of the community.
“It is a place which holds memories of loved ones and a commitment to honour the legacy of past generations while also looking to the future,” she said. “In some ways this church represents the heart and soul of the community. As I share in worship leadership with the community, I experience the presence of the holy. That powerful presence reminds me that we are connected to the entire creation in ways we cannot explain.”
During her message, Best reflected on the church’s role in connecting families to their ancestors and community history, describing it as a place where generations have gathered in faith, remembrance and support.
In addition to marking the start of the fundraising effort, organizers unveiled a new cemetery map and directory designed to help visitors locate gravesites and learn more about those buried in the historic cemetery.
The cemetery contains 943 recorded burials, which can pose a challenge for visitors searching for the graves of loved ones. The map and directory, located on the church porch, clearly identify the location of plots throughout the cemetery. Markers installed along the rows are intended to make navigation easier.
“This has been my biggest dream, to have a directory,” Williams added. “Through three years of hard work, we finally have one published and I can’t wait for it to be used.”
Williams credited Colleen Good, whom she described as the driving force behind the project, along with Brian and Shelley Watts and John Shipley for the countless hours spent researching records and creating the new cemetery map and directory.
Recent heavy rainfall has also created additional restoration needs within the cemetery. Williams said some gravesites require repair work and noted that many headstones no longer have family members available to maintain them, increasing the importance of volunteer support and fundraising efforts.
Williams said the committee cannot proceed with the siding renovations until sufficient funding has been secured. The $65,000 fundraising goal will cover the siding project, as well as a portion of the roof replacement completed after trustees secured a loan during the winter.
Organizers say preserving the church and cemetery will help ensure an important piece of local heritage remains available for future generations. For Williams, that means having a place to always return to.
“The church is a very quiet and sanctuary place. I can just sit there and feel like my parents and grandparents are there,” she added. “It’s a part of me.”
Victoria United Church will also host regular summer services at 9:15 a.m. on Aug. 9 and Aug. 23.
Donations can be made by cheque payable to the Victoria Church Fund c/o Balmoral United Church, PO Box 49, Balmoral, MB R0C 0H0, or by e-transfer to balmoralunitedchurch@gmail.com. Victoria United Church is governed by the trustees of Balmoral United Church. Official tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more.
