Prayers answered: Historic Winnipeg church gets a second chance thanks to new partnership

Prayers have been answered for a downtown Winnipeg church. 

Last year, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, located at the corner of Smith Street and Graham Avenue, was praying for a miracle as they attempted to keep their church building from collapsing.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church says that since the late 1980s, this parish has operated with the knowledge that major repairs to build a foundation under the historic church would be necessary to avoid a collapse.

Last week, the Parish of Holy Trinity, the Diocese of Rupert’s Land of the Anglican Church of Canada, CentreVenture Development Corporation, and Monteyne Architecture signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the restoration of the historic church. 

“The Diocese celebrates the vision that this partnership will work toward. It is a great day for the city of Winnipeg and the parishioners of Holy Trinity,” said The Venerable Simon Neal Blaikie. “Holy Trinity is passionate about continuing to provide a presence of Christ and serving the downtown community. We are confident the steps we are taking today will ensure the longevity of our historic church,” added Reverend Canon Naboth Manzongo.

The initial phase of the rehabilitation study will be led by Monteyne Architecture and includes building monitoring, surveying, condition assessment, environmental and hazardous materials assessments, geotechnical investigation, structural analysis and preliminary design of a new foundation.

“We’re excited to begin work on the renewal of this venerable building, located at such a pivotal site in Winnipeg’s downtown. Through careful restoration and thoughtful reinvention, our aim is to ensure that Holy Trinity Church continues to serve as a vibrant public place for another 140 years—and beyond,” said Chris Knight, Associate Architect at Monteyne Architecture Works.

CentreVenture, through the Gail Parvin Hammerquist Fund, which supports heritage conservation efforts that contribute to the revitalization of Winnipeg’s downtown, will fund up to fifty percent of the first phase of the heritage rehabilitation study.

"Holy Trinity is a landmark of Winnipeg’s history and a key piece of our downtown. Supporting this restoration is part of our broader effort to renew the heart of the city and make it a place where people want to live, work, and invest," said Mayor Scott Gillingham.