LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The Sacred Heart Catholic Church parish council is in the process of determining how to replace its aging place of worship.

The church congregation held its last service in the building in November. Sunday services have been held at the Bompas Elementary School's gymnasium since then.

As a result of safety concerns related to the building, the last service was held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fort Simpson in November. The parish council is looking at options for a new building. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The closure of the church was necessitated because of the building's condition, said Martina Norwegian, a member of the parish council.

The church was built in Fort Simpson in 1923. An inspection conducted by a consultant in 1992 found a lot of deficiencies. The congregation was told something had to be done but no actions were taken at the time, Norwegian said.

"It has been deteriorating," she said.

The building's foundation, in particular, deteriorated and was one of the deciding factors for the closure of the church.

Since last May, even before the closure, the congregation and the parish council have been working on formulating a firm plan for the church's future. The process got off track briefly but is resuming, Norwegian said.

On Jan. 27, the church held a meeting at the Nahanni Inn boardroom to gather feedback and suggestions from community members. Approximately 10 people attended the meeting.

"Everybody has all kinds of ideas," Norwegian said.

Suggestions have included transporting an unused church from another province and reassembling and rolling the centre part of Dehcho Hall across the street.

For now the general plan is to build on the lot where the current church is located. A replica of the church could be built but with lower and wider dimensions, she said.

"It's going to take a while here. It's nothing that will happen overnight," said Norwegian.

The final decision will come from the parish council. Meanwhile, the church has started preliminary fundraising efforts. Luncheons and yard sales have only brought in small profits, Norwegian said.

Once plans are finalized the church will be able to send out request letters to different organizations. The Mackenzie-Fort Smith Diocese has committed to help but the majority of the effort on the project will have to be local, she said.

The council is expected to have a firmer direction following a visit from Bishop Murray Chatlain on March 6 and 7.

Closing the church was very hard for the congregation, said Father Wes Satanski.

"Many people have beautiful memories of the church," he said.

Despite the ties that many people have to the church the decision to close it was a necessary one.

"The building is old, it's not safe any more to be used."

Satanski said the church congregation realizes constructing a new building will be a challenge. Normally the church only brings in enough money to sustain its activities, he said.

However, Satanski said he's seeing many positive signs as residents feel inspired to help. Without being asked, the Anglican Church congregation offered the use of its building.

"I think it brings us closer together as a community and a people," Satanski said about the project.

Fort Simpson isn't the only community in the Deh Cho dealing with aging churches. Out of seven communities in the region three are seriously considering building a new Roman Catholic church, said Satanski.

Services are being held in a church trailer in Fort Liard while money is being fundraised for a new building. In Trout Lake the community plans to fundraise to build a log church.