Clyde River (Oct 25/04) - A group of five volunteers have begun working on a much-needed extension to the community's Anglican Church, but it is unclear if there will be enough plywood to finish the job.

Built around 1975, the 30- by 60-foot structure is too small for the more than 300 people -- out of 700 living in the community -- who regularly attend Sunday service, said church leader Bethual Ootoovak through an interpreter.

"Sometimes there are no seats," said Ootoovak of Sunday mornings.

Senior administrative officer Steven Aipellee agrees with Ootoovak.

"Size is a problem come Christmas time, or Easter, or funerals," Aipellee said.

The church committee paid for the materials and work on the 24-foot extension began last month.

"They expect to finish before it gets too cold, but the problem is they don't have enough wood," Ootoovak said.

Wood has been collected from anywhere possible -- including the community dump -- to help finish the project.

The materials have been in the community for four years, but the right combination of volunteers was not available to finish the job, said Ootoovak.

Three of the five volunteers were born outside the community.

Lasalie Joanasie was born in Qikiqtarjuaq, but has lived in the community for about five years.

Joanasie Appak lives in an outpost camp, but recently brought his family to the community to protect them during polar bear season. Another man is from Arctic Bay and rounding out the group, Alooloo Kautuq and son Iky are from Clyde River.