The roof at Glebe St James needs your help!

February 2, 2026

Our lovely arts and crafts roof with the lantern and turrets is leaking and needs your help!

Some of you who attend or have visited the Sanctuary (main worship space at Glebe St James) may have noticed a black bucket on the podium at about the place where our Minister (Rev. Teresa) sits during the service on Sunday. When it rains outside, it rains inside right at that spot. We have traced where that water gets in and it is at the junction of one of the round turrets right where it meets the roof line. See the pictures below. This has caused and will continue to cause damage to our building and it will only get worse as time goes on. However, the height and shape of the roof at the location of the infiltration is such that it requires an expensive 'boom truck' rental to access for the repair.


The GSJ Church Council (and Trustees) have decided to proceed with necessary repairs. Now is the time for you to help out; we need cash donations (e-tranfers, cheques, cash) and pledges (for the next two years) to pay costs in the vicinity of $300,000 (we will borrow $150,000 from the United Church of Canada and pay that amount back over two years). To meet UCC loan deadlines, we need to raise $91,000 right away in the month of February so your donations now and pledges for 2027 and 2028 are needed by February 25th.


It is important to note that United churches operate like small, non-profit, charitable, organizations and they do not have regular funding from other church or municipal sources. All funds derive from congregational givings, bequests, space rentals and fundraising like the GSJ Bazaar in November or the Great Glebe Garage Sale. We are fortunate to have a generous congregation and a rich partnership with the Glebe Montessori School which occupies the lower level of the church building. The Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group is also an important building user.


You can donate by e-transfer if you are comfortable with that.  If donating via e-transfer, please indicate that your donation is for the roof project! E-transfers can be sent to [email protected]. Cheques and cash can also be left with Jennifer, our church administrator, in the office at Glebe St James.  All donations received are CRA tax deductible.


Thank you so much for your support!

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