From left, Sheila Latham, Laura Robinson, Gabrielle Di Francesco, Jill Taylor, Pat Dobec, David Latham and Ellen Dailey; members of the newly formed Southampton Cultural Heritage Conservancy rallied in defence of the former Anglican Church Rectory on June 30 at Fairy Lake in Southampton.

Hub Staff

The newly formed Southampton Cultural Heritage Conservancy (SCHC) held their first official event at Fairy Lake in Southampton on Sunday, June 30. This peaceful protest aimed to raise awareness of the potential demolition of the former Anglican Church Rectory at 254 High Street. One by one, members of the SCHC perched atop a step ladder podium to address the more than 100 gathered citizens.

Gabrielle Di Francesco spoke first of why we need to preserve our historic landmarks. "Heritage matters, it’s our soul, it’s our past,” said Di Francesco. “It shows how others had to work to have what we have now.”

She further explained the need for a support system within the community to take a stand and protect the "oldest port on the Bruce."

“We want to ensure citizens have a strong voice in decision making,” said Di Francesco.

Di Francesco also addressed their need for donations, the asking of which she admitted was "not very glamorous," but she explained the group has already paid out tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. “We had hoped this matter would be resolved without going to court but demolition was upon us," she said.

Board member Laura Robinson expressed her frustration with what she called a lack of transparency in decision making around the rectory's demolition and the Bruce County Museum and Archives expansion. Robinson also suggested a futility in expanding the archives when everything can now be digitized. “This is the 21st century, you put archives online,” she said.

Jill Taylor, a Heritage Conservation Architect, described a “book-end” design she presented to the County that would connect the new building with the existing ones and not threaten the integrity of the historical intersection. She called 254 High Street “a cornerstone in this fight to preserve our heritage and adapt a modern way of life.”

Pat Dobec recalled how excited she was to come home from vacation and find the rectory still standing. Dobec noted the condition of the manse and praised the Anglican Church for their efforts in the building's upkeep. She listed upgrades such as high-efficiency heating and hot water system, updated plumbing and electrical, new windows, new roof and other improvements.

Dobec ended her speech with a quote from Margaret Mead. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has," she quoted.

Handmade signs spoke of truth and history.

Gabrielle Di Francesco (left) and Laura Robinson (right) took the opportunity to speak at the Rectory Rally June 30.